Chapter 45
After investigating, Gabriella learned the full story behind the knife attack. The assailant, Henry Harrison, was the owner and legal representative of a private company. After losing a contract dispute where Daniel represented the opposing party, the court had frozen Harrison’s company accounts.
When Daniel uncovered evidence of Harrison mixing personal and company assets, the court seized his properties. Simultaneously, his wife had run off with another man, taking what remained of their money.
Pushed to the edge. Harrison blamed the firm’s lawyers for his downfall, leading to his violent rampage,
Fortunately. Daniel survived the surgery and was now stable.
Following the incident, the firm established a dedicated security office. Two muscular guards took up position Gabriella knew they were Asher’s chosen bodyguards for her protection.
Meanwhile, Drake spent two weeks recovering in the hospital. He repeatedly tried calling Gabriella from his assistant’s phone, but she never answered or visited.
He found himself staring at the door constantly, holding his breath whenever it opened, hoping to see her. But she
never came.
He tortured himself replaying images of Gabriella with Asher, the pain like a physical wound.
Finally discharged. Drake couldn’t wait any longer. If Gabriella wouldn’t come to him, he’d go to her.
Walking to the parking lot with his assistant and Sienna flanking him, Drake asked, “Is everything arranged with Sterling Industries?”
“Yes, sir. Their CEO will attend a gala next Friday at 8 PM. I’ve secured an invitation.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“A welcome party for his cousin. She’s just returned to London, and he’s using it to introduce her to society.”
Sienna tried linking her arm through Drake’s, but he subtly pulled away. Her face tightened – he’d never rejected her touch before. In New York, they’d been inseparable, passionate. Had coming to London changed everything? Was he still thinking about Gabriella?
“Drake, why-”
“How old is Sterling’s cousin?” Drake interrupted.
“Mid–twenties, I believe.”
“Any details?”
“Sorry sir, her information is protected.”
Chapter 45
Drake nodded. If Alexander Sterling wanted to protect someone’s privacy, no amount of digging would uncover it.
“However,” his assistant added, “I heard she’s getting engaged in two weeks. Mr. Sterling is very protective of her. A generous engagement gift might help smooth negotiations.”
Drake considered this. Winning over a young woman would be easier than convincing Sterling directly.
“Stop at the shops ahead.” Drake insiructed the driver.
“Shopping for the cousin’s gift?” Sienna smiled. “Il help – I know what women our ag
As they pulled up, Drake said simply, “Get out.”
Sienna stepped out, expecting Drake to follow. Instead, the car pulled away, leaving her and the assistant standing bewildered on the sidewalk.
When Drake’s car reached Gabriella’s building, he saw her entering with Asher.
He rushed after them but security stopped him.
“ID and apartment number, sir?”
Drake tried to force his way past. The guard held firm: “Stop or I’ll call the police.”
“Let me in!” Drake’s face contorted, veins standing out on his forehead. His mind tortured him with images of Gabriella and Asher together.
Three years of dating, and he’d never been intimate with her. The thought of Asher having what he couldn’t drove
him mad.
“Let me through!” he roared, swinging at the guard.
The guard called for backup. Though Drake fought furiously against two men, he was eventually subdued.
As the police led him away, Gabriella and Asher, unaware of the chaos behind them, had already disappeared into the building.
Chapter 46
