Chapter 316
Chapter 316:
Gabriela gave a small nod.
“I actually have a friend who knows him well,” Mason said quickly. “Let me check into his background for you p>
Gabriela’s relief showed in her voice as she thanked him warmly.
Later that day, Mason rang her with an update. “Bradly isn’t some fraud. His company’s ranked among the world’s top five hundred, and he just stepped in to lead the family empire. He’s come back determined to make a splash p>
Mason had also learned that Bradly was currently staying at the Horizon Club. Gabriela wasted no time — she gathered the proposal she had polished overnight and set out to meet Bradly.
At the doors of the VIP suite, the sound of laughter and spirited voices spilled into the hall.
When she finally stepped inside, the sight made her pause. Several high-powered men lounged on the sofas, each flanked by an elegant woman draped over his arm.
In the center, occupying the prime seat with effortless authority, sat a striking young man. His features were refined, his demeanor cold yet magnetic. That was Bradly.
Gabriela moved to greet Bradly, only to freeze when she spotted Fiona seated beside him. The easy way Fiona leaned in toward him made their closeness unmistakable, and Gabriela’s chest tightened — Fiona bore a grudge against her.
Fiona’s gaze swept over and, catching sight of Gabriela, she immediately pieced together her intention. A sly, mocking smile curled her lips. “Well, if it isn’t the newly appointed CEO of Haynes Group. What business drags you here, Miss Haynes p>
Ne𝘄 w𝗲𝗲𝘬𝗹𝘺 с𝗁a𝘱𝗍е𝗋s 𝘰n
Her words made Bradly glance over. His dark eyes flicked to Gabriela briefly before he turned back to Fiona with mild curiosity. “Fiona, why the sudden bite in your tone? Did she do something to offend you p>
Fiona could never confess that the man she longed for had already been swept up by Gabriela’s quiet charm. Instead, she curled her lips into a sharp smile and remarked with feigned admiration, “Miss Haynes toppled her own aunt, sent both her aunt and her cousin-in-law to prison, and seized control of the company. Quite the ruthless talent, wouldn’t you say p>
Fiona’s barbed words cast Gabriela in a negative light, causing Bradly to dislike her even before she spoke. The other men frowned, their eyes flicking toward Gabriela with thinly veiled suspicion.
Gabriela, inwardly cursing Fiona, maintained her composure in the face of it. She lifted her chin, wore a practiced, professional smile, and introduced herself to Bradly with calm clarity — then laid out her proposal for collaboration without hesitation.
Bradly admired Gabriela’s fearless attitude and liked the fact that she cut straight to the point. Still, mindful of Fiona’s presence, he deliberately ignored the proposal and instead lifted a crystal glass, filling it with liquor.
“Why don’t we set business aside for now? Let’s have a drink first,” he suggested smoothly.
Fiona’s lips curved into a sharp smile as she slid the glass toward Gabriela. “Miss Haynes, enjoy your drink p>
Gabriela’s brows pinched together ever so slightly. Her pregnancy meant she couldn’t down strong alcohol. Yet turning the glass away outright could make Bradly dismiss her — and possibly ruin any chance at closing the deal. Having a small amount of alcohol wouldn’t do much harm.
Forcing herself past the taste, Gabriela tipped the entire glass back in one swift motion.