Chapter 373
Chapter 373:
Stewart rose from his chair and approached the model, his hand trembling slightly as he reached out to snap off a piece of it.
The destruction of something he cherished so deeply sent waves of pain through his chest, yet he forced himself to complete the act.
Wrestling with his inner turmoil, Stewart reached for his phone and dialed Gabriela’s number.
“The model has suffered damage again. Would you be able to come and repair it p>
At that precise moment, Erik knocked and stepped through the doorway, his eyes immediately taking in the scene before him. A slight twitch played at the corner of his mouth as he processed what he witnessed.
His boss’s behavior had grown increasingly erratic in recent weeks.
Gabriela arrived as the clock struck noon.
𝖳𝗿e𝗻𝘥i𝗻𝗀 nоvе𝘭𝘴 о𝗻
Confusion clouded her features as she examined the broken model. “Wasn’t this just repaired a few days ago? How did it break so quickly p>
Stewart’s voice carried a sharp edge as he sneered. “This creation bears your signature, yet the craftsmanship proves disappointingly fragile. Your after-sales support leaves much to be desired p>
Erik remained stationed nearby, keeping his expression carefully neutral while his boss wove his shameless fabrication. His gaze remained fixed firmly on the floor beneath his feet.
Gabriela maintained her characteristic patience and grace. “Please don’t let this upset you, Mr. Williams. I promise to have it restored to perfect condition today p>
Fortune smiled upon her — she still possessed adequate materials from her previous supply run. She consulted the original blueprint and immediately immersed herself in the delicate restoration work.
Stewart gestured for Erik to depart, then settled into a nearby chair, propping his chin on his hand as he observed her meticulous efforts.
Gabriela had lost some weight recently, yet her skin retained its luminous quality. The way she bent over her work, completely absorbed in the task, possessed an unexpected magnetism.
Stewart found himself recalling Erik’s earlier observations.
Throughout his thirty-three years of existence, Gabriela stood alone as the woman who had managed to capture his relentless attention.
Six years had passed since she first approached him, clutching a model in her trembling hands, her voice earnest as she pleaded for his consideration. She had exhausted herself explaining the profound benefits of developing software for the visually impaired.
Back then, her youth made her appear almost childlike in his experienced eyes. Yet every detail of that encounter remained etched in his memory with startling clarity, and somehow, she had succeeded in swaying his decision.
A sudden curiosity seized Stewart — he wondered desperately how Gabriela perceived him within the depths of her heart.
At that exact moment, she lifted her head and met his intense stare. “What compels you to watch me so intently p>
Her eyes sparkled with crystalline clarity, framed by luxurious dark lashes. Her gaze seemed to pierce straight through to his soul, causing Stewart’s heart to stutter against his ribs.
He quickly diverted his gaze, stumbling over his hastily constructed excuse. “I was observing your repair techniques p>
Beyond Gabriela’s line of sight, he pressed his palm discreetly against his racing heart.
The thunderous rhythm betrayed him completely.