Chapter 53
When Gabriella entered, both executives‘ eyes lit up predatorily. The heavier one, Robert Shaw, stared at her with undisguised interest. “And who might this be?”
Enzo shot Gabriella a contemptuous look as she placed the contracts on the table.
“Mr. Shaw, Mr. Harris, I’m from Sinclair & Klein,” Gabriella said professionally, seating herself in a single armchair. “Your current counsel agreement is expiring. As London’s top firm, we have expertise across all practice areas – commercial, criminal, and intellectual property law.”
“I understand you’re dealing with a trademark dispute, Mr. Harris. Our IP team has handled thousands of such cases.”
Shaw barely glanced at the contract before tossing it aside, his gaze fixed on Gabriella. “Business can wait. Have a drink with me first. Be friendly.”
“Such a waste being just a lawyer,” Harris leered. “Work for me instead. Ten thousand a month, no more chasing clients.”
“I’m here as a lawyer, not for sale,” Gabriella replied coldly.
“Spirited one, aren’t you?” Harris grinned, sliding his business card across. “Call me when you tire of working so hard.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Shaw, I don’t drink,” Gabriella shook her head.
Shaw’s smile turned predatory as he set down his glass and rose. “Playing hard to get, are we?”
Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist. “Such spirit! You clearly don’t understand how business works. Let me teach you the rules!”
He lunged at her, reeking of alcohol and cigarettes.
In one fluid motion, Gabriella stood and twisted both his arms behind his back.
Shaw’s smile vanished, replaced by rage. “You little bitch! How dare you touch me?”
Harris jumped up, cursing. “Let’s get her together!”
Gabriella kicked them both in vulnerable spots and, as they doubled over, made her escape.
“You’ll pay for that!” Shaw roared after her. “Chase her! We’ll teach that uppity bitch a lesson she won’t forget!”
Enzo was the first to run out.
The two executives followed, shouting threats.
Gabriella fled the private room, not waiting for the elevator but heading straight for the stairs.
12:48
Chapter 53
Running in heels was difficult, and as she reached the ground floor, she collided with someone.
Gabriella fell into strong arms and was immediately enveloped in a famiGabbyr masculine scent. Looking up, she met Asher’s worried eyes.
“Gabby, what’s wrong? Why are you running?” he asked, holding her protectively.
“Asher-” She barely got his name out before her pursuers caught up.
Seeing the scene before him, Enzo quickly slipped away, pretending to be a random passerby.
“You little-” Shaw’s angry shout cut off abruptly as he recognized who was holding Gabriella. His face drained of color.
“Mr. Blackwood?” Harris stumbled to a stop, horror dawning on his face.
Both men realized their catastrophic mistake as Asher pulled Gabriella behind him, his expression darkening dangerously.
Shaw’s face turned sickly pale. “You… you know her?”
The thought that this woman they’d just harassed had connections to the Blackwoods sent ice through their veins. Everyone in London’s business circles knew better than to cross the Blackwood family.
Asher’s jaw tightened, his eyes cold as he observed their earlier aggression. Without a word, he nodded to his security team.
Four large men immediately moved to restrain Shaw and Harris.
Gabriella quietly explained what had happened to Asher.
“I’m taking you home,” he said firmly, leading her away.
She glanced back as they walked. “What will happen to them?”
“They’ll learn to watch their behavior,” his voice was steel.
In the car, his driver looked surprised at their early return. “Back to Kensington, sir?”
“Yes,” Asher replied, then turned to Gabriella with concern. “Where were your bodyguards?”
She hesitated. Who could have expected a simple client meeting to turn so dangerous?
“L… didn’t think I’d need them,” she admitted sheepishly.
Asher gave her a stern look.
“Take them with you from now on.”
“I will,” she promised meekly.
12:48
Chapter 53
Meanwhile, in a private room at the club, Shaw and Harris were thrown to their knees.
“Please!” Shaw begged. “We didn’t know she was with the Blackwoods! We’ll never go near her again!”
Harris’s legs shook. “Have mercy!”
The security team worked methodically, their screams echoing through the soundproofed room until they could
scream no more.
