Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 184: If You Walk Out The Deal Is Off

Clairessa's POV

I reached Gabriel's office a few minutes later, my heart still rattled from the

elevator ride with Adrian. But the moment I stopped in front of the door, the nerves gave way to a slow, burning anger.

I paused just long enough to take a breath, then knocked lightly.

"Come in," Gabriel's voice called-low, calm, composed, like he hadn't shattered me a hundred times already.

I stepped inside, chin held high.

He sat behind his desk, casually flipping through papers like it was just another Monday morning and he hadn't dragged me here out of nowhere.

His eyes met mine.

For a heartbeat, something flickered there. Pity? Maybe. Regret? Possibly. Whatever it was, I didn't want it. I didn't need his sympathy. Not from him. Not now. Not ever.

His gaze didn't waver. "How are you doing?"

The question landed softer than I expected-his voice gentler than it had been in days. Careful. Almost too careful.

I crossed my arms. "What do you think?"

He leaned back in his chair, setting the papers aside. "You've been through a lot these past few days. The fire, losing your home..." He paused, his voice dipping lower. "I know it hasn't been easy."

I bit the inside of my cheek, holding back what I really wanted to say.

"So now you care?" I fired at him, my voice low but loaded.

His jaw tensed, but his eyes didn't move from mine. "I never stopped."

I scoffed, loud enough for him to hear. "Mr. Storm, can we skip the pleasantries and get to the point of why you dragged me up here?"

He sighed, completely unfazed by my words. "Adrian told me about everything you lost. I can't imagine what that felt like. I'm truly sorry, Clairessa. If you need anything-"

"Mr. Storm," I cut in, straightening my spine, "I don't need your handouts. I can take care of myself."

His expression shifted slightly, but he said nothing, letting a long silence stretch between us.

I was here for my job. Not his pity. Not his guilt. And definitely not his broken apologies.

I wasn't here for his guilt. And certainly not for his broken apologies.

"So?" I leaned forward. "What do you want?"

Gabriel stood and stepped out from behind his desk, then sat on the edge of it, legs crossed casually like we were old friends catching up. The nerve.

"Please, sit," he motioned to the chair across from him.

I'm fine standing," I replied curtly. "Like

his

"Sit. Now."

I wasn't going to win this. Some battles weren't worth the energy. With a resigned sigh, I picked my battle and lowered myself into the chair in front of his

I didn't flinch. I wasn't

a black file across the desk toward me. "I

eyed it suspiciously before glancing up at him. "What

a new proposal I've drafted-something I believe could

split

eyes skimmed the lines

Hart App

I blinked.

is this?" I asked again,

catch up. When I looked at him, confused,

a proposal to fund your

Wait-what?

A part of me waited, expecting him to confirm it, so I could leap for joy. I could finally get the funding I

smirk tugging at his lips. “On the contrary. I would

my

back your project through the Next Generation Program... but after what happened with Mario, everything had to be put on hold. So I'm offering

we split the profit. Seventy-thirty. You

jaw nearly dropped. I stared at him, trying to make sense of it.

had to be

always was. Gabriel

without expecting something in return. And I wasn't naive enough

meant one

There was a catch.

my gaze to his. "What do you want

you to keep my son's head on straight in the company. Just

course. There it

Adrian.

one who always

was so desperate

not once did he stop to consider how

I was barely holding

needed someone to keep his golden boy

I'd felt earlier came

his head. "You've apologized. I've accepted it. I'm not going to force you into anything. But I know how much that app means to you. And Adrian means everything

that's what this is really about?" I fired back, lacing my words with sarcasm. "You get your son in line,

beneficial offer. I'm asking you to set aside your emotions and look at the opportunity I'm giving

not pretend this is about helping

through. "That's not what this is. I'm offering to put millions of my own money into something you built. No one else stepped up not even my company. And I'm giving you seventy percent of the profit. That's not normal.

I'm doing

bitter laugh slipped out before I could stop it. "So what? I