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

hapter 145: Finding Out The Woman I Trusted Betrayed Me

Chapter 145: Finding Out The Woman I Trusted Betrayed Me

Gabriel's POV

Adrian blinked. "Wait. Seeing someone? Like... a woman? In an actual relationship?"

"Of course a woman, Adrian," I replied, letting out an exasperated sigh.

He let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "You? Dating? I don't believe it."

I arched a brow. "And why is that?"

da

"Because you're you. When have you ever had time for a relationship?" He waved a hand. "Wait, let me guess. It's some business arrangement, right? A calculated move. You don't actually-"

I leveled him with a stern look, cutting him off. "This isn't a business deal, Adrian. It's real."

His mouth dropped open. "Whoa..."

"Yes."

For once, he was speechless.

Then, after a beat, Adrian let out a sound somewhere between a laugh and a gasp, his eyes widening with disbelief. "Dad... Fuck... I'm happy for you. I mean, this is great news," he continued, shaking his head like he couldn't quite believe

it.

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Chapter 145: Finding Out The Woman I Trusted Betrayed Me

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her."

"I've waited years to hear you say something like this. When are you bringing her home? I want to meet

This was the only time I didn't mind him cursing while talking to me.

I studied him for a moment, and the excitement lighting up his face both pleased and relieved me. I was glad he wanted to meet her. This was a good sign-things were finally falling into place.

"Soon," I said, letting a rare smile tug at my lips.

"I can't wait!" Adrian exclaimed, his eyebrows shooting up. "And who knows? If I charm her, maybe she'll vouch for me and convince you to give me the money I need."

"Not even in your dreams," I shot back.

He laughed, throwing his head back, clearly entertained by the challenge. "We'll see about that..."

Then, after a moment, his expression shifted-brows furrowing as though he'd just made a revelation. He turned to me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Now I get it... That's the reason for the glow. I knew something's been different about you. I mean, you've still been grumpy, but there's this... relaxed feel to it. And you haven't been nagging me to spend weekends with you... Seems like you've been busy, Pops... up to the nasty, huh?"

"Boy... if you don't stop playing with me..." I reached out and ruffled his hair, and he tried to wiggle out of my hold, laughing like a kid again and pushing at my hands. But I held on a little longer, reminding him that I was still his father-and still stronger.

III

Chapter 145: Finding Out The Woman I Trusted Betrayed Me

It was moments like this-fooling around and banter-that made being a father worth it.

I rushed home, barely sparing a moment to breathe. My body ached for rest, but I had to be quick. A cold shower jolted my senses awake, washing off the exhaustion from the flight. I changed into a fresh set of clothes, set my alarm for an hour, and crashed onto the bed. Sleep claimed me instantly.

When I woke, it was already afternoon. The day wasn't waiting for me to catch up. I had meetings lined up, reports to review, and a surprise to plan.

After a quick shower, a change of clothes, and an hour of much-needed sleep, I headed to the office. As soon as I stepped inside, the familiar scent of leather and cedar greeted me, grounding me in the reality that work was calling. I moved to my desk, slipping off my jacket and hanging it on the coat rack before settling into my chair. I took a moment to compose myself, glancing at the neatly stacked files waiting for my attention.

But despite the demands of the day, one thought remained at the forefront of my mind-Clairessa. I still hadn't told her I was back. That was the whole point-l wanted to see the look on her face when she realized I had returned early, just for her.

I could already imagine the way her lips would part in shock, the way her eyes would light up with excitement. I allowed myself a small smile at the thought.

Pulling out my phone, I typed a message to Dario, instructing him to bring Clairessa to me for a surprise dinner. Just as I was about to hit send, the intercom on my desk buzzed.

I pressed the button, and Tems' voice came through, calm and professional asnoveldrama

always. "Mr. Storm, Nicole is here to see you."

I didn't bother looking up from my phone. "Tell her I'm busy."

Chapter 145: Finding Out The Woman I Trusted Betrayed Me

"She insists it's urgent."

