Ditch My Ex (Gabrielle and Timothy) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Zachary’s influence far outstripped what a second–generation local heir like Daniel could handle.

“Nothing.”

Zachary picked up his wine glass and swirled it gently.

“Just a friendly reminder. Trouble comes from the mouth.

“There are some people you’re not qualified to gossip about.

“There are also people you’d be wise not to offend.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but the pressure it carried made one’s heart skip a beat.

Cold sweat gathered on Daniel’s forehead. He had clearly messed the wrong person.

Zachary was warning him. If he said one more word, his father’s project would be doomed.

“Mr. Monroe, I… I drank too much. I was rambling. Please don’t take it seriously.”

Daniel scrambled to his feet and bowed repeatedly.

He even turned to Gabrielle with a deep bow.

“Miss, I sincerely apologize. I didn’t know who I was speaking to.”

The woman beside him had long since gone pale, not daring to say a word.

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Chapter 22

“Leave,” Zachary said coldly.

Daniel relieved like a pardoned man, grabbed his date and hurried

away.

The other diners in the restaurant had taken notice of the noise.

Now, watching Daniel flee in disgrace, they looked at Zachary with evident awe and respect.

Zachary, unfazed, turned back to Gabrielle and gently took her hand again.

“Sorry for the interruption.”

His voice had returned to its usual warmth.

Gabrielle shook her head, though her heart was stirred.

It was the first time she had seen Zachary’s power and dominance up close.

That natural air of authority, the way he could determine another man’s fate with a single sentence…

It was so different from his usual gentleness around her.

Yet, somehow, this forcefulness gave her a sense of unexpected security.

Because she knew he would only use it to protect her.

“It’s alright,” Gabrielle said with a smile.

“But maybe don’t pick fights so easily in the future.”

Zachary raised an eyebrow. “If trouble picks me, what am I supposed to do?”

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Chapter 22

He then added, “Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, no one will lay a finger on you.”

The dinner resumed after the brief disruption.

Zachary seemed completely unbothered, still carefully cutting her steak, explaining the origin of each dish.

Gabrielle looked at his focused profile, and warmth spread through her heart.

This kind of attentiveness, being cherished so delicately, was something she had never experienced in her past twenty years.

Timothy had treated her well, but it felt like an obligation. It was almost like a brother’s dutiful kindness, detached and impersonal.

But Zachary’s care was tender. It was warm and vividly alive.

He had pulled her out of the dark and given her a brand–new world.

In this world, she was no longer a pawn in marriage deals, no longer at anyone’s disposal.

She was the one Zachary held at the center of his heart.

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