Chapter 278
Chapter 278:
Vivian slipped into the office, wrapped herself around Adolf’s arm, and whined, “Adolf, it’s already dark. Stop working now. Let’s go to dinner p>
Adolf set aside his documents and left with Vivian at his side.
Gabriela hurried forward to greet him. “Good evening, Mr. Vasquez. I’m Gabriela Hayes, representing Apex Group p>
He frowned, his tone cool. “Business hours have concluded. No professional discussions now p>
“Exactly—my brother is off work now!” Vivian shot Gabriela a contemptuous look. “Isn’t Mr. Moss supposed to be your greatest advocate? Why did he abandon you to wait here all day alone? How pathetic p>
Her gaze fell to Gabriela’s injured foot. “Wounded, huh? What a pitiful sight p>
𝘛ho𝘂𝘀аnd𝗌 𝗼𝖿 r𝖾𝖺𝘥𝗲𝗋𝘴 o𝗻 𝘨a𝗹ո𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹ѕ.c𝗼𝘮
Adolf’s frown deepened, and he delivered a soft reprimand. “Vivian, enough p>
“I’m not done,” she snapped. “Who does she think she is? An orphan without wealth or connections, trying to negotiate with you? She’s living in a fantasy p>
Adolf’s reputation for pleasantness was nonexistent; though he smiled often, everyone knew his calculations ran deep. Initially, his impression of Gabriela had been unfavorable, but seeing her wait all day on an injured foot and endure his sister’s cruelty stirred an unexpected twinge of guilt.
“Do you wish to forfeit your monthly allowance entirely?” he asked coldly.
Vivian fell silent at once.
Adolf then redirected his attention to Gabriela. “Miss Hayes, your proposal lacks merit. Please refrain from future visits p>
Disappointment flickered briefly across her features, yet her smile held. “I understand completely, and I appreciate your time nonetheless, Mr. Vasquez p>
Her graceful acceptance, free of persistence or pleading, softened his rigid expression. “Do you require transportation home p>
“No, thank you.” She hesitated for a beat, then ventured, “Might I request your WhatsApp contact? I promise not to disturb you with unnecessary messages p>
Under ordinary circumstances, someone of her standing would never earn the privilege of speaking with Adolf directly. But she represented Apex Group, and her day-long vigil despite her injury created an unusual exception.
Though mild irritation stirred within him, Adolf retrieved his phone. “Very well p>
Gabriela quickly saved his contact and offered her farewells before departing.
Watching her retreating figure, marked by that distinctive limp, Vivian released a contemptuous snort. “I thought Mr. Moss treasured her above all others. Yet here she is, wounded and abandoned to conduct business alone p>
Adolf’s frown returned.
Vivian’s eyes sparkled with calculated sweetness as she clung to his arm. “Adolf, you remain unparalleled, always indulging me with endless generosity and spending money p>
A wave of frustration crashed over him. “Silence p>
Their car pulled away from Vasquez Group headquarters, and through the window they glimpsed Gabriela at the curb, waiting for a ride. As she took a call, she gestured with animated enthusiasm, showing no trace of defeat.
Adolf found himself unexpectedly amused. Business required no sentiment.
He looked away. “Continue driving p>
Their vehicle accelerated swiftly into the night.
Gabriela’s true objective in visiting the Vasquez Group headquarters had been to secure Adolf’s WhatsApp contact. Her original strategy had anticipated several days of persistent attempts before gaining access to him, yet encountering Vivian on this first visit turned everything into an unexpected stroke of fortune. Vivian’s cutting sarcasm had inadvertently made refusing Gabriela’s request impossible for Adolf.
Gabriela delivered her exuberant report to Wesley over the phone. “Mr. Moss, mission accomplished. How did your endeavors progress p>
Her triumphant tone conjured vivid images of her delighted expression, and Wesley’s lips curved despite himself. “Same here p>
“That’s great!” Gabriela exclaimed. “I’ll visit the Williams Group with you tomorrow and try to get Mr. Williams’s WhatsApp contact p>
The prospect of Gabriela’s upcoming Williams Group visit drained all warmth from Wesley’s demeanor. His response carried unmistakable frost. “That won’t be necessary. I will take care of it p>