?


    To N, being with Gabriel felt just as wrong as any taboo.


    Gabriel''s smile turned cold. "N, once Damon''spany copses, you''lle back to me."


    N met his gaze, her words deliberate. "First of all, I was never with you, so there''s no ing back.'' Second, if being forced to be with you is my only option, I''d rather die."


    With each word, Gabriel''s face darkened. By the end of her speech, the veins in his forehead bulged, and his clenched fists trembled with restraint.


    "You hate me that much?" he asked.


    "Yes," N confirmed.


    His past harassment and ongoing persistence filled her with nothing but disgust.


    If Gabriel truly cared for her, he wouldn''t pressure her like this-forcing her to be with him against her will.


    Gabriel remained silent, but the shadow in his eyes deepened.


    Whether N hated or ignored him, he vowed he would do whatever it took to have her by his side.


    Soon after, Mason emerged.


    Without a nce at Gabriel, N took Mason''s hand and left.


    Gabriel stood still and watched the ck Maybach drive away, his expression darkening with every passing second.


    "Daddy, why did youe to pick me up today?" Wilhelm asked.


    Feeling a small, soft hand slip into his own, Gabriel looked down at Wilhelm''s curious gaze.


    Smiling, he lifted the boy. "Daddy finished work early today, so I came to get you."


    Wilhelm hugged his neck tightly. "I wish you could pick me up every day!"


    After Jane had abandoned Wilhelm, he understood that the only way to avoid being discarded again was to please Gabriel. His current behavior toward his father was cautious and ingratiating.


    S


    Gabriel enjoyed his son''s dependence on him and replied with a grin, "I''ll try to finish work early from now on so I can pick you up."


    "Thank you, Daddy! You''re the best!" Wilhelm kissed Gabriel''s cheek with a fawning grin.


    Although Gabriel didn''t notice the carefulness in his son''s demeanor-or perhaps simply didn''t care he found the boy''s reliance on him deeply satisfying.


    After dropping Wilhelm off at home, Gabriel headed to the city''s most luxurious hotel, where he had booked the entire venue for a celebratory party to mark theunch of the Gxy chip.


    The guest list included all of Nyce Tech''s employees and many of Saintornia''s elite.


    Among the attendees was Damon.


    When Gabriel saw him, he approached with a smile. "Mr. Sumner, I didn''t expect you toe."


    Damon returned the smile, though his eyes remained cold. "Since you sent an invitation, why wouldn''t I? Unless, of course, you don''t actually want me here."


    l.ne


    "You misunderstand. I''m delighted you came," Gabriel replied smoothly. "I was just concerned that you might have trouble enjoying yourself tonight given the recent issues with the Agihop 5th Gen and the Agihop 6th Gen still unfinished."


    Catching the subtle jab, Damon stayed calm. If the sess of your chip is based on genuine talent, I''ll offer my congrattions. But if it''s based on stealing someone else''s work, I can only find itughable."


    UMS


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Sumner, you should be careful with your words. Without evidence, such usations could lead to awsuit for defamation."


    "Anyone who''s done wrong leaves a trail. I''m confident the truth wille to light soon enough," Damon said evenly.