Chapter 72
Gabriel marched forward and stopped right in front of the elevator, blocking his grandfather’s way. His face was calm, but the tension in his jaw said otherwise.
His eyes flicked toward the two bodyguards standing beside Alfred. “Can you two leave us, please?” he asked firmly.
The men exchanged a quick glance and nodded before stepping aside to give them privacy.
Alfred stood quietly, his face hard and unreadable. “What is this about?” he asked, his voice low but edged with authority.
Gabriel took one step closer. His eyes didn’t waver. “You know exactly what I’m talking about, Grandfather. Please–stop whatever you’re doing. Don’t think for a second that I wouldn’t know you’re behind all of this p>
“Behind what exactly p>
“Behind mother’s condition. Making it look like she’s losing her mind.” Gabriel replied.
Alfred said nothing. He simply stared at him, his hands folded neatly behind his back while still holding his cane, waiting for Gabriel to finish.
“he
Gabriel ran a hand through his hair, already tousled from the long, stressful day. “I know you mean well,‘ continued quietly. “You’re doing this for me—for Isla. I know you want to protect us and stop Mother from whatever plans she’s made. But please… I can handle it myself p>
For a moment, Alfred’s face softened. Then his expression darkened again. He took a slow step forward until he was standing directly in front of his grandson.
“You mean handle it,” Alfred said slowly, “by getting another woman pregnant while you’re still married to your wife?” His words were sharp and so deliberate. “Is that your idea of handling things?” Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on fıp>
Gabriel froze, the air between them tightening.
Alfred continued, his voice cold but calm. “If you truly want me to stay out of your affairs, then prove it. Show me you can fix what’s broken before it destroys everything. Until then…” He paused and gave a small, knowing smirk. “Don’t ask me to stop what I’ve started p>
With that, he turned and stepped into the elevator. The two bodyguards followed him inside. The doors slid shut, leaving Gabriel standing alone in the quiet hallway.
For a while, he didn’t move. His eyes remained fixed on the closed elevator doors, as though his grandfather were still standing there.
Then a firm hand touched his shoulder, startling him slightly. He turned and found his father, John, standing.
there.
“Son, ” John said softly, “go home. Take your wife with you and rest. Please. I won’t be able to handle things if you break down too p>
Gabriel sighed and looked away. “Someone needs to stop him, Dad. He’s going too far this time p>
1/3
John shook his head slowly. “Maybe he is, but it’s for the best,” he replied. “Your mother needs this break. She needs rest, and you need peace. Trust me, Gabriel, this is the best way to keep her away from interfering in your marriage p>
But Gabriel wasn’t convinced. To him, both his father and grandfather were walking a dangerous line, one that could tear the family apart. Reckless decisions were never part of his plan.
Without another word, he stepped past his father and returned to where Isla was waiting. Her eyes searched his face the moment he approached.
“Come on,” he said quietly, taking her hand. “Let’s go home p>
He turned to Peter and Ben. “ Thank you for staying,” he said. “Can you both drive the ladies home? I’ll appreciate it p>
They nodded in agreement, and the group slowly dispersed.
The drive home was quiet. The city lights flashed past the windows, reflecting faintly across Isla’s tired face. Neither of them spoke. The silence felt heavy, like a storm stilling.
Gabriel sat deep in thought, his mind replaying every word from his grandfather. Beside him, Isla leaned her head against the window, watching the lagoon glitter under the bridge lights p>
The hospital was far behind them, but her thoughts were still trapped there with her mother–in–law. The idea that the woman could suddenly become mentally unstable felt too strange to believe. How could that happen so suddenly? she thought. It doesn’t make sense.
Sure, Mrs. Wyndham had never liked her. She’d always preferred her friend’s daughter for Gabriel. But insanity? No. That was too far. Something wasn’t right, and Isla could feel it deep in her chest.
She turned slightly to look at her husband. He was quiet, eyes focused on the road ahead. The tension in his shoulders was obvious. She wished she could take away his worries, if only for a moment.
Her hand slid gently onto his thigh, her thumb brushing softly in comfort.
Gabriel turned his head, his lips curving into a small, tired smile. “You okay?” he asked softly.
She nodded. “ Hmm,” she hummed quietly, then added, “You look stressed. What can I do to help?” Her tone was calm and sincere.
Gabriel let out a short breath, part laugh, part sigh. “Are you sure you want to ask that?” he teased, pulling her gently closer until their noses almost touched.
Isla giggled. The tension eased instantly. For a few precious seconds, they forgot everything else the hospital, the accusations, the chaos.
She was just happy to see him smile again.
2/3
When they finally got home, the night had grown deep and still. The mansion was quiet, only the faint hum of the night breeze breaking the silence.
Gabriel went straight to the bathroom, washing away the weight of the day. When he came out, Isla went in next. The warm water felt like heaven, washing away the exhaustion and emotion from everything that had happened.
By the time she stepped out, both of them were dressed in soft pajamas. They climbed into bed, lying close, their bodies sinking into the comfort of the sheets.
It was late–too late. All they wanted now was a few hours of peace. But peace wasn’t always easy in the Wyndham world. It was always one drama and another.
Gabriel pulled Isla closer until her head rested on his arm. Their faces were only inches apart. Their eyes met and stayed locked, each finding comfort in the other’s gaze.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” he said softly. “About what my mother said. I didn’t know her condition was that bad.” His voice cracked slightly, full of guilt and worry.
“It’s okay,” Isla replied, brushing her fingers against his cheek. “I know she doesn’t like me… but maybe one day she’ll change p>
Their eyes stayed connected, the silence between them warm this time–not heavy. It was the kind of silence that healed.
“You should sleep,” she whispered, leaning forward to kiss him. It was a slow, gentle kiss–soft and warm.
But Gabriel deepened it, his hand sliding into her hair, pulling her closer. Nothing was rushed. Every touch felt like a reminder that they still had each other, no matter how hard the day had been.
When they finally broke apart, his lips lingered near hers. His voice was low and secretive.
“Once all this is over,” he murmured, “I have a very big surprise for you 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.