Semua Bab Leaving You Bereft: Bab 541 - Bab 550

After Xavier said what he said, Gabriella's grin grew even more nonchalant. "It seems the negotiation has fallen through, then. Starlight Media owns the script, and Fabian is going to be the male lead. That's not up for discussion. "Mr. Lund, if you don't think he's a good fit, I will not hesitate to find myself another investor."Xavier stared at her, his refined and sharp features carrying a hint of contemplation. When the director saw how things were turning out, he tactfully pulled Fabian away to practice scenes from the script, leaving the two alone. Only then did Xavier start carefully sizing Gabriella up the way a man would a woman. She wore professional attire today: ivory pants, a white shirt, and a light-brown blazer. Her long hair was tied back neatly, and her makeup was striking, exuding a sharp allure. Fabian looked like a servile pretty boy in front of her. Xavier recalled the picture he saw at home. The lady's long hair reached her waist, and she wore a st

Xavier's chiseled features were flushed with a delicate crimson as he fought with the conflict of emotions raging within him.Gabriella chuckled faintly as her fair foot shifted subtly under the table; her upper body remained poised and graceful, though. Her delicate fingers curved around a glass of red wine, her smile growing even more intoxicating. "I was under the impression that you had great resolve, Mr. Lund. It seems like you're just like any other man who's utterly unable to control yourself after a mere hint of provocation, making a complete fool of yourself for all to see."Xavier tightened his hold on Gabriella's foot before caressing it softly with the lightest touch. Gabriella gently bit her lip, her captivating smile still perfectly in place. They were both engaged in a silent, unspoken duel, with neither side willing to concede.It was then that a man with a familiar and exceedingly urbane voice broke the silence, saying, "I've made a reservation for Table No. 10."

In an instant, a profound gloom settled over the scene.Jolene, once again overestimating her capabilities, attempted to slap Gabriella again, only for Brody to seize her wrist. He squeezed with such force that it hurt her wrist, causing tears to well up in her eyes. She then exclaimed in fury and indignation, "Brody!"Brody didn't even spare Jolene a glance. His gaze remained locked on Gabriella as he said, "You should leave first."He had never laid a hand on Gabriella during their eight-year relationship. Thus, there was no way he would allow Jolene to hit her.Jolene was evidently disinclined to leave, but Brody's expression was so grim that she had no choice but to leave first.In the end, only the two former lovers were left in the restroom.Brody looked worn and tired, as though life hadn't been kind to him lately. He should have been elated, though, as he had just officially announced his engagement to the public. He leaned against the tiled wall, his gaze fixed longingly

In the evening, with nightfall approaching, Xavier's Mercedes-Maybach S-Class quietly rolled into Lund Manor, coming to a halt before the villa.He then opened the car door to find Rebecca eagerly coming up to him to ask him about the blind date. "What are Gabriella's favorite dishes? Where does Gabriella usually like to spend her free time? When does Gabriella envision herself settling down? Is Gabriella fond of children?"Xavier gazed at Rebecca, somewhat at a loss for words. He wasn't sure if Gabriella had a fondness for children, but he knew for certain she preferred young men, especially the fresh-faced ones.He merely offered a few vague responses when Rebecca suddenly clapped her hands together and declared, "This won't do! I'm going to teach you how to cook from today onward! You can hire a cook later on, but when you're newlyweds and it's just the two of you, you'll need to know how to make your own meals. "You ought to know that relying on takeout isn't good enough—home-

Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of the apartment building.A cool evening breeze swept through, carrying the sweet scent of night-blooming jasmine. It was intoxicating.Gabriella stirred awake and slowly opened her eyes.She was still groggy and was drawn in by the fragrance in the air. She instinctively took a deep breath, her body rising and falling gently, soft and warm like silk against skin.Next to her, Xavier's eyes were dark and unreadable. "We're here." He got out of the car, opened the trunk, took out some bags, and walked up the stairs beside Gabriella.This upscale apartment complex had security stationed at each unit.When the guard saw her and the tall, striking man beside her, he leaned in and whispered to her, "That delicate-looking young guy came by earlier with a sophisticated woman. Probably his mom?"Xavier said flatly, "That's my mother."The guard's eyes widened. What was going on here? Were young people nowadays this open-minded?He was du