BOOKSDRAMA Chapter 141
Chapter 141: What Secret Could She Be Hiding
Gabriel’s POV As we headed to the airport, my gaze remained fixed outside the window, but I wasn’t really seeing the passing
cityscape. I had an important meeting–a crucial one. The CEO we had been negotiating with was on the verge of backing out,
and I couldn’t afford that. Not after the significant time and money we had already invested. So, I had to schedule an impromptu
meeting to reassure him, resolve whatever doubts he had, and finalize the contract. But instead of focusing on the deal, my mind
kept replaying the conversation we’d just had in her office. I could read her better than she thought, and something wasn’t right.
She seemed tense. Guarded. Distant in a way that wasn’t like her. Clairessa was usually warm, sweet, and witty–the woman I
knew, the woman I had grown to love. But today, something felt off. Even the way she looked at me, the way she spoke–it was
like she was carefully choosing her words, like she was holding something back. And then there was the talk she had been
insisting we have. I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was about to tell me something important. I could feel it... And then my
damn phone rang, cutting her off. Dario had called, reminding me that if we wanted to make it to Seattle in time, we had to leave
immediately. No matter how hard I tried to push it away, my mind kept circling back to that exact moment–the unfinished words.
What had she been about to tell me? Was it about our relationship? A secret she had been hiding? A feeling I didn’t like settled
deep in my chest. “Dad... you’re so weird,” Adrian grumbled beside me. “You know I’m not traveling with you, yet you made me
get in the car, and now you’re completely zoned out.” His voice snapped me back to the present. He was right–I’d brought him
along to discuss his restaurant, yet here I was, barely acknowledging him. Now wasn’t the time to get lost in thoughts of
Clairessa. I had to focus–on the meeting, on my son. “Quit complaining about riding with your old man to the airport.” I finally
turned to him, my tone dry. “Instead, you should be giving me an update on your restaurant–and explaining why you think I’d
on, Dad. I already sent you a full breakdown of what we need the money for. It’s in your email. You could go over it on your iPad.”
I let out a dry chuckle. “Hmm. A brief written by the ‘expert‘ you hired, I assume?” He rolled his eyes. “Dad, what does it matter
who wrote it? Fine, I admit–it was the expert. But they know what they’re doing. I trust them, and you should too.” I gave him a
long look. He had no idea how transparent he was. Even though he was my son, I could see right through his bullshit. “Adrian, I
asked you on this ride not because I necessarily needed your company–let’s be honest, we both know you’re a sore one–but
because I wanted to hear your strategies and execution firsthand. But it’s clear to me now–this restaurant was just another whim,
and you don’t know what you’re doing.” He frowned. “That’s not true. I have a solid plan. And besides, a few months ago, the
restaurant was thriving. We can get it back to that.” “No, you can’t.” My voice was firm. I pulled my iPad from its custom leather
compartment and tapped the screen. “You’re right–the restaurant was doing well for a while. And I wondered how you managed
that. But then you ruined it.” I turned the screen toward him. “I have a detailed breakdown of all your expenses over the past few
months.” Adrian glanced at the numbers, but he didn’t say anything. How could he? Evidence didn’t lie. When he first came to
me, saying the restaurant was sinking and he needed money, I was shocked. It had been thriving before. So I did my own
digging. And what I found? He’d been keeping secrets about the business from me. “You left your business in the hands of a
manager who stole from you, then ran off with his lover–who, by the way, was your assistant. I assume that’s how they got
access to your financials.” Adrian shifted uncomfortably in his seat, guilt written all over his face. He didn’t even try to defend
himself. “How could you be so careless?” I demanded. “Dad, it’s not my fault!” He ran a hand through his hair. “My only crime
was trusting the wrong people. But my guys are on it. Once they’re caught, the money will be returned.” I let out a slow breath,
my patience running out. “Adrian, don’t lie to me. You know how much I hate lies.” His shoulders tensed. “You were scammed
because you were too busy traveling the world.” I scrolled through another page on my iPad. “Monaco. Paris. Mexico. Private
jets, luxury- one trip after another, all within a few months. And none of it was for business. It was for frivolous pleasures
C
O
+x
1/2
O
く
33%
Chapter 141: What Secret Could She Be Hiding
with those useless friends of yours–the same ones who are ripping you off.” Adrian swallowed hard. “Dad... you’re right. I fucked
up.” “Language,” I scolded, my tone firm. Then I waited, giving him a chance to say something worthwhile. “Sorry,” he muttered.
“But I’m in a bind... just give me another chance, and I’ll make it right,” he said, his voice quieter now. And I need you. “His eyes
met mine, a familiar plea in them. He was trying to manipulate me, just like he had countless times before–pandering to my
emotions, banking on the fact that I’d always given in.” Another chance. A line I’d heard too many times before. And every time, it
led to the same outcome–more failures, more wasted money, more excuses. The car rolled to a stop at the private tarmac.
“We’re here, sir,” my driver announced, stepping out to open my door. I got out without sparing Adrian a glance. He followed,
probably thinking he still had a shot at convincing me. I turned to him, my expression hard. “If I had a dollar for every time you
made that same promise, I’d already have the half a million you’re asking for.” Adrian placed a hand on my shoulder. “Dad, this
time is different. You just need to believe in me.” I met his gaze, head on. “I don’t.” He leaned back slightly, caught off guard.
Clearly not expecting that. “You’re going to start working at the company,” I told him. “From an assistant managerial position. And
you’ll work your way up. No shortcuts.” His mouth opened, but I didn’t give him the chance to speak. “I’m done funding your
failed ventures and giving you yet another chance to burn through my money. You have two choices–take the job and prove
yourself, or get cut off. No allowance. No five hundred thousand. Nothing.” Adrian’s face paled. “Dad, you can’t be serious.” I
smirked. “Watch me.” And with that, I turned and walked up to the plane, leaving him standing
there.