Gabriel confronts his grandfather Alfred in a tense encounter, demanding that he stop whatever plans he has involving Gabriel’s mother’s deteriorating mental condition. Despite Gabriel’s firm stance, Alfred remains calm and challenges Gabriel’s own questionable actions, particularly his infidelity, insisting Gabriel prove he can fix his own problems before expecting Alfred to cease his interference. Alfred then leaves abruptly, leaving Gabriel alone to process the confrontation.
Gabriel’s father, John, tries to calm him down, urging him to take Isla home and rest, suggesting that the current situation, though difficult, is necessary to protect Gabriel’s marriage and give his mother a needed break. Gabriel remains uneasy, sensing that both his father and grandfather are dangerously close to fracturing the family, but he heeds his father’s advice and returns to Isla.
During the quiet drive home, both Gabriel and Isla are lost in thought, weighed down by the day’s events. Isla reflects on the strange and sudden change in her mother-in-law’s mental state, feeling unsettled by the accusations of madness and the family’s internal strife. Despite the tension, she offers Gabriel comfort, and they share a tender moment that briefly lifts the heaviness between them.
Once home, Gabriel and Isla find solace in each other’s presence, sharing a warm and intimate evening despite the turmoil surrounding them. Gabriel apologizes for his mother’s harsh words, and Isla reassures him with hope for eventual change. Their quiet connection offers a healing respite from the chaos, culminating in Gabriel’s promise of a big surprise once the family troubles have passed.
Gabriel strode purposefully toward the elevator, coming to a halt directly in front of it, effectively blocking his grandfather’s path. Though his expression was composed, the tightness in his jaw betrayed the tension simmering beneath the surface.
His gaze flickered briefly to the two bodyguards flanking Alfred. “Could you both step away for a moment?” he requested firmly, his voice steady but insistent.
The men exchanged a quick, silent look before nodding and stepping aside, granting them a moment of privacy.
Alfred remained still, his face stoic and inscrutable. “What is this about?” he asked quietly, though the edge of command in his tone was unmistakable.
Gabriel closed the distance by a single step, his eyes unwavering. “You know exactly what I’m referring to, Grandfather. I’m asking you to stop whatever you’re planning. Don’t think for a second that I’m unaware you’re behind all this.”
“Behind what, precisely?” Alfred’s voice was measured, almost taunting.
“Behind Mother’s condition. Making it seem as though she’s losing her mind,” Gabriel answered without hesitation.
Alfred said nothing in return. He simply studied Gabriel, his hands clasped neatly behind his back, still gripping his cane, waiting patiently for him to continue.
Gabriel ran a hand through his already tousled hair, worn from the strain of the long, exhausting day. “I know your intentions are good,” he said quietly, “You’re doing this for me—for Isla. I understand you want to protect us, to prevent Mother from carrying out whatever schemes she has in mind. But please… I can handle this on my own.”
For a fleeting moment, Alfred’s stern features softened, but the shadow quickly returned. He took a deliberate step forward until he stood directly before his grandson.
“You mean ‘handle it,’” Alfred said slowly, his tone sharp and deliberate, “by impregnating another woman while still married to your wife?” His words cut through the silence like a knife. “Is that your idea of handling things?”
Gabriel froze, the tension between them thickening like a tightening noose.
Alfred’s voice remained cold but calm as he continued. “If you truly want me out of your affairs, then prove it. Show me you can mend what’s broken before it destroys everything. Until then…” He paused, a small, knowing smirk playing on his lips. “Don’t ask me to stop what I’ve already set in motion.”
Without another word, he turned and stepped into the elevator. The two bodyguards followed silently behind him. The doors slid shut, leaving Gabriel alone in the quiet corridor.
For a long moment, he stood motionless, his eyes fixed on the closed elevator doors as if expecting his grandfather to reappear at any second.
Then, a firm hand gently rested on his shoulder, breaking his reverie. He turned to see his father, John, standing beside him.
“Son,” John said softly, “go home. Take your wife with you and get some rest. Please. I won’t be able to handle things if you break down too.”
Gabriel exhaled heavily, diverting his gaze. “Someone has to stop him, Dad. He’s crossing a line this time.”
John shook his head slowly. “Maybe he is, but it’s for the best,” he replied quietly. “Your mother needs this break. She needs rest, and you need peace. Trust me, Gabriel, this is the only way to keep her from interfering in your marriage.”
But Gabriel wasn’t convinced. To him, both his father and grandfather were treading dangerously close to tearing their family apart. Recklessness wasn’t part of his plan.
Without responding further, he stepped past John and returned to where Isla waited. The moment he approached, her eyes searched his face, filled with concern.
“Come on,” he murmured, taking her hand gently. “Let’s go home.”
Turning to Peter and Ben, he added, “Thank you for staying. Could you both drive the ladies home? I’d really appreciate it.”
They nodded in agreement, and the group began to disperse slowly.
Their eyes remained connected, the silence between them now comforting rather than oppressive. It was the kind of quiet that healed wounds.
“You should get some sleep,” she whispered, leaning in to kiss him. The kiss was slow and tender—soft and warm.
Gabriel deepened the kiss, his hand threading through her hair, pulling her closer. There was no rush; every touch was a reminder that, despite the hardships of the day, they still had each other.
When they finally parted, his lips lingered near hers. His voice dropped to a low, secretive murmur.
“Once all this is over,” he promised, “I have a very big surprise waiting for you.”
The chapter closes on a note of fragile hope amidst the turmoil that has engulfed Gabriel and Isla’s lives. Their shared moments of tenderness offer a brief respite from the storm of family conflict and uncertainty surrounding Mrs. Wyndham’s condition. Despite the heavy weight of suspicion and the strain of unspoken tensions, their bond remains a source of strength and comfort, reminding them both that love can endure even the darkest trials.
Yet beneath this quiet intimacy lies the unresolved tension with Gabriel’s grandfather and the looming challenges ahead. The delicate balance between protecting family and preserving their marriage is tested, but Gabriel’s determination to face these difficulties alongside Isla signals a steadfast commitment to healing and unity. In this stillness, they find solace in each other’s presence, holding on to the promise of better days to come.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fragile dynamics within the Wyndham family, where loyalties are tested and hidden motives simmer beneath polite facades. Gabriel’s confrontation with his grandfather has set the stage for escalating tensions, and readers will be drawn into the emotional turmoil that threatens to unravel the bonds between husband, wife, and family. As Gabriel wrestles with the weight of his grandfather’s manipulations and his own sense of responsibility, the true cost of protecting those he loves will become increasingly clear.
Isla’s quiet strength and growing unease will also come to the forefront, as she navigates the shadow of Mrs. Wyndham’s deteriorating condition and the subtle undercurrents of hostility around her. The delicate balance between hope and despair will be palpable, with moments of tenderness offering brief respite from the storm. The promise of Gabriel’s “very big surprise” adds a layer of anticipation, hinting at a turning point that could shift the course of their intertwined lives. Readers will be left eager to uncover how these unfolding revelations will challenge their resilience and redefine their future together.
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.

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