Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 150

Clairessa’s POV

Walking down the hallway, I clutched my phone tightly in my hand. I had called Gabriel a dozen times, left messages that went unanswered, and sent texts that remained on “read.”

I felt uneasy, unable to shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Just as I neared the elevator, movement from the corner of my eye caught my attention. Nicole. She strutted toward me with an exaggerated sway of her hips, tossing her hair back like she owned the place. I bit back a groan—of all people, she was the last one I wanted to deal with right now.

I quickened my pace, determined to get into the elevator before she could reach me, but she sped up, closing the distance in an instant. Just as I reached the doors, she stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

She fixed her gaze on me, wearing that infuriating, condescending smirk that made my teeth grind.

I fought the urge to shove her aside. “Move, Nicole.”

Her smile widened, making it clear she was deliberately trying to get under my skin. "In a hurry? You should really watch where you're going—you might trip and fall."

“I’m not in the mood for your games,” I snapped. “Step aside.”

She stared me up and down with a smug look in her eyes before folding her arms, refusing to budge. “Oh, but I thought you’d like to know—I just left Gabriel’s office.”

Shock hit me, but I quickly covered it, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing my confusion. “And?”

Her lips curved into a sly grin. “He invited me in. Needed to discuss some important personal matters—just the two of us...”

My heart pounded harder, but I forced a calm, indifferent expression. That’s impossible. Gabriel’s out of town, and he’s surely not back yet. I knew Nicole was just spinning these cheap lies to rattle me.

She let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Poor thing... didn’t you know? He’s back. I guess he didn’t think you were important enough to inform... and if you doubt me, you could go to his office and find him there.”

The words hit me hard. Nicole didn’t look like she was lying, as I had hoped... She was serious. So Gabriel was truly back. And he hadn’t bothered to tell me? Hadn’t returned any of my calls or messages? My heart sank, but I knew Nicole was watching me closely, and I refused to show any weakness in front of her.

I squared my shoulders, plastering on a fake smile. “Mr. Storm can come and go as he pleases. It’s none of your concern.”

Nicole gave me a pitying look, as if she were speaking to a clueless child. “Oh, sweetie… There's no one else here but us. You don’t have to pretend. We both know you’re screwing Mr. Storm—and Adrian too. I’ll give you credit, you're quite the actress balancing both.”

Taking a step closer, I lowered my voice to a warning whisper. “Shut your mouth, Nicole. You don’t know a damn thing.”

She let out a snort of laughter, rolling her eyes. “Please. You think I don’t see what you’re doing? Trying to keep them both wrapped around your little finger—one for power, one for fun. Adrian might be too stupid to notice, but Gabriel isn’t. Eventually, he’s going to see right through your little act, and when he does…” She trailed off, clicking her tongue. “Well, I’ll be right there to pick up the pieces.”

My hands balled into fists, and it took every ounce of self-control not to slap her across the face. "It's clear to me now that you're saying all this because you're jealous I was the one selected to take the lead on the Gemia Project and handle the pitch in Vegas..."

Nicole's face hardened. "Jealous? Please. I don’t need to be jealous of a woman who’s nothing but a toy. Gabriel only picked you because he was fucking you for fun, and soon he’ll toss you aside when he’s bored."

I couldn’t help the small, bitter laugh that escaped me. “We both know that wasn’t why he chose me... and I’m well aware that you thought he’d ever choose you? Keep dreaming.”

"Too bad I don’t have to dream for much longer," Nicole sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. “Because he’s already figured you out, hasn’t he? That’s why he didn’t bother telling you he was back. You’re nothing to him now. Just a mistake he regrets.”

I could feel the anger rising in my chest the longer I stood exchanging words with Nicole. It was clearly a waste of my time. She was doing exactly what she wanted—trying to trigger me—and I didn’t know how much longer I could hold back.

“Move… now,” I demanded.

Nicole planted her feet more firmly, blocking me with her stance. Her eyes glinted with defiance. “And if I refuse?”

I took a slow, threatening step forward, closing the space between us. Nicole was forced to back up until her shoulders pressed against the elevator door. I leaned in close, my voice barely above a whisper. “If you don’t get out of my way, I’ll make you.”

Nicole’s eyes widened for a split second, the hint of fear flashing before she quickly masked it. “Oh, you wouldn’t dare,” she scoffed, though I could hear the uncertainty in her voice.

I didn’t budge, didn’t blink, just kept pressing into her space. She had no choice but to flatten herself against the door, her breathing shallow. A sinister smirk curled at my lips. “Don’t try me.”

“Let me go! You’re harassing me…” she whimpered, fake tears welling up in her eyes as she looked around the empty hallway, desperate for attention. But no one was there to witness her performance. I could see right through it.

I cocked my head, laughing lightly at her pathetic display. “You think anyone would fall for your fake tears?” I leaned in closer, my tone mocking. “Look around... we’re all alone. And remember, you said it yourself—I have both men wrapped around my finger. Who do you think they’ll believe? You or me?”

The confidence drained from her face, and I could practically see the realization hit her—she had no power here. Nicole hesitated, then reluctantly stepped aside, her face pale and lips pressed into a tight line.

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