Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 76

Gabriella lowered her gaze, her eyes moving downward.

Asher was holding her hand, their fingers intertwined. His voice carried a mocking edge: "Reunite? As if Gabriella would give such rubbish a second glance now that she's with me."

Crude, perhaps, but not untrue.

Gabriella smiled demurely, playing along by leaning closer to him, nestling against his side like a contented bird seeking shelter. "Asher's absolutely right. There's only room for him in my heart now. Why would I spare a thought for some forgettable mistake from my youth?"

Drake's smile froze, his expression darkening.

"A forgettable mistake from my youth." Her words stung.

Was that truly how she saw him? As something so utterly insignificant?

Drake's hand tightened into a fist at his side as he struggled to control his anger and resentment.

Simultaneously, a flash of jealousy crossed Grace's eyes, almost imperceptible. She silently gritted her teeth, mentally cursing Gabriella a thousand times over.

Victoria jumped in with a deliberately pointed tone: "Well, Miss Bennett, perhaps this explains why your family has such a questionable reputation. Chasing after someone Gabriella grew bored with—rather desperate, isn't it?"

"Who are you calling 'someone she grew bored with'?" Drake snapped, unable to contain himself any longer.

Eliza's face flushed with anger. She was about to argue with Victoria but caught sight of Sebastian standing behind her and thought better of it.

She couldn't afford to antagonize the Darwin family.

"I'm talking about you," Victoria replied coolly, crossing her arms and regarding Drake with open disdain.

"So you're Drake Ashcroft? Dating you seems to be like having a criminal record for Gabriella. Thank goodness she came to her senses and gave you the boot. Otherwise, I might have had to hold a knife to her throat to force her to break things off. Weren't you back with your 'perfect ex' or whatever? Why not bring her out for a stroll on such a lovely day?"

Drake was practically apoplectic with rage.

As he appeared on the verge of losing control completely and launching into a tirade against Victoria, Grace quickly grabbed his arm. "Come now, let's all stop arguing. This is just a misunderstanding. It's my fault entirely—I had no idea Drake and Gabriella were previously involved."

Grace bit her lip lightly, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at her brother, the picture of a wounded innocent.

"Brother, I truly didn't know Drake was Gabriella's ex-boyfriend. I thought... I thought he was simply Eliza's friend, nothing more... Brother, you won't blame me, will you?"

Asher was about to speak when Gabriella beat him to it, mimicking Grace's affected manner: "Sister, it was merely an innocent mistake. How could I possibly blame you? Your brother won't blame you either."

Asher wasn't certain what Gabriella was planning, but he supported her unconditionally. With a cold expression, he replied, "If Gabriella doesn't blame you, then neither do I."

Grace was momentarily speechless, looking at Gabriella in confusion. Gabriella offered her a sweet smile that sent chills down Grace's spine. What was this woman plotting?

Gabriella laughed inwardly. If Grace wanted to play games, they would see who would end up more uncomfortable.

James, who had been silently observing the drama unfold, finally spoke up: "Let's not all stand about like this. We should have something to eat and rest before the hike. We'll need our energy for the climb."

The spectators dispersed. Everyone began setting up camping tables and chairs, laying out tablecloths, and arranging the evening meal preparations.

Portable grills, charcoal, camping stoves, cookware—all the necessary equipment was available. Everyone busied themselves, some preparing the barbecue, others working on hearty stews.

Gabriella and Victoria gravitated toward the barbecue station together.

Victoria whispered: "Why don't you just send him packing?"

The "him" in question was Drake.

Gabriella calmly basted a rack of lamb with herb butter. "It wouldn't work. I've tried several times before. He'd just turn up again another day."

"Gabriella, I was right, wasn't I? This Grace Bennett is absolutely devious. Would you sooner believe she didn't know Drake was your ex, or that I'm bloody Queen Victoria reincarnated?"