Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

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.

The kind that made people

I barely

I saw only her.

proud. Chin lifted, fingers clasped neatly in front of her like she hadn't just carried the entire

smirked. A private

She didn't see it.

looked

Not even once.

how much that

into a wide grin across the

words. I'm impressed.

I replied instantly. "Ms. Hartwood is

me.

smile touched her

Soft. Controlled.

pulse kicked like a

God help me.

This was dangerous.

Too carved

never be allowed to

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

They walked out together.

door shut behind

Only Randolph remained.

seat and gave a

"I wasn't thrilled

a knowing

He chuckled,

flawless. Best I've seen all quarter.

all year."

for less. I've got some of the best

sparkled

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

exceptional," I said, letting the pride coat every

nodded once. "You better hold onto her. Because if you don't, someone

in the compliment. "That's never going to happen." Randolph lifted his hands in mock surrender.

came the

son though-Adrian, is

I clenched my jaw.

escaped him. "Well, he made it. Just

trying to get him in line. He's still... figuring it out. I just hope he figures it out before

a knowing laugh, leaning in

son's just the

the business is

Then his tone softened.

for them, don't we? All of it. The grind. The long hours. The sleepless nights. We don't

they see it now or

extended my hand. "You're absolutely

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

will take care

surged through me. "You won't regret

the door

the

thanked God for that-because despite Adrian's no-show, and

and saved the day. Somehow,

kept

hold onto her. Because

sat heavy in my