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

Chapter 50: Ready To Explode

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took one final look in the mirror and couldn't help but smile. The gold shimmering gown hugged every curve just right, the slit high enough to reveal my slender thighs without doing too much. Tonight, I went all out with the makeup-bold red lipstick that made my lips pop and soft curls that framed my face perfectly. I knew I looked beautiful and it gave me a rush of confidence. I adjusted my dress, making sure my cleavage was just night my breasts pushed up against the bra. I had a clear mission tonight: I wanted Gabriel to notice me, to see me in a way he couldn't resist.

My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. Gabriel had sent a message reminding me they were waiting I checked the time-7:15. I was late. Not entirely my fault, though; between unpacking, doing my hair, and getting dressed, I lost track of time.

I grabbed my purse, took one last look in the mirror, and rushed out the door. When I reached the elevator, I impatiently pressed the buttons. When it finally opened, I was surprised to see Daniel standing there, leaning casually against the wall. He was wearing a black suit that fit perfectly, making him look even more handsome than the last time I saw him.

“Clairessa... we meet again," he greeted with a wide grin.

“Daniel...” was all I managed to say, forcing a smile. Guilt crept in, knowing I had been avoiding his calls and texts. It wasn't that I wanted to hurt him-I just couldn't deal with the added complications.

"Going down?" he asked, and I nodded, stepping inside. He pressed the button, standing closer than

necessary

"You look stunning he said, his voice warm and genuine.

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Chapter 50: Ready To Explode

I glanced up at him briefly, trying to keep things light. “Thank you... You always look quite handsome yourself."

Placing a hand on his chest dramatically, he grinned. "That's a compliment I'll cherish.”

I chuckled, rolling my

eyes. “Oh, please, Daniel. Stop being so cheesy.”

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“Cheesy? No, just honest,” he teased. “It's good to know you find me attractive, though. I've made it clear that I like you... but you've been avoiding me."

"I haven't been avoiding you,” I said quickly. “I've just been busy with work." It wasn't a total lie-between the Gemia project and everything with Gabriel, my life had been chaotic.

"I'll take your word for it,” he replied, his eyes locking with mine. His tone turned softer. “But fate seems to have a funny way of bringing us together.”

“I... um, I don't know about fate... I stammered, trying to deflect. "I'm just here for a-"

"Business meeting with Gabriel,” he interrupted smoothly, slowly backing me against the elevator wall as his gray eyes pierced through me. His sudden closeness made me feel slightly uneasy.

"How did you "I started, but he cut me off again.

"I told you, Gabriel and I go way back, and it seems like we have mutual business together once again," he whispered, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His tall frame leaned closer, leaving me frozen and unable to speak or move.

The elevator doors suddenly opened, breaking the moment. Both of us turned to see Gabriel and Sergio standing there, their eyes fixed on us.

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Relief flooded through me as my gaze landed on Gabriel. His expression instantly hardened, and I knew exactly what he was thinking. He had warned me to stay away from Daniel—but this time, it wasn't my fault.

“Gabriel... Sergio...” Daniel greeted us as we stepped out of the elevator.

"Daniel," Gabriel replied, his tone firm, barely hiding his irritation. Sergio stepped between them and hugged Daniel, breaking the tension.

"Danny! You made it! I thought you were going to bail on me."

“Anything for you, Sergio,” Daniel replied, his tone lighter now.

"Well, now the gang's all here," Sergio exclaimed, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

Gabriel, however, wasn't having it. His glare remained fixed on Daniel. "What the hell is going on?" he asked, his voice low but filled with anger.

“Relax, Gabe,” Sergio said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “This is supposed to be a business dinner.”

"You told me this was strictly business," Gabriel said through gritted teeth. "What reunion?"

"And it is," Sergio assured him, glancing between Gabriel and Daniel. “Daniel here is now a business partner of mine."

Gabriel's confusion deepened. "Since when?"

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Chapter 50: Ready To Explode

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Relief flooded through me as my gaze landed on Gabriel. His expression instantly hardened, and I knew exactly what he was thinking. He had warned me to stay away from Daniel-but this time, it wasn't my

fault.

"Gabriel... Sergio... Daniel greeted us as we stepped out of the elevator.

"Daniel," Gabriel replied, his tone firm, barely hiding his irritation. Sergio stepped between them and hugged Daniel, breaking the tension.

"Danny! You made it! I thought you were going to bail on me.”

"Anything for you, Sergio,” Daniel replied, his tone lighter now.

"Well, now the gang's all here," Sergio exclaimed, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

Gabriel, however, wasn't having it. His glare remained fixed on Daniel. "What the hell is going on?” he asked, his voice low but filled with anger.

"Relax, Gabe," Sergio said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "This is supposed to be a business dinner."

“You told me this was strictly business,” Gabriel said through gritted teeth. “What reunion?"

“And it is," Sergio assured him, glancing between Gabriel and Daniel. “Daniel here is now a business partner of mine."

Gabriel's confusion deepened. "Since when?"

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Chapter 50. Ready To Explode

The past three months," Daniel explained,

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stepping forward, meeting Gabriel's glare head-on. "Since Sergio offered me a deal I couldn't refuse. Look, I know I'm not your favorite person, but for tonight, let's set whatever issues we have aside for the sake of

business tonight."

Gabriel's face grew even more rigid, his fists clenching as his glare bore into Daniel. It was clear he wasn't ready to forgive, let alone forget.

