Chapter 98
Gabriel stood before the floor–to–ceiling glass window of his grand office, gazing down at the bustling heart of Worgidd Street–one of the busiest business districts in Carminton. Evening had fallen, and the streets below shimmered with golden headlights and moving shadows of people. People hurried home, weaving through the city lights.
Home.
The word struck him like a weight against his chest. How desperately he wanted to go home–to her. But Isla had said she needed time to think. He wasn’t even sure if she would be there when he arrived.
The future of their marriage now rested on the results of his investigation. Whatever the truth turned out to be, one thing was certain. He would never let her go. Even if she hated him, even if she never spoke to him again… he would still fight for her.
He doesn’t even know why she’s becoming his addiction–Why he couldn’t let her go. She was his best friend and now what? He couldn’t even finish that thought. Yet, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.
A soft knock broke through his thoughts. He turned just as the door opened and closed quietly behind his head of security.
Stone stepped forward, stopping about four feet away from his boss. His face was grave.
“Speak,” Gabriel said, his voice low and cold.
Stone exhaled deeply. “The results are fake, sir. The hospital–it doesn’t exist p>
Gabriel’s jaw tightened. His fingers curled into fists at his sides, knuckles whitening as anger flashed across his face.
“The hospital Mrs. Wyndham visited is Christian City Hospital,” Stone continued carefully, “not Christine City Hospital. I met the medical director myself, and…” He paused, uncertain.
Gabriel’s eyes snapped up. “And what? Finish it p>
“I think you should see for yourself p>
Stone handed him the file. Gabriel snatched it, unfolding the papers with urgency. His eyes scanned every word, his expression shifting from disbelief to anger. He was certainly furious.
“She was right,” he whispered bitterly. “And I was wrong. I didn’t believe her p>
Stone lowered his head. “It seems someone swapped her original test results, sir. And sent the false report directly to you. It was planned–staged p>
Gabriel’s chest rose sharply as his fingers clenched the papers. His knuckles turned pale, veins standing out against his skin.
“I failed her,” he murmured, almost to himself. “I should have believed her… but I didn’t. I trusted a lie and doubted the woman I….” His voice cracked slightly. “She begged me to go with her for another test, and I refused. I didn’t even give her the chance to defend herself p>
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The silence that followed was thick with regret.
Stone cleared his throat gently. “Mrs. Wyndham was seen at your family’s estate earlier today. I don’t know what happened there, but… she’s home now p>
Gabriel’s head lifted. “Home?” he repeated sharply. “You mean the penthouse p>
“Yes, sir,” Stone confirmed. “And one more thing. Jeffrey Cavalier was also there to see your grandfather. That’s all I could gather p>
The mention of Jeff’s name made Gabriel’s jaw tighten again. His mind flashed with the image of that man and his wife–laughing, talking–and jealousy burned through him like fire.
“Get the car ready,” he ordered, his voice low but firm. “I’m going home. Now p>
“Yes, sir.” Stone gave a short nod and left the office, closing the door behind him.
The moment he was alone, Gabriel exhaled shakily and began pacing. The weight of guilt pressed down on him. He raked a hand through his hair, his thoughts became a storm of anger and self–reproach. Newest update provided by
He wanted to hit something–no, himself. For being so blind. For making his pregnant wife suffer through humiliation and heartbreak without even checking the facts.
He remembered the way Isla had looked at him–pleading, desperate, broken–and it tore him apart all over again.
She had begged him to trust her, to follow her to the hospital, to prove her innocence. And he had refused.
Now he would live with that regret.
Gabriel turned off his computer, grabbed his phone, and strode toward the door. Whatever waited for him at home, her silence, her anger, or her tears–he was ready to face it.
He would take whatever punishment she gave him.
All he wanted now… was her forgiveness. And that was the only thing that could give him peace.
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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.