Gabriel is shocked and tense when his mother, Anna, unexpectedly appears at the club. The lively atmosphere fades as the confrontation between Gabriel and Anna takes center stage, drawing the attention of their friends Ben and Peter. Anna’s expression is cold and authoritative, clearly disapproving of the situation, while Gabriel responds with a firm but controlled tone, making it clear that Anna does not have to ask permission to be there but that her presence is suspicious.
Anna reveals her intention to talk to Gabriel alone, dismissing Isla by referring to her coldly as “the woman” beside him. This provokes a strong reaction from Gabriel, who immediately defends Isla, insisting that she be addressed properly as his wife. The tension escalates as Anna’s sarcastic and biting remarks show her disdain, and Isla feels the weight of the hostility directed at her. Despite the pressure, Isla decides not to remain silent this time, summoning the courage to stand up to Anna.
Isla calmly but firmly tells Anna that she will not allow her to disrupt their evening or treat her disrespectfully. Her refusal to back down surprises everyone, including Anna, who is visibly unsettled by Isla’s composed strength. Gabriel supports Isla silently, his protective stance signaling that he will not tolerate his mother’s manipulations any longer.
The chapter ends with Anna speechless and stunned by the unexpected resistance from her daughter-in-law and the united front presented by Gabriel and Isla. The power dynamics have shifted, leaving Anna without a ready response and highlighting the growing rift between mother and son, as well as the increasing strength of Gabriel and Isla’s relationship.
“Mother?” Gabriel’s voice was taut, laced with disbelief and a hint of shock. “What are you doing here?”
Around them, the lively music and the murmur of conversations seemed to fade into an indistinct hum, as if the world had narrowed down to this unexpected confrontation. Even Ben and Peter, seated nearby, turned toward the scene in surprise, exchanging uncertain glances that spoke volumes.
Anna remained motionless, her gaze unwavering as it locked onto her son. Her expression was a complex blend of authority and disapproval—a look Isla had come to recognize all too well over time.
“Gabriel,” she finally spoke, her tone sharp and clipped, carrying an unmistakable edge of command. “I wasn’t aware that I needed your permission to visit a public place.”
Isla caught her breath quietly, a sudden gasp almost escaping her lips, but before she could even shift in her seat, Gabriel’s arm came around her waist in a firm, protective hold. The touch was grounding, a silent reassurance that anchored her in place.
His eyes didn’t waver from his mother’s face. “You don’t,” he replied evenly, though his jaw clenched tightly. “But this can’t be a coincidence, can it?”
A faint, cold smile flickered on Anna’s lips, devoid of any warmth. “You could say that,” she answered, her voice smooth yet edged with something unspoken.
Gabriel chose not to press further, mindful of their public surroundings and the delicate balance of the moment.
“I came here to talk with you, son,” Anna said, her voice calm but sharp enough to send a chill down Isla’s spine. Her cold, appraising eyes shifted toward Isla as she continued, “I’m sure the woman beside you won’t mind if I take you away for a few minutes. Will she?”
The deliberate way she said “the woman” made Isla’s stomach twist painfully.
Gabriel’s jaw tightened immediately, his entire body stiffening as a flash of anger darkened his features.
“That woman has a name, Mother,” he said low and warning. “That woman is my wife, and you know it. So I’d appreciate it if you addressed her accordingly.”
His words landed heavily between them, a stone dropped into still water.
For a brief moment, Anna’s expression wavered. She was stunned by how fiercely her son was defending Isla of all people. The sting of rejection cut deeper than she had expected.
From across the table, Ben and Peter exchanged looks. They had witnessed the humiliation Gabriel’s family had inflicted on Isla before, and this—this moment—filled them with quiet pride. The cold, powerful CEO they knew was finally standing up for his wife.
For the first time, Anna Wyndham found herself utterly speechless.
The charged encounter between Gabriel, Isla, and Anna unveiled the deep-seated tensions that have long simmered beneath the surface of their relationships. Gabriel’s unwavering defense of Isla marked a pivotal moment of growth and loyalty, signaling his determination to protect the life and love they have built together. Isla’s quiet strength and refusal to be diminished by Anna’s cold authority highlighted her resolve to stand firm not only for herself but for the future they share.
In this emotionally fraught scene, the power dynamics shifted palpably, revealing the cracks in Anna’s once unchallenged dominance and the emergence of a new, united front between Gabriel and Isla. The chapter closes on a note of silent defiance and guarded hope, underscoring the resilience of love in the face of familial discord and the courage it takes to claim one’s place against all odds.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the simmering tensions between Anna and Isla, as the fragile peace they maintain begins to crack under the weight of unspoken resentments and hidden truths. Gabriel’s unwavering support for Isla marks a turning point, but it also sets the stage for conflicts that could challenge the very foundations of their relationships. Readers will be drawn into the emotional undercurrents as loyalties are tested and the true strength of bonds is revealed.
As Isla holds onto a secret entrusted by Alfred, the stakes are raised in ways that could change everything. The delicate balance of trust and deception will create an atmosphere thick with suspense, leaving readers eager to discover how Gabriel will respond when confronted with truths that have long been kept in the shadows. The next chapter will explore not only the external confrontations but also the internal struggles of each character, promising a rich tapestry of emotion and drama.
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.

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