Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 192

ADRIAN'S POV

I was pacing.

Downstairs felt suffocating. I’d already done at least five laps through the living room and hall, hands clenched, mind spinning. I hated not knowing.

Clairessa had been in Dad’s office way too long. I couldn’t hear much, but whatever was going on in there—it wasn’t just a work conversation. It was more.

Part of me wanted to charge in and pull her out, rescue her from one of his cold punishments or verbal scoldings. He didn’t take kindly to being challenged. And Clairessa?

She’d walked straight into the fire without flinching. That’s what scared me. Her strength was undeniable—but she was in there alone. And I knew better than anyone how ruthless he could be when he felt threatened.

Standing out here, helpless, was its own kind of torture.

I crossed the distance in seconds, heart pounding, and moved to eavesdrop—but just as I leaned in to press my ear to the door, it flew open.

Clairessa stormed out, fury etched across her face. She nearly collided with me, but I caught her, steadying her with both hands.

“I—Are you okay?” The words tumbled out, filled with panic.

She froze for a second, surprised to see me so close, then offered a smile—too calm to be real. “I’m fine, Adrian. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Don’t do that.” My eyes searched hers. “Don’t shut me out. You two were in there a long time and… the way you stormed out—Claire, something happened. Just tell me the truth.”

She placed a gentle hand on my arm, her voice cool. “It was just about the Randolph project. He’s stressed. I’m stressed. We’ve reached an understanding. We need to start prepping for the emergency meeting. That’s all.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, watching her carefully. “He didn’t come at you hard? My dad can be… harsh.”

She scoffed. “Adrian, your dad is my boss—and yes, he’s sheltering me right now. But I can handle him. I can handle any man.”

Her tone was calm, almost too calm, and her eyes didn’t quite meet mine.

I nodded, slowly. It didn’t loosen the knot coiling tighter in my chest. “Still. If he ever crosses a line, I’ll protect you. I mean it.”

“Adrian.” Her voice came firmer this time, eyes steady. “I don’t need protecting. Not from your father. Not from anyone. I can take care of myself.”

“But—”

“But nothing.” She pulled her arm from my grasp and turned away. “I’m going to my room. There’s too much work to be done.”

She started walking off, but I stepped forward again and gently caught her wrist.

“Claire…” My voice dropped. “You promised you’d tell me if there was more. Remember?”

Her eyes shifted to mine. For a second, something behind them told me there was more.

I didn’t let go, not yet.

“I promise,” she said, her voice softer now. “But I need to prep. So… will you let me go?”

Reluctantly, I let her hand slip from mine.

I watched her walk away, every instinct screaming at me to follow, to demand answers. But instead, I turned the other way—and headed straight for my dad’s office.

I couldn’t just stand by while he intimidated the woman I love.

Without knocking, I barged into his office, the door slamming open so hard it echoed off the walls.

He didn’t flinch. Barely looked up from whatever he was writing.

“Dad,” I barked, loud enough to demand attention. “What the hell was that downstairs? I thought you and Clairessa were finally getting along.”

He lifted his head slowly, his expression far too relaxed. “You’ll have to be more specific. And who said Clairessa and I aren’t getting along?”

“Don’t act like you don’t know,” I shot back. “You tried to stop her from leaving. That didn’t look like ‘getting along’ to me.”

He set his pen down with deliberate slowness, raising a brow. “And?”

“You know what she means to me. I won’t let you intimidate her—not under this roof.”

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