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I frowned, feeling irritated at the sudden interruption. "Tell her to leave, Tems. I don't have time for this."

A slight pause. "I tried, sir, but she won't go. She said it's a matter of important information-something you need to hear."

My fingers tightened around my phone as I considered the situation. Nicole had never pushed boundaries like this before. If she was this insistent, she either had something important to say-or she was about to waste my time. I couldn't decide which was more likely.

"Fine," I muttered reluctantly, setting my phone aside. "Let her in."

There was a hint of relief in Tems' voice.

"Will do. And it's good to have you back, sir."

That eased some of the tension from my shoulders. "Good to be back-and good

to talk to you too, Tems," I replied, forcing some of the bite out of my tone.

As the intercom clicked off, I braced myself for whatever mess Nicole was about to bring into my office.

A few moments later, Nicole pushed open my office door without so much as a knock and strutted in like she owned the place. A cocky grin stretched across her lips, and her posture reeked of arrogance.

Something was different about her today-the way she carried herself-like she'd come armed with intel that could change everything. If she thought this was going to work in her favor, she'd better make it worth my time, because I wasn't in the mood for games.

"Hello, Mr. Storm." She smiled, her tone dripping with fake sweetness. "You look well."

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I leaned back in my chair, eyeing her with suspicion. “Nicole. Why are you here?

And how did you know I was back?"

She tilted her head slightly, feigning innocence. "Oh, I read about it online. How the deal with Vanderwolt was sealed by none other than the CEO of Storm Innovations himself... I'm truly glad you're back with us."

I clenched my jaw. Sleazy online blogs. News spread fast, especially when someone had loose lips. That only confirmed what I'd already suspected-there was a mole in the Vanderwolt team. I had already addressed that with their CEO after they tried feeding him lies about my company.

But that wasn't the issue at hand.

"It feels good to be back." I clasped my hands on the desk. "But Nicole, as you know, I'm a busy man. Get to the point. What was so urgent that you needed to see me?"

Her smirk deepened. "Mr. Storm, I have important information-something that I know will leave you shaken to your core."

I scoffed. "I doubt that."

I knew Nicole was ambitious and cunning-the type of woman who would do whatever it took to get to the top. Even so, I was certain nothing she said could shake me.

"Cut to the chase, Nicole. You have three minutes."

She took a step closer, her gaze locked onto mine. "I have intel on Clairessa Hartwood. Something you didn't know-something that will make you question who she really is."

Chapter 145: Finding Out The Woman I Trusted Betrayed Me

My body tensed. Clairessa.

My Clairessa.

What the hell was she playing at?

This had to be some kind of sick joke.

How the hell did she even know about us?

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I needed answers, but that wasn't my first concern. First, I had to hear what she

had to say-then I'd figure out exactly how she got her information.

"Nicole, don't play games with me," I warned, my voice low.

She didn't flinch. Instead, she lifted her chin, her eyes gleaming with smug satisfaction. “Oh, Mr. Storm, if anyone has been playing games with you, it's not me. It's your lovely Clairessa."

A surge of anger shot through me. If she was here to slander my woman just to secure a spot in future projects, she was dead wrong-because I'd make sure she regretted stepping into my office with whatever selfish agenda she was chasing. "You're treading on dangerous waters, Nicole." My voice was intimidating, ensuring she understood exactly where she stood. “If you don't have anything to back up these ridiculous claims, I'll make sure you regret wasting my time. Walk out now, and I'll pretend this conversation never happened."

But Nicole didn't back down. Instead, she leaned against my desk, her smirk

widening. "Oh, I have proof, sir. The woman you've been singing praises about isn't as innocent as she claims to be."

My temper snapped. "Nicole, this is your final warning. There will be dire

consequences for accusing Miss

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Chapter 145: Finding Out The Woman I Trusted Betrayed Me

Clairessa Hartwood of deception."

She didn't blink. Instead, she pulled out her phone and began typing.

I watched her, on the verge of throwing her out.

A second later, she looked up. "I just sent you an email," she said smoothly.

"Check it out."

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