Chapter 590
Chapter 590:
Matthew slipped off his glasses and pressed both hands to his face.
The image of a composed, dignified man near sixty shattered as sobs tore through him.
That was his daughter they were tormenting.
She was meant to grow up swathed in comfort, pampered like royalty—yet instead she had endured hardship from her earliest years.
He thought bitterly, “Alanna… I failed you. I should have protected our little girl p>
A𝖽𝖽𝗶c𝗍𝗂𝗏𝖾 nо𝗏𝘦𝗹𝘴 𝘰n
The grief swallowed him whole. He shut himself inside the study and did not emerge, not even when the scent of dinner filled the house.
Lauren rapped gently on the door, her voice soft with concern. “Honey, you haven’t eaten a thing all day. Tell me, what happened p>
Matthew offered a faint smile. “I just don’t feel like eating tonight. You and Rebecca go ahead without me p>
Though his voice stayed as calm and courteous as ever, Lauren caught the shadow of grief flickering in his eyes. She folded her hands together and murmured softly, “Whenever you’re ready, tell me. I’ll cook something just for you p>
“Thank you,” he replied, before gently shutting the study door once more.
He spent the night in silence, never returning to the bedroom, pacing through memories until dawn.
By the following day, the ache in his chest had grown unbearable, driving him to seek out Gabriela himself.
When he arrived at her villa, the sky was already brushed with the fading glow of sunset. He dared not knock on the door outright. For all his power as the head of the Howard Group, the thought of meeting his daughter left him strangely unsettled, hesitant like a man stripped of all defenses.
So he remained outside the gates, waiting hour after hour until his back stiffened and a dull ache spread across his shoulders.
The driver, seeing Matthew’s haggard figure, offered softly, “Sir, should I check with the guards to see if she’s home p>
Standing around without certainty seemed pointless, yet Matthew instantly shook his head and insisted, “No p>
After missing more than twenty years of his daughter’s life, how could he justify being impatient now?
Recognizing his resolve, the driver held his tongue.
By the time Gabriela finally appeared, nearly at eight o’clock, the streetlamps had flickered on. Work had kept her late, and exhaustion lingered in her steps.
She hadn’t expected Matthew’s presence, and when her eyes caught his, she froze briefly before quickening her pace. Pretending she hadn’t noticed him at all, she slipped past.
Matthew quickened his steps and greeted her softly. “Miss Haynes, do you still remember me p>
She recognized him instantly, though her eyes narrowed with guarded suspicion.
“Mr. Howard, what exactly do you want from me p>
Her wariness weighed on him, and his voice grew even gentler. “I’ve been waiting here for half the day. Would you allow me to come in for a short chat p>
Suspicion flickered in her eyes, sharp and restless. Was he here to teach her a lesson for the sake of his daughter? If so, she would bolt without hesitation.
She had already braced herself to turn and run when his voice dropped, heavy with sincerity. “Rebecca was completely in the wrong last time. I owe you a sincere apology p>
“That won’t be necessary,” Gabriela stated in an even tone. “The matter’s already been settled. If Rebecca keeps out of my damn way, the evidence won’t resurface—but one step out of line, and it’s out p>
Matthew froze, caught off guard. So she believed he had come to silence her, to destroy the evidence?
Message from Noa: Hope you have a wonderful weekend dear readers. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. /