Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 56

17:33 Thu, 20 Feb D. 

Chapter 56: Making Her Learn The Hard Way 

Gabriel’s POV 

Chapter 56: Making Her Learn The Hard Way 

Clairessa walked ahead of me, her towel wrapped tightly around her body. I followed, my jaw clenched, still fuming with anger from seeing Daniel too close to her, his hands helping her out of that dress. And then he had the audacity to tell me I had no right to control her. God! I should have punched that arrogant piss of shit and put him in his place. 

When we stopped in front of the elevator, she spun around to face me, fire burning in her eyes. 

“Mr. Storm,” she vents. “This stops immediately. You don’t get to order me around.” 

Her defiance only fueled my anger, but I kept it together. “Clairessa, you are not in a position to talk back,” I shot back. My hands clenched at my sides as I fought to stay calm. She had no idea I was barely holding it together to avoid causing a scene. 

“You have twenty minutes to get dressed and show up in Sergio’s office. My tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. The butler will show you the way.” 

I turned to leave, desperate for some distance before I said or did something I’d regret. But her voice stopped me mid–step, bold and unyielding. 

“And if I say no?” she asked, crossing her arms over her waist, her chin tilted in defiance. 

I spun back to her, closing the distance between us in seconds. My towering frame pushed against her petite body, forcing her to back into the elevator until she was pressed against the mirrored wall. 

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Chapter 56. Making Her Learn The Hard Way 

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I tilted my head, forcing her to look up at me. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and I couldn’t help but notice. My eyes drifted down, taking in her damp body wrapped in the towel. The soft curves of her breasts pressed against the fabric, moving with each quick breath. Her breathing wasn’t the only thing that had changed–mine had too. 

I looked into her eyes again, and what I saw there made my breath hitch. Anger burned strongly, but behind it, there was something else–desire. The space between us felt electric, our bodies so close I could feel the heat radiating off her matching my own. 

She wanted this just as much as I did. 

My fingers twitched, tempted to trace the curve of her skin, but I stopped myself. 

Get it together, Gabriel. 

I leaned closer, my lips brushing her ear as I whispered, “If I don’t see you in the meeting in fifteen minutes, you’re off the project.” 

Her eyes widened in shock. “Mr. Storm… you can’t do that,” she argued, her voice unsteady. 

1. me. 

I stepped back, pressing the elevator button to open the doors. “Watch me,” I retorted, daring her to defy 

For a moment, she looked like she wanted to argue, but she stayed silent, her chest heaving as she glared at me. Then, without another word, she walked into the elevator. 

She was going to learn the hard way that I was in control and her actions had consequences. 

17:33 Thu, 20 Feb 

Chapter 56: Making Her Learn The Hard Way 

Sergio sat across the table, relaxed as usual, when Clairessa walked into the room. She was five minute late, but considering I’d barely given her enough time to change, I let it slide–for now. 

She wore a simple black dress, the kind that hugged her figure just enough to tease but remained professional. Her damp hair was brushed back, with droplets still clinging to the ends. It was obvious she’d rushed to get here, and part of me was satisfied. Maybe next time she’d follow my rules. 

“Clairessa, it’s good to have you here,” Sergio greeted her warmly, his tone light and welcoming. 

her. 

I, on the other hand, wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. “You’re late,” I said sharply, locking eyes with 

She squared her shoulders and met my gaze, refusing to back down. “Mr. Storm, you left me almost no time to change and get here. I tried my best-” 

“Enough,” I held up a hand, cutting her off. “I’ll let it slide this time.” 

“Sit.” 

Her lips pressed into a forced smile, but she said nothing more. I gestured to the chair across from me. 

She hesitated for a moment before pulling out the chair and sitting down. Her eyes glanced at mine briefly before turning away. 

“Let’s begin, I announced, signaling Sergio to start the meeting. 

The discussion moved quickly, and soon, it was Clairessa’s turn to present. She dove into her presentation with confidence, her points clear and precise. As much as I wanted to focus on her insubordination earlier, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of pride watching her. 

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Chapter 56: Making Her Learn The Hard Way 

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By the time she finished, even Sergio looked impressed. He leaned back in his chair, nodding thoughtfully. “I can see why you chose her to head this project,” he comended, his tone genuine. 

“Does that mean we have your approval?” I asked, though I already knew the answer. 

Sergio grinned. “Approved,” 

I nodded, keeping my face neutral. Compliments would only inflate her ego, and that was the last thing I wanted. “Clairessa, we have Sergio’s approval, so we’ll move to the next stage.” 

“Thank you, sir,” she said with a small, satisfied smile. “I look forward to working with you.” 

“Oh, stop that,” Sergio chuckled, waving a hand. “You can call me Sergio.” 

“Thank you, Sergio,” she corrected, her smile widening slightly. 

“Since that’s settled, the meeting is over,” I closed, watching her closely. She looked proud, and she had every r 

right to be. She’d worked hard, and her flawless delivery had paid off. 

“Great,” Sergio clasped his hands together. “Can we all go for lunch? I have one of the finest chefs preparing something special.” 

Before anyone could respond, the office door swung open, and Daniel strolled in, his usual bright smile plastered across his face