Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel)

Chapter 108: Let The Games Begin

Clairessa's POV I had the most exciting, exhilarating, and emotionally challenging weekend. And it felt good to be back at work. Work had always been my sanctuary, my little world where I could lose myself in designs and calculations, shutting out the chaos when it became too much. Being an engineer, creating structures from scratch-it gave me a sense of purpose nothing else could. But today, my mind refused to stay focused. It kept drifting back to the unplanned vacation. The yacht. The island. Gabriel. His lips... the way they trailed fire along my skin. His hands, possessive and gentle all at once. The memories rushed back, causing my stomach to flip. I bit my bottom lip. Focus. Focus, Clairessa. I sat straighter, pulling my laptop closer. The blueprints on the screen blurred as flashes of Gabriel's smirk and deep voice echoed in my head. Snap out of it. I drew in a deep breath, letting my fingers fly across the keyboard, forcing myself to get lost in the work before me. But just as I was finally zoning in- A soft knock at my office door. Then it opened. "Well, well... look who's finally back." I looked up to see Nicole standing there, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Nicole," I greeted, my smile polite. "Good morning." She approached my desk, dressed in her usual sleek outfit, arms folded across her chest. "Word's been going around the office. Congratulations are in order." "For?" I raised a brow, playing innocent. Nicole leaned casually against the edge of my desk, head tilting as she studied me. "Don't act shy. The Gemia deal, of course. Securing that project? News travels fast around here." "Ah." I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you. It was the result of both of our efforts." Nicole lips twitched. "Still... you were the only one chosen by Mr. Storm to deliver the pitch at Gemia Resorts. And you pulled it off. Impressive." "Thanks," I replied, glancing back at my screen. "We worked hard for it," My tone was calm, hoping she'd realize I acknowledged her contribution, even if her tone suggested otherwise. Nicole's words held a sarcastic undertone. "Mmm. Hard work. Of course." I paused, sensing the shift in her tone. "It must have been quite the project," she continued, her gaze narrowing slightly. "From three days to a whole week. Quite the extension, don't you think?" Her words were clearly suggestive, and it didn't sit well with me. I looked up, meeting her gaze head-on. "Well, what can I say?" I replied, my tone steady. "A deal of that magnitude needed more time than we anticipated." Nicole's eyes swept over me slowly, lingering. "I'm sure..." she murmured. "But I have to ask-there's a glow. Like... a spark about you." I laughed lightly, attempting to brush her comment off. "Must be the fact that I took time off work and finally got some much-needed rest." "Mm-hmm. Maybe. But I'm never wrong about things like this,” she murmured, her gaze fixed on me like she was trying to figure out a puzzle. "I mean... you look pretty." The way she said it, like it was a new discovery, almost made me laugh. But I wasn't going to let her ruin my mood. "Nice of you to finally notice," I shot back, my tone sarcastic. Nicole gave a small, tight smile before she went on. "My sources also tell me you and Mr. Storm sailed to an island. Was that part of the project too?" I didn't flinch. Instead, I leaned back in my chair and smiled. "Nicole," I called calmly, "thank you for checking in on me. As you've heard, the Gemia deal is sealed. We both won." The faintest flash of-annoyance, maybe-crossed her face. "You're right," she replied slowly, her tone lower. "I'm sure Mr. Storm is very proud of you." I didn't miss the underlying meaning in her words. "He's proud of both of us," I responded evenly. "Our hard work and dedication paid off." Nicole leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "Of course. But between you and me... it must feel nice, right? Securing the biggest deal of the year and spending so much time with Mr. Storm?" "You're right, it feels great securing such a massive deal," I replied, ignoring her bait about Gabriel. Nicole's smile faltered. "If there's nothing more,” I added, glancing meaningfully at my monitor, "I really should get back to work.” Nicole straightened, brushing an imaginary crease from her sleeve. "No, that's all." She turned with a final glance over her shoulder. "Congratulations once more, Clairessa." "Thank you," I replied, my focus already back on the screen. As Nicole left, I felt relieved. Her tone was surely suggestive, and I couldn't help but wonder who her "sources" were. But at that moment, I didn't care. I wasn't going to let her bad vibes and obvious traces of jealousy ruin my day. Instead, I was going to focus on the major win I had secured. Joy bubbled inside me. I'd been so fixated on Gabriel-and all the drama between us-that I'd almost forgotten something important. Mynoveldrama

MEHTHCS DEUTH

first big win. The Gemia project. I did that. Pride swelled in my chest. But just as I was basking in my little victory, the intercom beeped. Gabriel's deep, commanding voice filled the room. "Miss Hartwood. Report to my office. Now." I leaned back in my chair, a smirk forming on my lips. So, we were back to "Miss Hartwood" and formalities now? Huh. "I'll be there as soon as I can," I replied smoothly, ending the call before he could say anything else. I knew he would be fuming. Gabriel hated being kept waiting. I could almost picture his scowl. But I loved getting him worked up. I tapped my pen against the desk, debating. Should I make him wait? The thought was tempting. But no. I was ready for this. Ready to see him again. Rising from my seat, I straightened my gown and with one last glance at my desk, making sure everything was in order, I made my way out. Let the games begin.