Chapter 34
The overhead lights cast shadows across Gabriel’s face, making his sharp features appear even more defined.
Emma parted her lips slightly and said, “I’m sorry for ruining your gathering.”
It she had known her presence would be such a buzzkill, she would have steeled herself and turned down the invitation.
Before she could dwell on it, Gabriel lowered his head without hesitation. “Emma, I didn’t invite Samantha tonight, and this won’t happen again.”
For a moment, Emma’s mind went blank as if her thoughts had been wiped clean. She stared at him in shock. Was he actually explaining himself to her?
She took a deep breath, suddenly feeling like she couldn’t meet his gaze any longer. Not only was his voice captivating, but his gaze also carried an undeniable pull.
A storm brewed within her, yet Emma kept it hidden. They were only partners, and she couldn’t let that boundary blur.
Emma nodded as she said, “You don’t have to explain to me.”
Gabriel’s eyes darkened at her words, a flicker of disappointment surfacing before he quickly concealed it. He gave a quiet, self–deprecating smile, losing all interest in staying at the gathering. Instead, he offered to take Emma back to campus.
Now that she was off the clock, Emma had no reason to refuse. She agreed without hesitation.
When Gabriel pulled up to the entrance of Eastside University, Emma snapped out of her thoughts. Seeing the familiar gates, she looked at him in surprise. “How do you know this is the university I go to?”
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. She really hadn’t been paying attention to him, and she didn’t care about him at all.
He replied to her with a hint of exasperation, “I study here too. In the future, I can give you a ride back.”
Emma, as blunt as ever, asked, “Oh, do you live nearby too?”
Gabriel was speechless.
Near? Their homes were in completely opposite directions.
But if dropping her off was an option, then it was “on the way“.
Gabriel responded with a simple, indifferent hum.
Emma watched him, thinking that having him as a friend might not be so bad. So far, he had left a good impression on her.
Without hesitation, she agreed, then unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car.
As she stood there, watching Gabriel drive away, a faint heaviness settled in her chest. Her fingers instinctively brushed against her palm as a faint crease formed between her brows.
She thought back to the day she first arrived at Eastside University. The director, Vayne Arcas, had glanced at her résumé, and for a moment, admiration flickered in his eyes. He had praised her for having two years of work experience at the prestigious Castro Group.
He had also casually mentioned that the nephew of the CEO was studying at the university as well.
Emma lowered her gaze, staring intently at the floor.
Frank Castro and Gabriel Castro…
Was it just a coincidence, or was there a connection between them?
Emma didn’t dare to think too deeply about it. If Gabriel really was connected to Frank, then how was she supposed to face him in the future? She had left Frank, only to end up entangled with his nephew, Gabriel
Just thinking about it sent a shiver down her spine.
However, Emma wasn’t one to overthink. Now that suspicion had taken root, she might as well go straight to Vayne and get some answers.
The moment she stepped into the academic office, she noticed Vayne’s somber expression as if something heavy was on his mind.
When he saw her walk in, his gaze flickered slightly. “Emma, is there something you need?”
Emma hesitated for a moment at the doorway before saying, “Mr. Arcas, could you help me look up some details on the nephew of Castro Group’s CEO, Frank Castro?”
She quickly offered a reasonable excuse. “We’re from the same country, and I was hoping to connect with him.”
