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

Chapter 27: Focused On Him

Clairessa's POV

Chapter 27: Focused On Him

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Sitting in the grand auditorium, I couldn't focus on anything but Gabriel. The room was packed with influential people-investors, tech gurus-but my focus stayed on him. Even though he was across the room on the big stage, it felt like his eyes were on me, and I couldn't help but feel warm all over.

He stood tall, wearing a sharp grey suit, speaking with passion about how technology could change the world. His voice was calm and confident, making every word sound important.

The way he moved-his posture, his gestures-showed strength and control. Gabriel wasn't just a

who saw the future and was determined to reshape it. His presence

businessman; he was a visionary-amas

was magnetic, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't look away.

I glanced at the crowd and noticed everyone else was as captivated as I was. It wasn't just admiration-it was respect.

Gabriel had a way of making everything else seem insignificant, and all I could think about was how much I admired him-and how much I wanted to achieve even a fraction of what he had.

My thoughts wandered, and my heart started beating faster. This wasn't just about work. There was something deeper pulling me toward him, and it scared me that I couldn't ignore it.

Suddenly, a voice broke through my thoughts.

"You seem quite taken with the speaker," said the man sitting beside me, his tone smooth and curious.

I blinked, startled, turning to see a man in a well-fitted suit. His name tag read Daniel.

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Chapter 27: Focused On Him

"Excuse me?" I said, feeling my cheeks warm.

He smiled knowingly. "Gabriel Storm... he's quite impressive, isn't he?"

I nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Yes, he is. His ideas about changing the world with technology... they're incredible."

"You're interested in technology, I take it?”

Straightening in my seat, I composed myself. “Yes. I've been passionate about it since I was a child. Technology has the power to change lives, and seeing how much the world is evolving because of it fascinates

me.”noveldrama

Daniel raised an eyebrow, looking interested. "You sound passionate. What do you do?"

"I'm a software engineer," I replied carefully, avoiding too many details. I wasn't ready to mention Storm Innovations or my connection to Gabriel just yet.

His smile widened. “Impressive. It seems we have something in common.” He extended a hand. “I'm Daniel. We haven't officially introduced ourselves.”

I shook his hand, his grip warm and confident. "Clairessa,” I said with a discrete smile.

“So, Clairessa, are you here as part of Gabriel's team, or just to learn from the seminar?”

“Sort of,” I said vaguely. “We're connected through a business arrangement.”

“Ah,” Daniel said knowingly, his grin widening. "Gabriel's a hard man to get close to."

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Chapter 27: Focused On Him

I couldn't help but ask, "You know Gabriel?"

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Daniel's smile widened. “Let's just say we go way back. We went to the same university for our master's degrees."

I was about to ask more when the room erupted in applause. Gabriel had finished his speech, and I joined in. His message about believing in the impossible and chasing dreams was inspiring. As the clapping died down, I stood, feeling proud to work with someone like him.

As the applause died down, I rose from my seat, feeling grateful to be working with such a brilliant mind.

Daniel leaned closer, speaking softly. “I'm glad we met, Clairessa. How about continuing this conversation over lunch?”

“Oh...” I hesitated, glancing at him. He was handsome, a little older than Gabriel, and carried himself with confidence. Still, being around him didn't feel the same as it did with Gabriel. I felt guilty for even comparing them. Why was I doing that?

“I'm not sure.......” I said, sneaking a look at Gabriel. He was surrounded by people, deep in conversation, and for a moment, I felt like I could leave without being noticed.

"It's just lunch,” Daniel said casually but still persistent. “Fifteen minutes. If you want to leave after that, you can."

I bit my lip, considering. “Where would we go?"

"The restaurant on the second floor. A lot of seminar guests are headed there."

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Chapter 27: Focused On Him

Hooked around and noticed the crowd had reduced, I was hungry, and if it was just lunch... "Alright,” I said, grabbing my bag, even though part of me felt uneasy, like I was doing something wrong by not telling Gabriel. I pushed the thought away. It was just lunch.

Awame

At the restaurant, was clear Daniel hadn't exaggerated. The place was packed with seminar attendees, and most seats were taken. A buffet stretched along one side, offering a variety of mouthwatering dishes.

"I'll arrange a table for us. Be right back," Daniel said, heading toward a woman who looked like the manager. In minutes, a table was ready. It was clear Daniel had influence. As he returned, I noticed people greeting him with respect.

chair.

“I got us a table. Follow me,” he said, taking my hand lightly. He led me to the table and pulled out my "What will you have?” he asked as I scanned the menu and chose creamy pasta and steak.

"Good choice. I'll have the same," he told the waiter, who left with our order.

Once the waiter left, Daniel leaned forward, his hazel eyes studying me. “So, what kind of business connection do you have with Gabriel?"

I hesitated, shifting in my seat. "I work for Storm Innovations," I said cautiously. "I help with some of his

projects."

Daniel raised his eyebrows, surprised. “I see. That explains why you were so interested in him during the

seminar."

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Chapter 27: Focused On Him

"Who wouldn't be?” I blurted out, before realizing how it sounded. Quickly, I added, “I mean... he has a brilliant mind. He's one of the few who genuinely supports the younger generation."

"You're right about that," Daniel agreed.

"Does Mr. Storm know you're here today?" I asked, curious.

He hesitated. “Let's just say we haven't spoken in years. We... had a-"

Before he could finish, the waiter arrived with our food. Daniel seemed relieved by the interruption.

The meal looked amazing. “It looks delicious,” I murmured, taking a bite. I was savoring the rich flavors when I felt a familiar presence beside me.

I looked up-and froze. Gabriel stood there, his expression hardened.

“Clairessa, your lunch is over. We're leaving," his tone was firm and direct.

“I... haven't finished eating," I stammered, ready to protest, but the look in his eyes silenced me.

"Gabriel,” Daniel said, standing to greet him. "It's been a while. You're doing well, I see."

"Daniel,” Gabriel replied curtly. "Enjoyed the lecture?"

"It was exceptional,” Daniel said, extending his hand. Gabriel hesitated before shaking it briefly.

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hapter 27: Focused On Him

alone."

“Clairessa is leaving with me now," Gabriel announced, his tone harsh. "Enjoy the rest of your lunch..

Before I could object, Gabriel stepped around me, pulling my chair back decisively. His fierce gaze locked on mine, daring me to argue. It was clear he wasn't leaving without me, and he'd make a scene If I resisted. Reluctantly, I stood. Gabriel grabbed my hand–his grip tight and controlling—and began leading me out of the restaurant without another word. His steps were quick and forceful, making it hard for me to keep up. Anger fueled inside me, and I tried to pull my hand free, but his hold only tightened. "Let go of me!" I gritted through my teeth, my voice low, but he didn't stop. My heart raced as I fought to retrieve my hand, frustration and humiliation burning through me as he dragged me through the restaurant with various eyes on

1. us.