Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 13: Dinner With The Investors

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The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open to reveal Clairessa Hartwood. My breath caught as she stepped out, dressed in a red flowing dress with a slit that stopped just above her thighs, exposing her slender caramel skin. God, she was stunning. My chest tightened as I took in her frame. Her hair was straightened this time, flowing around her shoulders, and her lips were painted a deep, inviting red. She was beautiful, and every part of her presence drew me in, capturing my attention in more ways than I wanted to admit.

She flashed me a soft smile before walking toward me, her confidence radiant. “Mr. Storm,” she greeted, her voice warm and inviting.

“Miss Hartwood, please follow me,” I said, leading her down the hall. We stopped before a door, and for a moment, we stood there, simply staring at each other. I could see the tension building in her, and for some reason, I felt the need to ease it.

“Miss Hartwood,” I finally spoke, my voice a touch softer, “behind this door are four powerful men who are, potential investors I’d like us to partner with in funding your Hart app. I need you to bring your A–game and show them why the Hart app is the next big thing in the business world.”

She nodded, but I noticed the way her expression shifted. It was clear she was nervous. Without thinking, I reached out and held her hands, feeling her muscles tense under my touch. “You can do this,” I said, meeting her eyes, wanting to encourage her before letting go of her hands.

I pushed open the door and led her into the room where the investors were already seated. “Good evening, everyone,” I greeted, my voice cordial.

“Gabriel,” Marco said as he rose to shake my hand, his smile as slick as ever.

13:36 Pae, 11 Feb M

Chapter 13: Dinner With The Investors

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“It’s good to see you all doing well,” I replied, glancing around at each of them before my eyes inevitably fixed on Clairessa. “Everyone, meet Clairessa Hartwood,” I introduced, giving her a brief smile as I took her hand. She looked at me, surprised, as though she hadn’t expected this side of me. I led her to the guests, introducing her one by one.

“Meet Dale,” I said as they exchanged pleasantries.

“In the middle is Rodger,” I continued, watching them shake hands.

Finally, I introduced her to Marco. He immediately stretched out his hand to take hers, his eyes gleaming with an interest that irritated me.

beauty,” he murmured, placing a

noticed the way he held onto her hand a little too long, and it took everything in me not to

I felt a surge of anger. I knew exactly what he was thinking, and it made me angry in a

finally said, keeping my composure as I directed everyone to the table. But before I could pull out Clairessa’s seat, Marco hastily did it, annoying me further.

waiters served us, and I took the opportunity to introduce the app to the group. I wanted Clairessa to have her moment–it was her idea, after all. I

is going to revolutionize the business world,” I said, glancing at her. “And it

13: Dinner With The Investors

his tone laced with suspicion, “I would love for Clairessa to tell us why this app is worth investing millions of

your magnificent dream with them,” I urged as I

in the future. The Hart app is more than just

but there was a note of skepticism in his voice. “But I have my reservations.” He leaned back, studying her.

next generation, to the future,” he said as everyone clinked

my focus was entirely on Clairessa. As our glasses touched, I felt a strange pull toward her. I watched, completely taken by her, as she sipped

thoughts as he rose from his seat. “A word?” he murmured. I looked at Clairessa briefly before

told her, my tone warmer

face turned serious. “Gabriel, I wanted to let you know that the app and software sound good. But at the moment, I don’t think I can invest.”

my frustration evident. “You told me

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I

trying to placate me, “I know what I said. It’s just that I found out my company is

but understanding. “Is

said, though his tone wasn’t too certain. “I will speak to some of my other friends and let them know.”

Marco, laughing softly as they spoke. My tension rose. In the past, Marco had been known to overstep boundaries, but I

I marched back to the

time.”

I’m afraid we have to leave. We’ll reconvene tomorrow at the