The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 112

The warmth of his embrace still seemed to linger against her spine, and that slight, trembling strength in his arms kept her heart racing long after.

Standing in the entryway, she watched Gideon casually hand his suit jacket to the housekeeper. Under the bright lights, his broad back looked incredibly reliable. All the grievances and defenses she had buried for years had been forcibly cracked open tonight.

Nora bit her lower lip, her hands unconsciously twisting together.

"Gideon, I..."

Before she could finish, Liam York, who had been waiting quietly in the corner of the living room, hurried over.

Liam looked absolutely grim. Clutching a phone that was still on an active call, he shot a quick glance at Nora before leaning close to Gideon's ear, whispering something urgent and rapid.

Nora clearly saw the relaxed lines of Gideon's brow instantly knot together.

The violent aura that had just dissipated completely re-condensed around him at terrifying speed—even darker and more suffocating than when he had dealt with Seraphina at the gala.

"I understand."

Gideon replied in a low, tight voice, turning his head to look at Nora.

"What's wrong?"

Watching his drastically changed expression, the tiny sliver of warmth in her heart felt the immediate premonition of a chill.

"There's an emergency at the company I need to handle."

He looked at her, pausing slightly. His tone snapped back to its usual brisk professionalism, speaking faster than before. "You had a long night at the gala. Go upstairs and get some rest. Don't wait up for me."

Nora stood rooted to the spot, the words she wanted to say shoved violently back down her throat.

She saw the poorly concealed panic flashing in his eyes. A thread of unease rose in her chest, but she still nodded obediently.

Hearing this, Gideon's hands clenched so tightly against his knees that his knuckles turned a ghastly white.

"How is Giselle right now?"

His voice was strained, leaking uncontrollable panic.

"The housekeeper said that right after she hung up, she locked herself in her room and refused to open the door for anyone. She's smashing things and crying hysterically. She even said..."

"Said what!"

Gideon's voice spiked violently with raw panic.

"She said if you don't come back immediately... she'll end it all to join your grandfather."