Gabriel lounged nonchalantly in his chair, his expression detached. "Back off," he muttered coolly.
The waitress in her crisp uniform felt a chill run up her spine from his dismissive glance. Though reluctant, she didn't dare push further and walked away with her tray of drinks.
Dannis, his eyes bloodshot from alcohol, squinted and sneered, "Gabriel, why so uptight? No wonder you're still single. With that attitude, no one would fall in love with you."
Baron chuckled lightly and said, "These days, being upright doesn't mean much. What's crucial for getting a girlfriend is whether you've got cash or a place to call home. Gabriel, come work for me again. I've got a new property development—you can pick any unit you want, and I'll give you a 10% discount."
Sylvia nearly spilled her drink, she dipped her head to hide a smirk.
Dannis, slurring with a hostess in his arms, said, "Gabriel, Baron's being pretty generous with you—offering a job and a place. Think it over, will ya?"
Suddenly, Sylvia stood up with her drink and approached Gabriel. She tilted her head with a mix of jest and earnest, "Mr. Carnes is without a girlfriend? What do you think about me?"
Everyone paused, and Baron sat up straight, his gaze fixed on Sylvia's back.
Gabriel looked up at her, silent.
Sylvia smiled, "If you think it's too soon, we can take it slow. I can invite you for a coffee, a drink—give you the chance to get to know me."
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Gabriel nodded slowly, "Alright."
Sylvia extended her hand sincerely, "Thank you, Mr. Carnes, for giving me this opportunity."
Gabriel reached out to shake her hand, "You're welcome."
Instead of letting go, Sylvia smoothly sat on Gabriel's lap, her eyes soft and seductive, "Care for a drink?"
"Sure, I'll have a bit."
Even though she was the boss of a PR firm with wealthy clients, he had never seen any woman maintain such integrity.
And it was precisely for these reasons that he had such strong feelings for her.
But today, he was truly shocked to see her sitting on a man's lap, kissing and fawning over him, he felt like she was a stranger.
This man—he suddenly remembered having seen him before. He had run into him while inviting Sylvia to Yum Yum Bakery for a meal, where she introduced him as a friend's brother.
So, they had been acquainted for some time?
The more Eugene thought about it, the more alarmed and disheartened he became.
Dannis and the others were equally astonished, their eyes filled with envy and sarcasm as they teased, "Gabriel, look at you! A dark horse indeed!"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Someone needs to send a new picture of Trevor to Oliver and Luke so that they will get their requested reports to Gonzalez asap. If they didn't know, now they know what awaits them if they continue to disrespect and NOT follow orders....
Well, well, well. I love how Gonzalez sent out the warning that he's the CEO and either they will acknowledge him as such or get their due diligence. I'm waiting to see how the Franco family will be walking on eggs and come into a new understanding of Gonzalez taking charge. Thank you so much for the five updates....
Adrian is hoping that he has a chance with Norah and will do everything and anything in his power to keep Norah and Xavier apart....
Thank you for the updates. I hope that Norah will remember Xavier and their relationship before the accident and that they will ever be to....
Thank you, thank you for the updates today, which is also my birthday. The saga continues. I really want Norah and Xavier to be together... but he has to want Norah....
May we have updates please. Thank you....
Why can't m Xavier just admit that he loves Norah...
Why can't m Xavier just admit that he loves Norah...
Norah took Estelle to tutor her brother. Both of them are around the same age. So why is Janice and Xavier father feel that there's an age gap for Norah and Xavier. L I know they will be together....
Norah isn't a girl, but a twenty -five year old beautiful woman that loves Xavier Fleming/Gonzalez/Hanson....