Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2178

Dannis chuckled, "But in the end, wasn't the military belle swept off her feet by you, Baron?"

Baron glanced over at Gabriel with a smirk, scoffing, "I used to think she was all high and mighty, but after we got together, she was just another notch on the belt."

Dannis immediately piped up, "Only you could say something like that about Audrey!"

The others only then realized Baron had dated the girl they all once idolized, Audrey. A wave of envy and admiration washed over them as they showered Baron with compliments, eager to curry favor.

Gabriel could see right through it. This supposed buddies' reunion was just a guise for Dannis to butter up Baron, with everyone else also looking to cozy up to him.

Baron basked in the attention, seizing the chance to get back at Audrey for rejecting him in the past and to flaunt his conquest.

After all, Audrey had had eyes for him once.

Shirley, too, saw what was happening and couldn't help feeling awkward. She had been the one to call Gabriel about the get-together, which had somehow morphed into this.

Gabriel glanced at his watch, ready to make an excuse to leave, when Baron's phone rang.

Picking up, he said, "You've arrived? Great, I'm here. Come on over."

Baron relayed the private room number and hung up. There was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" Baron commanded.

Three people entered, with Gabriel's eyes instantly landing on Sylvia, who trailed behind.

Sylvia responded with poised grace, "I'm glad our event planning left such an impression on you, Mr. Barlow. Thank you for your kind words."

She had heard about Baron in the social circles; his family had a military background, but he chose the easier route, starting a company with connections. In recent years, he had become more ostentatious and arrogant, and she wondered how many women had suffered silently at his hands.

Seeing Sylvia handle the conversation with tact, Baron was even more charmed. He extended his hand with a grin, "Indeed, with someone as stunning as Ms. Jarvis, I don't need to see a portfolio. Just on your merit alone, I'm ready to sign the highest-level contract!"

Sylvia glanced at his hand and lightly shook it, "Thank you."

Gabriel's eyes briefly lingered on their joined hands, then he took a sip of his drink, staying silent.

Baron called for the waiter to bring more drinks. Dannis, ever the eager host, immediately shifted his seat to make room for Sylvia next to Baron.