Chapter 56
Gabriel couldn’t believe how fast news could fly.
Just yesterday, the confrontation in his family estate had been private and painful, yes, but behind closed doors. And yet, less than twenty–four hours later, it was all over national television.
The story wasn’t just a rumour anymore. It was everywhere–on news tickers, gossip blogs, business channels, and social media hashtags.
What burned him most wasn’t the gossip, but his mother’s statement.
How could she?
How could Anna Wyndham, a woman who once taught him to protect his family name–stoop this low?
If she hadn’t spoken publicly, no one would have dared to talk about divorce. He could almost see her standing beside Delphine, smiling sweetly at cameras while stabbing the last bit of peace left in his marriage.
“Damn it!” Gabriel muttered under his breath. His voice grew louder with every word. “F*ck! F*ck! F*ck!” He slammed his hand against the glass table, his breath shaking. The echo bounced across the wide, empty bedroom.
He was alone in the penthouse. Magdalene, his housekeeper, had left earlier after sensing his mood. The silence in the penthouse felt suffocating tonight.
He dragged his fingers through his dark hair, sitting down on a sofa, but his mind refused to slow down. Every minute, his phone buzzed with calls–reporters, company executives, friends who wanted the truth. He didn’t answer a single one.
He didn’t need to. The whole world had already decided their version of the truth.
“Never,” he growled under his breath. Then louder, “Never! I will never divorce my wife p>
His voice thundered through the quiet house. But there was no one to hear it. Not Isla. Not his mother. Not the woman who had caused this storm.
He stood up for a moment, his chest rising and falling heavily. His reflection stared back from the tall mirror, eyes tired, face drawn. Yet, he was burning with anger and guilt.
You let this happen. The voice in his head was cruel and honest. You let your silence become their weapon.
He sank onto the edge of the bed, pressing his hands over his face. The scent of Isla’s perfume still lingered faintly on the pillow beside him. Reminding him of their passionate nights together. The nights he cherished so much and will never forget.
“I’m sorry, Isla,” he whispered. “You don’t deserve this. You don’t deserve any of it p>
The entire nation was talking about them. About Isla and Gabriel.
1/3
The Wyndham family was one of the most respected names in Richbouph–a symbol of old wealth, decency, and influence. Their companies were rooted in generations of legacy. Even the royal family, from which Anna herself descended, held them in high regard.
So when the news broke that Gabriel and Isla Wyndham might be getting divorced, the shock rippled through every social circle, from boardrooms to beauty salons.
People who had once admired their love story–the golden couple of Carminton, crowned Best Kiss of the Year- they whispered in disbelief. How could love so pure, so beautiful, break so fast?
Inside Wyndham Enterprises, the offices carried an unspoken tension that everyone could feel.
Employees spoke in hushed tones near glass corridors. Every time someone mentioned “the news,” silence followed.
They had admired Isla. She had been different from the rest of the family gentle, approachable, and fair. She was so nice to even janitors. She stayed late to help her team. She made people feel seen.
Now, her office belonged to Delphine Winthrope.
The transition was quiet, even cold. Delphine walked through the halls in a white suit and red lipstick, escorted by Mrs. Anna Wyndham herself. Cameras followed her as if she was royalty stepping into her throne.
Inside that office, laughter of her and Anna rang out.
Anna raised her glass of champagne to Delphine. “To new beginnings,” she said, smiling with a grace that carried poison.
Delphine smiled back. “And to truth finally taking its place p>
But outside those glass walls, no one was smiling. The staff exchanged uneasy looks. They couldn’t understand the politics ongoing in that family.
Just when they had started to love Isla. She had been removed without any reason.
Meanwhile, Alfred Wyndham sat motionless in his favorite armchair.
His hands rested on a carved walking stick, his eyes distant.
His son, John–Gabriel’s father–stood near the window, looking pale and exhausted.
“Have you
heard from your son?” Alfred asked finally, his deep voice breaking the silence.
John let out a long breath. “I called him,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “He’s not answering p>
Alfred’s brows furrowed. “How the hell did this get out? The divorce? The replacement? All this filth television?” His tone was calm, but the kind of calm that came before a storm.
“Gabriel made it clear he wasn’t going to divorce Isla,” Alfred continued. “So what went wrong? How did this leak to the press p>
2/3
John turned slowly, his shoulders slumped. He had unbuttoned his suit jacket; his hair was slightly disheveled, his eyes tired. He looked less like a business tycoon and more like a man cornered by fate.
“Father,” he said quietly, “please don’t let this stress you. Think of your health. I’ll handle it. I know who’s behind this.” He paused. “Anna. It’s all her doing.
Alfred let out a dry, humorless laugh. “Of course it is. That woman has always known how to play her game.” He leaned forward, his voice lowering. “And what exactly are you going to do, son? Confront her p>
John said nothing. His jaw tightened.
Alfred sighed deeply and leaned back into his chair, his age showing in the tremor of his hands. “I was blind,” he muttered. “I made a mistake. I thought breeding with royal blood would strengthen this family. But all I did was invite trouble into my home p>
John looked up at his father, startled by the bitterness in his tone.
“I was clueless, you know,” Alfred continued. “Never judge a person by their title or power, John. It blinds you. I should have seen who she truly was.” His eyes glistened with regret. “This–all of this is my fault.” Official source is
“Father, stop,” John cut in sharply. “There’s no point bringing up the past. What’s done is done. What matters now is making sure it doesn’t repeat itself p>
He straightened, his voice steadier. “I believe in Gabriel. I trust he’ll do the right thing. ”
Alfred studied his son for a long moment, then gave a faint nod. “He’s his mother’s son,” he said quietly. “But I hope he has your strength, John. He’s going to need it. Especially after what I am about to do p>
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.