Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 202

Chapter 203: You Had One Job

Gabriel's POV

Adrian looked like hell.

His shirt was half-untucked, his tie loose and crooked. His hair stuck up in odd directions, like he'd styled it with his hands in a moving car.

His steps were rushed, scattered-like someone who already knew he'd lost and was scrambling to salvage whatever pieces were left.

He was panting like he'd sprinted across the building-yet still had the nerve to flash a sheepish, almost casual smile. Like we weren't standing on the edge of something monumental.

"Sorry,” he said breathlessly, tugging at his tie like it might straighten out his failure. "I-uh-had a little accident. But I'm here now."

I dropped my head, fist clenched beneath it, all the passion I'd felt earlier turning into a slow, simmering rage.

Disappointment burned through me. Of course he was going to fuck it up.

He hadn't changed-not really. Still the same entitled, distracted boy who thought charm could fix everything. Still unprepared. Still chasing excuses and calling them setbacks, like the world would wait for him to catch up.

I looked to Randolph, bracing myself to see if that trainwreck of an entrance had sunk us. But he'd already turned away from Adrian-his focus was on Clairessa

now.

Everyone's was.

So was mine.

Adrian slid in beside her like nothing had happened-like he deserved to be near her. But even she didn't play along.

She barely spared him a glance, just shot him a furious glare and gave the smallest shake of her head. His shoulders wilted. He nodded once-quiet, apologetic. Like a scolded child.

And Clairessa? She turned right back to the screen.

"As I was saying-"

Flawless. Unbothered. Commanding.

She didn't stumble. Didn't miss a beat.

I didn't know how she did it.

She owned the room.

Christ, she was brilliant.

Near the end, I caught her leaning slightly toward Adrian. Subtle-just enough

that only someone paying too much attention would notice.

She whispered something under her breath, guiding him.

Coaching him like a broken wind-up toy she still wanted to see run, still hoping he'd pull it together.

Then she turned back to the board and said, "I'll let Adrian close."

He stepped forward, hands fidgeting at his shirt cuffs, cleared his throat twice- eyes darting, voice trembling.

He looked like a child wearing his father's confidence. But then-somehow-he found it. Not all of it. But enough.

The closing wasn't perfect, but it wasn't a disaster either. Passable. Clean. Enough to avoid catastrophe.

And when he finished-

Applause.

made

barely

I saw only her.

of her like she hadn't just carried the

private one. Just

She didn't see it.

looked

Not even once.

hated how

broke into a wide grin across

impressed.

replied instantly. "Ms. Hartwood is

looked at me. Just

faintest smile touched her

Soft. Controlled.

like a hammer

God help me.

This was dangerous.

was too old for this. Too carved up

never be allowed

nodded. Clairessa gave a quiet smile. Adrian exhaled relief. Nicole— thankfully-kept her pride in

They walked out together.

shut

Only Randolph remained.

back in his seat and gave a low whistle.

wasn't thrilled about the

him a knowing look.

chuckled, eyes

damn near flawless. Best I've seen all quarter. Hell,

all year."

don't settle for less. I've got some of the best

eyes sparkled with

a star. The way she handled those objections? Calm under pressure. Quick on her feet.

letting the

onto her.

going to happen." Randolph lifted his hands in mock

came the sigh.

though-Adrian, is

I clenched my jaw.

he made it. Just barely. But

him in line. He's still... figuring it out. I just hope he figures it out before he ruins something

let out a knowing laugh,

My son's just the same. Always distracted, always fighting me.

to care about the business is like a

Then his tone softened.

The grind. The long hours. The sleepless nights. We don't build this empire just for ourselves, Gabriel.

Whether they see it now

my hand.

shook it firmly. "You've got the deal. Send over the revised terms. My

take care of the

surged through me. "You won't

door closing

meeting, the deal

thanked God for that-because despite Adrian's

Clairessa had stepped in and saved the day. Somehow, it

kept

better hold onto her. Because if

warning sat heavy in

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