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

Clairessa's POV

Chapter 48: What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas

20%

I 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

the Truth ever came out.

Gabriel had shown me a softer side during the awards-gentle and kind, not the cold, distant man I thought he was. I had spent the whole week reflecting, and I knew it was time to move on from my past.

If Gabriel ever found out about my plan for revenge. I could lose everything. He could fire me, and worse, my app might never get funded. That terrified me. Besides, it didn't even seem like Gabriel liked me as much as I liked tum. If he did he wouldn't have resisted me for so long, right? Maybe he wanted someone like Rebecca- confident, mature, and more on his level. The thought hurt, but it also gave me clarity. It wasn't going to happen, and I needed to stop before I ruined everything

Things were getting too complicated. The safest choice was to end the plan. But then there was Nicole shouldn't have cared after what she did with Adrian, but after working with her, I had forgiven her After Gabriel atticeueretard I was the only one going on the trip, she looked sad, and I wanted to check on hat

0

田

Thirty minutes later, I decided to visit Nicole's office. I knocked twice, but there was no answer. Pushin the door open, I stepped inside.

It was my first time in her office. Usually, we met in mine or the conference rooms. Her space was neat and organized, just like her. My eyes fell on her phone sitting on the desk.

I looked away, but Jess's voice played in my head, nagging me. Check her phone. Before I could talk myself out of it, I grabbed it.

I typed in her password. I hadn't meant to memorize it, but I'd seen her type it enough times.

I went to her messages and searched for Adrian's name. His chat thread popped up, and I started scrolling. At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Nicole had texted him, but his replies were short. Maybe he wasn't lying. Maybe they really were over.

But I wasn't convinced. I scrolled back further-and my heart shattered.

There they were-flirty texts, photos, evidence of months of an affair. They had been seeing each other for months, meeting on weekends in different cities. My chest tightened. The sexting, the nudes, Adrian sharing things with her he never shared with me-it was too much.

The messages went back six months. I had seen enough. I quickly put the phone back on the desk as I heard footsteps approaching the door.

okay?

Nicole walked in, stopping short when she saw me. "Clairessa? What are you doing here? Is everything

– 17:29 Thu, 20 Feb

20%D

Chapter 48: What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas

“I... came to check on you,” I stammered, struggling to sound calm. I couldn't believe how close I'd come to being caught. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright, especially with Gabriel's decision about the Las Vegas trip. I didn't want you to feel left out."

"It's alright,” she said with a small smile. “Mr. Storm made his choice, and there's nothing we can do about it. I wish you the best. If you need help with anything, let me know.”

“I will. Thank you,” I said, forcing a smile.

As I walked out of her office, anger and hurt came rushing back. Adrian was heartless. He had been lying to me for months, living a double life with Nicole. I had been too blind to see it.

Now, my plan for revenge was back on. This trip to Las Vegas? Gabriel was going to be mine, and nothing would stop me.

The next morning, I stepped out of the car Gabriel had sent to pick me up. The wind blew my hair sideways as I held my luggage. My eyes landed on him, standing by the private jet. He waved for me to come closer.

As I walked toward him, the massive jet came into view. Storm Enterprises was written boldly on the side. I always knew Gabriel was wealthy, but seeing him casually standing next to a private jet as if it was no big deal made me realize just how powerful he was. He was so far out of my league.

“Clairessa, welcome,” he said with a small smile, the wind tousling his dark hair, making him look effortlessly handsome. His sunglasses hid his eyes, but I could still feel his intense gaze. He wore blue jeans and a simple polo shirt-so different from the suits I was used to seeing him in.

God, he looked like he belonged in a bad-boy commercial. Get it together, Clairessa, I scolded myself as I met his gaze

17:29 Thu, 20 Feb

Chapter 48: What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas

"Mr. Storm,” I replied, managing a polite smile even as my heart raced.

20%2

"We'll board now, and Sonia will handle your luggage," he said, motioning to the woman beside him. From the way she was dressed, I guessed she was the flight attendant. She smiled politely, taking my hand luggage with case.

It was a three-day trip, and I had packed only the essentials. As Gabriel stepped aside, I climbed the stairs to

the jet, trying not to think about how close we'd be for the next few days. I felt heat build up inside me at the thought.

Three days alone with him-could I survive it without falling even harder?

17:29 Thu, 20 Febnoveldrama

Chapter 49: In My Bed.

Clairessa's POV