Falling For My Ex's Dad의 모든 챕터: 챕터 41 - 챕터 50

Clairessa’s POV“Hey, Clairessa,” Nicole greeted as she approached my desk, her tone warm and her usual bright smile in place.I glanced up from my computer, trying to suppress the anger rising in my chest. Of all the people I had to deal with today, Nicole was the last on the list but I had no choice. “Hi, Nicole,” I responded, keeping my voice short and my expression neutral.She paused briefly, as though gauging my mood, before continuing. “I know our meeting is set for noon, but I thought we could talk first. May I?” She gestured to the chair across from me.I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and motioned toward the seat. “Go ahead.”“Thanks.” She eased into the chair, still wearing that overly cheerful smile that got on my nerves every time I saw it. “Look, I know after the Adrian situation, you probably can’t stand me—”I interrupted, not bothering to hold back. “It’s not an ‘Adrian situation.’ I caught my boyfriend cheating on me with you. And then you had the nerve to flaunt

Clairessa’s POV My hands shook as I held the champagne glass, trying to steady my nerves. I watched Adrian walk closer, but relief flooded me when a woman stopped him to talk. They looked close, their easy smiles hinting at familiarity. I glanced at Gabriel, who was busy discussing the CEO of Tech Squad. He hadn’t noticed Adrian at all. Setting the glass down carefully, I tried to think of a way out. Adrian couldn’t see me here with his father—not now, not ever. If Gabriel found out I was Adrian’s ex, my carrier and everything I had planned would fall apart. My entire strategy for revenge would be ruined. With both men distracted, this was my chance to escape. Without thinking, I stood up, only for Gabriel’s scrutinizing gaze to lock onto me instantly. His brow creased. “Is everything okay?” “I need to go to the restroom,” I muttered, clutching my purse tightly like a lifeline. He studied me for a moment, his expression softening. “Alright, I’ll be waiting for you.” I n

Gabriel’s POV I sat at the head of the long table, trying to focus on the presentation. Clairessa and Nicole were presenting their final pitch for the Gemia Project, and it was clear how much time and effort they had put into it. Clairessa spoke with confidence, though her hands trembled slightly when she turned a page or pointed to the screen. The project was flawless—every detail and idea well thought out. They had taken my feedback seriously and delivered beyond my expectations. I was glad I had trusted them to handle it together. But as I listened, my focus started to drift. My attention shifted from the presentation to her. My gaze lingered on Clairessa's face. The way her soft brown hair framed her face, her lips... God, her lips. She wasn’t just stunning—she was intelligent, driven, and incredibly talented. Memories of that night in the garden flooded my mind. I could still feel the soft breeze, see the way the lights touched her skin. I could still feel how close we we

Clairessa’s POVI could hardly believe it—Gabriel had finally approved the Gemia designs. After all the hard work Nicole and I had put in, he had given the green light. It felt like a huge win. But even more exciting than that was the trip to Las Vegas. I’d never flown out of the city before, and now I was going on a business trip with Gabriel. For days.The thought of being alone with him in Las Vegas made my heart race. I was undeniably attracted to him, and I had no idea how I was going to keep my feelings in check. I wanted Gabriel Storm in every way. He had awakened something in me that no one ever had, and after the night at his house, I craved more of what he had shown me.But as much as I liked Gabriel, I knew I had to stop. I needed to stay focused, especially after what happened with Adrian at the award ceremony. His sudden appearance had almost ruined everything.My career was finally taking off. Everything I’d worked for was coming together, but it could all fall apart if

Clairessa’s POV I took one final look in the mirror and couldn’t help but smile. The gold shimmering gown hugged every curve just right, the slit high enough to reveal my slender thighs without doing too much. Tonight, I went all out with the makeup—bold red lipstick that made my lips pop and soft curls that framed my face perfectly. I knew I looked beautiful, and it gave me a rush of confidence. I adjusted my dress, making sure my cleavage was just right, my breasts pushed up against the bra. I had a clear mission tonight: I wanted Gabriel to notice me, to see me in a way he couldn’t resist. My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. Gabriel had sent a message reminding me they were waiting. I checked the time—7:15. I was late. Not entirely my fault, though; between unpacking, doing my hair, and getting dressed, I lost track of time. I grabbed my purse, took one last look in the mirror, and rushed out the door. When I reached the elevator, I impatiently pressed the buttons