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)
This is so beautiful and captivating to envision. Thank you for your updates....
Thank you for bringing in all the past elements to bring continuity to Jonathan and Stella love journey. I loved it....
Just smiling and smiling and smiling reading the proceedings of this story. Loving it to the max...
Excited for all the events leading up to Jonathan getting his bride. Thank you for the updates....
Beautiful how everything is flowing together. Thank you for the updates....
Appreciate the storyline and direction.. Nothing seems rushed and patiently focusing on each and every character of the story, leaving no stone unturned. Even more intresting to read by the day...
And the plot thickens…thank you for the updates....
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
No updates??...