Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 186

Clairessa’s POV

I sat behind my desk, staring at the contract spread out before me for what felt like hours.

Tasks piled up around me—emails, meetings, deadlines—all screaming for attention.

But my eyes kept tracing the same lines, the same signatures, the same bold header with Gabriel’s name and mine. I couldn’t look away. I couldn’t bring myself to put it aside.

My chest felt like it might explode from the pressure of it all. Was I about to make another mistake—one I couldn’t undo?

Damn it…

How could this feel so wrong when it was the very reason I came to Storm Innovations in the first place? I fought my way in. I played their games. I proved I belonged. All for this—one shot to bring Hart to life.

And now, it was right in front of me. And more.

Full funding; seventy percent ownership; creative control.

It felt almost unreal.

I’d retain full intellectual property rights. Gabriel would take a thirty percent equity stake in exchange for complete financial backing.

There didn’t seem to be any buried clauses—just capital, connections, and a guarantee that I’d remain CEO and lead developer for as long as I wanted.

I wasn’t a lawyer, but after reviewing the terms and doing my research, everything seemed solid.

Ideas I once only dreamed about were now laid out in black and white, bound by legal ink across my desk.

He was offering me everything I’d bled for—everything I’d stayed up late designing, pitching, praying for.

Hell, the terms were recklessly generous. Completely lopsided—in my favor.

Yet all I felt was rage. Rage at the man who shattered me—the one who now looked at me like the love we shared these past few months meant nothing, even as he handed me my dream on a silver platter.

I swallowed hard, eyes still fixed on the page.

It felt like a gift… and yet, unmistakably, like a bribe.

I could still hear Gabriel’s voice from earlier—firm, measured, subtly controlling: “Don’t let your emotions cloud your reasoning.”

As if it were that simple.

As if he hadn’t broken me in ways I was still trying to piece together.

Suddenly, the door to my office swung open.

“CLAIRE!”

I jolted, nearly spilling the coffee on my desk. My heart jumped. “Jess?!”

She rushed in, eyes wide, arms open.

“Where the hell have you been?” I asked, still stunned. “I tried calling, but your number wasn’t working!”

“Oh my God, Claire—I’m so sorry! I totally vanished, but I swear there’s a good reason. But first… just hug me. Please. I’ve missed you.”

I stood and let her pull me into her familiar warmth. “There better be,” I muttered against her shoulder.

When we finally pulled apart, she let out a dramatic sigh, spinning slowly as she took in the room.

“Wow… Storm Innovations is big. Big. And this office? Fancy corner view, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the city? Claire, this is literally your dream—and you’re living it.”

“Yeah…” I offered a smile, but it barely touched my eyes.

She turned to face me fully, her own smile faltering. “Oh, Claire. Hold me again.”

She stepped forward, wrapping me in another hug. “I went by your apartment… That’s how I found out about the fire. I’m so sorry.” Her arms tightened. “I knew if I couldn’t find you there, you’d be here. Working. As always.”

“It’s… surreal,” I whispered, my voice catching. “Still feels like a nightmare. One minute I was heading to Gabriel’s, and the next… I came back to flames. I lost everything, Jess. It happened so fast.”

“I should’ve been here.” Jess stepped back, guilt flickering in her eyes.

“An art broker came to the studio—offered me a spot in a showcase in Barcelona. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime things. I had to leave that night. I barely packed—just grabbed my stuff and jumped on a plane with her.”

I blinked, trying to take it all in.

“In the process, my bag got stolen,” she added quickly. “My phone, wallet—everything. That’s why you couldn’t reach me. It was chaos, Claire. But… worth it.”

I touched her shoulder gently. “Then I’m happy for you,” I said softly, meaning it despite everything. “This is what you’ve always dreamed of.”

“Thanks, Claire. I’m really sorry I wasn’t here when you needed me. I swear I would’ve called… but I don’t have your number memorized.”

I gave her a flat look. “Seriously? After all these years of friendship?”

She winced. “I know, I know. But I’m the artist, remember? You’re the one with the brain for numbers and memory.”

“Whatever,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

Jess laughed and reached for my hand, guiding me toward the guest chair in my office. “Now come on. It’s your office, but let me play therapist. How are you holding up—really?”

I sank into the chair. “As good as I can be. I’m trying to hold on.”

She squeezed my hand. “You’re brave, Claire. You’ll get through this.”

I nodded, swallowing the knot in my throat.

Jess tilted her head and lowered herself into the chair beside me. “So, where are you staying now? With Gabriel, right?”

I stiffened. She didn’t know the half of it.

“I’m at Gabriel’s... but it’s complicated.”

Her brows pulled together. “Complicated how? Wait—” Her eyes widened as if something clicked. “Don’t tell me… he found out the truth?”

I looked at her, and that was all the answer she needed.

“Oh my God,” she whispered. “How did he take it?”

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