Before turning away, I chuckled softly. "What can I say? Can I just wish you success?"
Leon, of course, assumed I was just furious.
As I left, I saw him, his face swollen and red, walk straight towards the VIP room where Gabriela was.
He knew how to exploit a woman's sympathy to gain her favor.
At least, he was much smarter than I was back then.
At the age of 20, I met Gabriela standing behind my mother.
At that time, she was just like everyone else, politely bowing and greeting me with "Nice to meet you, Young Master."
Initially, I only thought she was pleasing to the eye and appointed her as my personal assistant.
But she never became arrogant because of my favor, nor did she show the slightest displeasure at my unreasonable demands.
She was diligent and conscientious in her work, but always politely distant towards me.
Later, I was kidnapped by my enemies and she bravely took a bullet for me.
That bullet almost killed her on the spot.
It also made me completely fall for her.
During the days she was unconscious, I dreamt of the fresh scent of soap she carried me in her arms.
When she woke up, her eyes red and swollen from crying, I accused her of incompetence.
Blushing, I pointed to the scrape on my shoulder and demanded she take responsibility.
The excuse was clumsy, but she nodded anyway.
I was overjoyed.
Completely unaware of the arduous path I had chosen for myself.
When I returned to the Petersen house, Gabriela’s mother’s voice carried from the living room.
“Young people today are so lucky! In our time, what son-in-law would dare give his mother-in-law trouble?”
“Did you see how angry he got? His eyes turned red just because I asked him to bring me a basin to wash my feet?”
“I really regret it. If he hadn’t clung so hard to his money, Gabriela would never have chosen such a sickly man.”
“Depression, mental illness—it’s all just an excuse for not being able to have children.”
Her voice echoed through the room. “Who would believe otherwise…?”
I pushed open the door.
The room fell silent.
Gabriela's mother, who had been sitting on the sofa eating sunflower seeds, stood up first, forcing a smile. "Oh, you are finally back.”
“Have you eaten? There's some leftover food from lunch. Shall I heat it up?"
"No need." Seeing my cold attitude, Gabriela’s mother also became angry.