Chapter 52
“Gabriella,” Drake said quietly, staring at the sunlight streaming in. His voice was barely audible.
“What?” Mason’s voice rose sharply. “Gabriella’s getting engaged? To whom?”
“Who doesn’t matter.” Drake’s voice took on an obsessive edge. “I won’t let her marry him. She belongs with me. I’ll win her back.”
“Uh…” Mason was momentarily speechless. After a pause, he ventured carefully, “Drake, don’t you think that’s… unethical?”
Drake laughed bitterly. “Ethics? I don’t care about ethics. I just need her back.”
Mason was stunned into silence. His friend had treated Gabriella as a replacement, cheated on her with Sienna, and now that she was engaged, he was claiming undying love? It was beyond belief.
“Look,” Mason sighed, “I’ve never tried stealing someone’s fiancée, so I can’t really advise. Different strokes and all that Good luck, I guess.”
That weekend at Gabriella’s apartment, Asher cooked lunch for her.
“I’m visiting a colleague in the hospital this afternoon,” she told him afterward. “The one from the knife incident. We’re bringing flowers and fruit.”
Let me have WilGabbym arrange that,” Asher offered.
“Thanks”
WilGabbym arrived with the Cullinan, the trunk filled with gifts. As Gabriella got out at the hospital, Rachel approached
“Well, well,” Rachel smirked. “Was that a Rolls–Royce I just saw?”
“Is there a problem?” Gabriella asked coolly.
“No problem at all.” Rachel’s smile was knowing. “Just… interesting.”
Enzo Corner, standing nearby, couldn’t resist asking, “So who was that, Gabriella?”
“My boyfriend,” she answered simply.
“Boyfriend? Right.” Rachel’s tone dripped with insinuation. “We understand completely.”
After Gabriella walked away, Rachel turned to Enzo. “Must be her sugar daddy. Explains how she can afford those
expensive dinners.”
Enzo nodded eagerly. “Makes sense. Remember that ten thousand pound dinner she treated us to?”
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Chapter 52
“Disgrace to the profession,” Rachel sneered.
The next day at Sinclair & Klein, Sarah Thompson approached Gabriella’s desk late afternoon with a file.
“Usually business development handles client meetings,” Sarah explained, “but as a lawyer, negotiation skills are crucial. I have a potential client I’d like you to meet.”
Gabriella reviewed the file as Sarah continued, “If you secure this client, you’ll get twenty percent commission, on top of your regular fees.”
Gabriella cared less about the commission than the opportunity to develop her negotiation skills. In New York, she’d rarely had the chance to bring in her own clients.
“Thank you, I’ll handle it,” she nodded.
“Meeting’s at seven, at The Sovereign Club. Enzo will accompany you,” Sarah patted her shoulder. “Sorry about the late notice.”
At six–thirty, Gabriella went to find Enzo Corner. “How should we get there?”
Enzo’s look was oddly contemptuous. “Why not use your boyfriend’s Rolls–Royce for show?”
Gabriella frowned. “It’s too late to arrange that. I’ll just take a taxi.”
“Oh? Too precious to share his car?” Enzo’s tone was nasty. “I suppose us working stiffs aren’t worthy of your sugar daddy’s Cullinan. Though my Porsche must seem quite beneath you now.”
“What exactly are you implying?” Gabriella’s voice hardened. “You seem to have a problem with me.”
Enzo smirked. “No problem at all. Just admiring how well you’ve done for yourself, landing someone with that kind of money.”
“I haven’t done anything to you. Why the hostility? Did I spend your money on that car?”
“As if I could afford one.”
“Rather than being bitter, maybe focus on your own success,” Gabriella snapped. “Your jealousy is showing.”
The word jealousy struck a nerve. Enzo’s face darkened. “At least I didn’t earn my position on my back.”
Gabriella’s face went cold with fury. “Be very careful. As a lawyer, you should know defamation is illegal. Don’t make me forget we’re colleagues.”
Enzo rolled his eyes and left without another word.
At The Sovereign Club, Gabriella found Enzo already drinking with two middle–aged executives, each with a hostess draped over him. All eyes turned to her as she entered.
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