Chapter 34
Chapter 34:
With an easy smile, Mason glanced over. “Aren’t you going to introduce the lovely woman on your arm p>
Gabriela tensed, heart fluttering, as Wesley replied with practiced calm, “This is Gabriela Haynes—she works for my company. She’s joining me tonight as my companion p>
He didn’t clarify her position, but every executive in the room immediately picked up on the implication. Wesley had never taken a woman to an event like this before, indicating there was more between them than a purely professional relationship.
Mason’s demeanor softened even further, and he offered Gabriela an effusive stream of compliments—calling her bright, capable, and striking.
Gabriela met his gaze, her voice sincere. “You’re too kind, Mr. Garner. I still have a lot to learn p>
Mason, clearly picking up on Wesley’s desire to groom Gabriela, struck up a long, friendly conversation with her. By the end, he offered his number and even floated the idea of grabbing dinner together sometime. To Gabriela, it felt like the chance to secure a billion-dollar partnership with him was winking at her.
In the end, Mason only left after Wesley made a casual promise to have dinner together soon.
Jоі𝘯 𝘁ho𝗎𝗌𝘢𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝗈f 𝖿𝘢𝗇𝘴 o𝗻 g𝘢𝘭𝗻o𝘷еls.с𝗈𝘮
Slipping Mason’s business card into her purse, Gabriela dutifully trailed after Wesley, shaking hands with one industry titan after another until her cheeks began to ache from nonstop smiling.
All at once, she spotted a familiar face up ahead—Vincent Atkinson, the movie star everyone recognized on sight. A rush of delight bubbled up inside Gabriela. She’d adored Vincent’s films for years—catching a glimpse of her idol here, of all places, felt unreal. Tonight’s banquet had already paid off in spades; luck like this only came around once in a lifetime.
Gabriela held back her thrill. Under any other circumstances, she’d have dashed across the room, grinning, eager for a quick photo and an autograph from Vincent.
A low, teasing voice brushed her ear. “So you think he’s good-looking p>
Gabriela’s eyes sparkled as she nodded, unable to hide her giddy grin.
The voice dipped. “What’s so attractive about him p>
Gabriela didn’t miss a beat. “Vincent Atkinson is my idol! I never imagined he’d be even more striking in real life. He’s tall, magnetic, just… wow p>
But the second the words left her lips, an icy draft seemed to sweep over her. She glanced up, and sure enough, Wesley’s expression had darkened, his jaw tight.
She faltered, nerves creeping into her voice. “M-Mr. Moss p>
Wesley’s eyes narrowed. “So, who’s better looking—me or him p>
The answer was obvious—especially when he looked that irritated. Gabriela offered her brightest smile and poured on the flattery. “Are you kidding? No contest at all, Mr. Moss. You’re in a league of your own—the most handsome man on the planet p>