Chapter 49
Emma happened to look up, and her gaze collided unexpectedly with Gabriel’s deep, unreadable eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
Even after living together for a few days, she still wasn’t entirely used to it.
But to her surprise, Gabriel had been nothing but considerate. He was the perfect, thoughtful roommate.
They slept in separate rooms, and every morning when Emma woke up, breakfast was already waiting on the table.
Gabriel tugged at the corner of his lips. “Nothing. Just came across some gossip.”
“What gossip?”
“Frank is getting engaged to Lea.”
The moment the words left his mouth, silence settled between them.
Gabriel watched Emma closely, his sharp gaze fixed on her face as if bracing for a reaction. His hands, hanging loosely at his sides, unconsciously clenched into fists. And that was when he realized something–he had underestimated himself.
The thought of Emma leaving Steistan because of this… was something he couldn’t accept.
But to his surprise, Emma only hesitated for a moment before regaining her composure.
Frank and Lea’s engagement had never been beyond her expectations. Back when she had decided to flee the country, it had been because she couldn’t bear to witness them together.
Yet now, she felt something she hadn’t anticipated–peace.
Her lips curved slightly. “Oh. Well… congratulations to them.”
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback.
Emma had already shifted her focus back to the William Enterprises project, calmly jotting down notes as if nothing had happened.
Watching her, Gabriel finally confirmed she wasn’t affected.
And yet, as Frank’s nephew, it was only natural that Gabriel was summoned back home to attend the engagement party.
Gabriel spent a few more days with Emma before leaving under the pretense of a business trip. She didn’t suspect anything, even reminding him to stay safe before he left. Her simple concern filled Gabriel with warmth.
Then, he boarded a flight home. Despite his family’s urging, he deliberately delayed his arrival until the day of the engagement party.
When Gabriel finally stepped into the venue, murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd.
Everyone knew the Castro family had produced two exceptional men.
One was Frank–young, accomplished, and the heir to Castro Group. The other was Gabriel, who was far more elusive.
Unlike Frank, Gabriel had never competed for the company and rarely appeared at the Castro residence.
Frank’s chest tightened slightly when he saw Gabriel walk in, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes. He hadn’t expected Gabriel to show up at his engagement party. Beside him, Lea followed his gaze, and the moment she spotted Gabriel, her expression shifted. Her pupils contracted slightly, and she was unable to hide her shock. The man standing before them was undeniably striking.
He had sharp, defined features that included deep–set eyes and a strong jawline. He held a commanding presence that warned people to keep their distance. Yet despite the cold, unapproachable air he carried, there was an effortless playfulness in his expression.
Le a instinctively straightened her posture as she walked alongside Frank, hoping to leave an impression. After all, she had been showered with compliments all night.
But when they finally reached him Gabriel’s expression remained unreadable. He didn’t even spare her a glance. Instead, his sharp gaze locked on Frank’s.
“What made you decide to coine back?”
Gabriel’s voice was calm, almost indifferent. “It’s my uncle’s engagement party. How could I not attend?”
Frank quickly pushed aside the slight tension, slipping into his usual authoritative demeanor. “I thought you were too caught up in your life abroad to bother coming home. But Gabriel, you’re not getting any younger. Isn’t it about time you settled down too?”
At that, several members of the Castro family turned their attention toward Gabriel.
“That’s right, Gabriel. You’ve been single for years,” Thea chimed in, unable to hold back.
Gabriel’s response was calm and effortless. “I already have.”
