Chapter 16
Then I quickly snatched the paper crane from his hand and winked.
“I really like this. It’s mine now, yeah?”
Before he could respond, the other kids dragged me away to play jump rope.
Gabriel stood there, workbook clutched tightly in his hands, and murmured,
“Thank you… That paper crane is for you.”
I reached out and patted Gabriel on the shoulder.
“Wow. You really did become someone amazing.”
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Gabriel chuckled softly and offered his arm.
“Shall we, Miss Thomas?”
At the banquet, Gabriel and I were enjoying a lively conversation over champagne.
Suddenly, a hand yanked me back. Drake’s voice was breathless and agitated, his eyes flickering with a flash of amazement:
“Eloise, do you have any idea how long I’ve been looking for you? Is playing hide–and–seek supposed to be funny to you?”
Gabriel immediately pulled Drake’s hand off me and stepped protectively in front of me.
“Mr. Sullivan, have some respect.”
Drake’s eyes narrowed coldly.
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“She’s my wife. You’re the one who needs to back off.”
I stared at him calmly.
“The divorce papers are signed. There’s nothing between us anymore.”
Drake’s lips twisted into a sneer.
“Ha. So that’s why you ditched me before the banquet–you’ve got a new man.”
He paused, then raised his voice.
“Wait–no, not a new man, an old flame, huh? No wonder you were so eager to leave me.”
Guests nearby started to turn their heads. Some recognized us and began whispering.
“I heard rumors that Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan
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split, but I didn’t think it was true.”
“Everyone thought it was him cheating, turns out she’s the one who couldn’t keep her legs closed.”
“Just look at that flashy dress–clearly desperate for attention. I might go offer my services later.”
“Me too. She’s a powerhouse in the boardroom, must be wild in the bedroom.”
I bit my lip so hard it almost bled, my eyes burning with fury.
Just as I was about to explode, Gabriel gently patted my hand to calm me.
Then his gaze swept over the men who had spoken, his voice cold and clear:
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“Mr. Scott from Bluehaven Global, Mr. Collins from Redmont Capital, Mr. Parker from
Skyline Ventures–your slander against Miss Thomas has been noted.”
“And I’m sure your wives–and the press–will be very interested in those little highlights from your nights at the Carlton Hotel and Silverlake Manor.”
The moment those words landed, the men looked like they’d swallowed glass–faces pale, mouths shut, and stumbling over weak apologies.
Drake, pleased with how he’d embarrassed me, suddenly softened his tone.
“Eloise, sweetheart… I don’t care about what you’ve done. You can still come back and be my Mrs. Sullivan.”
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As he spoke, he stepped forward and wrapped his arm around my waist, his hand stroking gently while he shot Gabriel a smug look.
“After all, without my protection, how are you gonna survive, Eloise?”
I slammed my heel down on his polished shoe and shoved him away.
“Have some self–respect, Drake. Quit acting pathetic.”
Drake gasped in pain, staring at me in disbelief.
“Eloise, how dare you!”
He stumbled forward, gripping my arm tightly, voice hard and controlling.
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“You belong to me. You don’t get to leave unless I say so!”
Gabriel didn’t hesitate. He punched him straight back.
“Mr. Sullivan, let me make this clear–Miss Thomas isn’t someone you can just drag away.”
I glared coldly at Drake.
“This is the welcome banquet for the daughter of the richest man in the country. I’d think twice if I were you. One wrong move, and you’ll regret it.”
“Don’t you want to know who the heiress actually is?”
Drake stared at me, suddenly all sincerity.
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“Eloise, I only ever cared about you. None of those other women meant a thing.”
Just then, a wave of commotion rose at the door as my billionaire father entered, surrounded by an entourage.
His eyes landed on the chaos in front of him. His brows furrowed, expression unreadable, and he walked straight toward us.
Drake, mistaking the moment, suddenly lit up with confidence.
“See? Even the billionaire himself is coming over to greet me. What do you have to compete with that, Mr. Wilder?”
Then he turned to me, voice smug.
“Eloise, before I change my mind, I suggest you drop the attitude and come crawling
8/9
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back nicely.“‘