"Business first," Sergio quickly interjected, stepping between them. "Let's head to the dining room, which I had specially reserved for tonight."noveldrama

mood.

Gabriel reluctantly backed away, and Sergio led the way toward the dining area, trying to lighten the

The dining room was stunning. Soft candlelight bathed the elegant table in a warm glow. Everything about the setup screamed luxury.

"A table fit for kings," Sergio announced proudly. "And, of course, for the beautiful ladies joining us tonight."

At that moment, a striking woman entered the room. Dressed in a sleek black dress, she moved with elegance and confidence. Sergio's face lit up.

“Raquel! Baby, come here,” Sergio called out to a stunning woman in a black dress. She looked like she was

in her thirties—a true beauty gliding through the room with grace as she chatted with the chef. She smiled and made her way over, radiating elegance.

“Gabriel, Daniel, meet the love of my life-Raquel,” Sergio introduced, practically beaming.

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Chapter 50: Ready To Explode

Daniel took her hand, giving it a light kiss. “A pleasure to meet you?

Gabriel, ever the stoic, gave a polite handshake. "Nice to meet you."

"And this," Sergio added, "is the lovely Clairessa, who works with Gabriel."

Raquel turned to me, her smile warm and inviting. "It's wonderful to finally meet you. Clairessa" she said. pulling me into a hug.

“Same here,” I smiled, taking in the woman before me. She was stunning, the kind of woman you'd expect to see on the cover of a magazine-definitely Gabriel's type. Jealousy ate at me, which was ridiculous. Why was I

feeling this way?

“You're such a beauty, Clairessa,” Raquel added, taking my hand. Tonight, you're sitting next to me. Us girls have to stick together." She winked and led me to a seat beside hers.

Sergio took his place at the head of the table, Gabriel sat next to him, and Daniel positioned himself right beside Gabriel. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife, especially between the two men. I couldn't help but wonder what had happened between them. Clearly, they had been friends once, so what had caused

this rift?

Sergio broke the silence, his voice filled with excitement. “I'm so glad you've all met Raquel," he squeezed her hand gently. “She's changed everything for me-how I see love, life... everything. She's captured my heart. and now, I'm hopelessly in love with her."

“Oh, honey,” Raquel cooed, playfully swatting his arm. "He's exaggerating, but I'm glad this stubborn bull finally gave love a chance." She turned to Gabriel and Daniel. "Sergio's told me so much about you two. You're like family to him. I'm really happy to finally meet you both."

"Happy to meet you as well," Daniel replied.

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Chapter 50: Ready To Explode

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Gabriel gave a tight smile but said nothing. His eyes, however, were glued to the table, he looked clearly

disinterested with all that was happening.

What is wrong with this man? Why is he always so stoic and closed off?

“Let's eat,” Sergio announced, signaling the chef to begin serving. Plates of steaks, vegetables, rice, and a

variety of dishes were brought out.

Throughout the meal, I could feel both Daniel's and Gabriel's eyes on me. Daniel's gaze was bold, almost too obvious, while Gabriel's was more guarded, but I knew he was watching everything.

Sergio clinked his glass, drawing everyone's attention. “I want to make a toast to love,” he said, taking

Raquel's hand. "To the right woman, my beautiful Raquel. I love you more than anything."

"I love you too," Raquel whispered, and they shared a sweet, passionate kiss.

“Get a room!” Daniel teased, making everyone laugh—except Gabriel, who looked like he wanted to tear the

room apart.

toast.

“To Gabriel, Daniel... and you, Clairessa,” Sergio added, raising his glass again. Everyone joined in the "Can we get down to business now?" Gabriel's voice was curt, his patience clearly wearing out.

“Gabe, patience," Sergio reminded him with a grin. "You taught me that, remember? Tonight is for catching up

on old times. Business will come later."

“That's right, Gabriel,” Raquel chimed in. “I'd love to hear some stories about you three. Sergio told me you

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Chapter 50: Ready To Explode

were all a force to be reckoned with back in the day.".

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Gabriel, finally relaxing a bit, leaned back in his chair, though his expression remained rigid.

Sergio grinned. "I'll start. Remember that time I took Daniel on his first 'off the books' job? He nearly passed

out when he saw-❞

"Don't you dare,” Daniel interrupted, humor in his eyes, clearly not wanting the story to be told.

Sergio laughed, raising his hands. “Fine, fine. I'll spare you-for now."

“Thank you,” Daniel replied with a chuckle, giving me a soft glance.

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"Clairessa," he called out suddenly, his smooth voice drawing everyone's attention to me. "You have to try this

wine. It's exquisite-just like you." He poured a glass effortlessly, his lips curling into a playful smile. His eyes locked with mine for a moment before shifting to Gabriel, who was now glaring at him.

“Daniel, I-“I stammered, trying to find the words, but before I could finish, he was already beside me. Moving quickly, he handed me the glass with the same confident smile, lifting it toward my lips.

I froze, unsure of what to do. My eyes darted to Gabriel, who looked like he was about to explode. Sensing my reluctance, Daniel tilted the glass closer to my lips, his fingers brushing mine in a way that felt intentional. His smirk grew, as if daring Gabriel to react.

My eyes trailed down to Gabriel's fist clenched tightly on the table, his jaw locked in a hard line. He shot me a death stare, as though daring me to take a sip. The look he gave both Daniel and me made my heart race -

not with excitement, but with fear of what might happen next.

Thu, 20 Feb

Chapter 51: Burst Of Emotions

Gabriel's POV