Chapter 46

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While the others got busy as they congratulated Delphine, causing the room to burst into a mood of celebration. John quietly reached for Isla’s hand. His grip was firm, giving a silent confort. His eyes meeting hers. In that brief gaze, Isla caught the message he was passing: Stay strong. Don’t break here. She gave him the smallest nod before looking away, swallowing down the storm inside her.

Her eyes drifted, almost against her will, to Gabriel. His face was unreadable. He maintained a calm and cold look. No flicker of guilt, no sign of joy, not even irritation crossed his features. No one could guess what was going on in his mind.

Alfred Wyndham was much the same–calm, still, and giving away nothing. Isla realized she had to do the same. For her dignity, for her survival, she must stay calm.

“Once their divorce is finalized,” Anna continued boldly, her voice rising above the noise, “I suggest that Gabriel marry Delphine immediately. We cannot afford to let the heir of this family be called an illegitimate child, can we?” Her sharp eyes swept across the room, daring anyone to oppose her.

“Father,” she continued smoothly, turning toward Alfred, “the decision is yours now. Besides, you mentioned earlier that you had something important to announce to us.” Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn ⓝovelFind.net

Delphine was glowing with pride now. She tilted her head slightly, her smile widening. She tried to connect with Gabriel, waiting for his eyes to fall on her, but he did not spare her a glance. His calmness, coldness and unbordered attitude caused panic to rise in her stomach.

Anna, too, was unsettled. She had believed this would finally make Gabriel happy, that freeing him from the meaningless marriage with Isla would bring relief. But his composure was unnerving. She could not read him, and for Anna, not being able to read her son was disturbing.

A heavy silence settled in the room. Though whispers began to stir among the two daughters in–laws, they were quickly hushed, no one daring to anger the old man.

Wyatt and Landon remained unusually quiet.

Wyatt leaned back lazily, his face showing clear boredom. Marriage, divorce, love–it meant nothing to him. He only cared for one thing: power. The only news that could spark life into him was hearing that Gabriel would step down from the CEO’s chair. That was his obsession. Everything else was just noise.

Landon, unlike Wyatt, was calm and reserved. He held himself with composure, though deep inside he knew his place in the family had already been decided long ago. He had once dreamed of sitting where Gabriel sat, leading the Wyndham empire. But their paths had been different.

Landon had barely managed to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, while Gabriel–youngest of them all–had soared to the heights of education. A PhD from one of the world’s finest universities, business acumen that few could match, and a mind sharpened beyond his years.

Brains, not extravagance, set Gabriel apart. Where Wyatt had once been CEO and nearly destroyed everything through recklessness, Gabriel had stepped in straight from school and rebuilt the empire into a multi–trillion- dollar powerhouse. That alone had made Alfred proud enough to hand him full control of the Wyndham dynasty.

And so, everyone watched Gabriel now–his silence more powerful than any of their words.

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Finally, Alfred Wyndham broke the tension with a soft chuckle. “Thank you, Anna, for your speech,” he said, his tone deceptively light. “But don’t you think your question should be directed at your son? He is the one married to Isla. He is the one who has gotten another woman pregnant. Shouldn’t we hear his voice on this matter? After all, he is a man of his own decisions p>

The old man ended his words with a small laugh, but his eyes gleamed with authority.

“Gabriel, you heard your mother,” John, Gabriel’s father, spoke with ease. “What do you say, son? Are you seeking a divorce? What is your plan p>

All eyes turned to Gabriel. Slowly, he stood. His composure never wavered. He was a man of respect and that alone angered his eldest brother, Wyatt.

“I am sorry to cause the family to worry,” he began, his voice was respectful. “I also never knew about my mother’s plan to bring my personal matters into this gathering. For that, I sincerely apologize. Please, forgive

me. ”

His sincerity surprised a few. But what unsettled more was how carefully he avoided looking at Isla. She sat there quietly, but Gabriel knew she was burning inside. And he also knew–he had promised her so much recently, he had promised to make their marriage work. Now, here she was, hearing this disaster in front of

everyone.

“The issue of Delphine’s pregnancy,” he continued, “I will accept the responsibility p>

His words hit everyone in the room, hitting positively and negatively.

Isla gasped loudly, her hand flying to her mouth. Delphine smirked, her eyes flickering with triumph at the reaction she had longed to see from Isla.

The Winthropes exchanged a quick glance, clearly impressed. Responsibility was all they wanted to hear from Gabriel. Even Anna looked proud, satisfied that her son had said the words she desired.

But then, Gabriel spoke again.

“However p>

That single word made everyone pause. The smiles on their faces faltered. And silence dominated the room.

Anna stiffened in her seat, panic flashing briefly across her face. “Son, I-” she began, standing abruptly, but Gabriel’s voice cut through hers.

“I am still speaking, Mother. Can you sit and listen to me?” His voice rose too high.

Gasps rippled faintly. Anna’s face flushed with both anger and embarrassment, her eyes darting around the room, searching for support. At last, she sat back down, her lips tight.

“As I was saying,” Gabriel continued, his voice steady as steel, “Isla is my lawful wife. And we are not getting a divorce p>

The room erupted in shock. Gasps, murmurs, disbelief filled the air.

Delphine’s eyes widened in horror as she stared at him, her pride cracking into rage.

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Anna’s nostrils flared, her eyes icy and burning as they fixed on her son.

Gabriel did not flinch. He repeated with calm strength, “I, Gabriel Daniel Wyndham, will take responsibility for

Delphine’s pregnancy. But I am not divorcing my wife p>

Gasps filled the room and another silent moment arose.

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Florence

Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.