Chapter 612
Chapter 612:
Though GD Fashion had eased its stance toward Haynes Group, she couldn’t afford to slack off.
She needed to finalize the planning details by four that afternoon.
Seeing Gabriela buried in her work, Stewart lost the will to keep arguing with Matthew.
Gabriela was juggling work and Rebecca’s drama, looking even more worn than before.
Meanwhile, he had been sulking over Gabriela not noticing that he had caught a cold.
How small he’d been.
Determined to make up for it, Stewart ordered another extravagant lunch to ensure Gabriela was well-fed.
At twelve-thirty, the meal arrived right on schedule.
Gabriela pushed it aside. “Stewart, I’m really swamped p>
𝗠os𝘵 r𝗲а𝘥 𝗍his 𝗐𝖾e𝘬 𝗈𝗇
Though she and Stewart were on good terms, something still felt off.
Matthew’s unprompted kindness, like Stewart’s attentiveness, left Gabriela deeply unsettled.
“No matter how busy you are, you have to eat,” Stewart urged softly. “Gabriela, Loretta knows you’ve been swamped and worries you’re not eating properly. She made me promise to ensure you do p>
At the mention of Loretta, Gabriela reluctantly accepted the meal.
Matthew, listening closely, caught every word.
Who was this Loretta?
Clearly, he still had much to learn about the people in Gabriela’s orbit.
Eager to stay, Matthew chimed in, “Gabriela, I’ve been here half the day and haven’t eaten a thing p>
His intent to crash their meal was unmistakable.
Gabriela shot him a weary glance.
Why was Matthew still here?
The Howard Group’s major shareholder lingering at her small company to join an uninvited lunch? What kind of absurd situation was this?
Unable to outright refuse, she offered a polite smile. “Mr. Howard, care to join us p>
“Thank you,” Matthew replied.
He immediately grabbed the tableware, nudged Stewart aside, and sat down right next to Gabriela.
Stewart froze, incredulous.
This was his lunch order.
Matthew’s audacity was beyond comprehension.
Stewart had planned a cozy lunch for two with Gabriela, but Matthew’s intrusion ruined it, sparking his irritation.
His tone sharpened. “Mr. Howard, don’t you have a world-class chef at home, crafting perfectly balanced meals? Isn’t this fast food beneath you p>
Matthew responded coolly, “Not at all p>
Stewart pressed further. “Your daughter Rebecca is always harassing Gabriela. With all your free time, why not focus on reining her in p>
Matthew’s face darkened.
Rebecca could be in the wrong, but she was still his daughter, and Stewart had no right to lecture him.
Stewart was even more insufferable than Wesley.
Matthew suddenly inquired, “Stewart, didn’t you partner with Moss Group last year p>
Stewart opened his mouth to respond, but Matthew barreled on. “And that left you playing second fiddle to Wesley, didn’t it p>
Stewart went quiet.
Matthew’s jab stung as much as Wesley’s ever did. If they weren’t in the same social circle, Stewart wouldn’t have bothered with civility.
Forcing a tight smile, he replied, “In business, it’s all about mutual benefit p>
Matthew didn’t relent. “Second fiddle means a smaller share and still bowing to the top dog p>
Their exchange escalated, a flurry of veiled barbs and biting sarcasm.
Gabriela paused, fork in hand.
All she wanted was to focus on her work, not endure their petty squabble.
It was surreal—two prominent men bickering like petulant children.
She tried to intervene. “Can we just eat p>
But the pair, now fully engrossed in their spat, turned to her in unison. “Stay out of it p>
Gabriela’s patience snapped.
Today had been grueling enough—Matthew’s meddling caused a company-wide power outage, leaving her files unfinished. Then Stewart arrived, clashing with Matthew and giving her a splitting headache.
Setting down her fork, she stood. With unyielding firmness, she asked them both to leave.
Stewart protested, “But I haven’t eaten p>
Gabriela thrust the lavish lunch into his hands.
Ushered out, Stewart and Matthew stood outside Haynes Group, glaring at each other in stunned silence.