Chapter 142 Placing Her Hand on His Leg
Nicholas had just finished speaking when the young girl's face darkened.
There was a moment of silence in the air.
Jessica had thought that a man like Gabriel, with his status, family background, and exceptional looks, must attract the envy of many prominent families' young ladies. In such a setting, it was inevitable to encounter some pretty girls who didn't look kindly upon her. Just by seeing the expression on that girl's face, she knew that it was like a small battlefield in front of her.
Unexpectedly, Nicholas suddenly intervened, blocking all the lines Jessica had prepared.
The way he called her 'sister-in-law' was quite natural!
It was so natural that Jessica almost believed it.
Nicholas stood in front of the main hall, his voice neither loud nor soft, but it caught the attention of many people. It was as if a sudden spotlight had shone on Jessica, and several people walked out of the main hall door to look outside.
The girl who had just spoken was scrutinizing Jessica, trying to find some fault or determine whether she was genuine or fake.
But Jessica had a beautiful face, a calm demeanor, and was not someone easily overlooked, whether in appearance or temperament. The wool coat and the outfit she wore underneath accentuated her fair complexion. Under the gradually brightening lights along the Harriman family's garden path, she looked extremely beautiful and serene.
Gabriel beside her was equally composed, with handsome features that stood out in the atmosphere of the garden lights. Even in a black coat, he wouldn't be overshadowed by the night.
"Mr. Harriman's girlfriend?"
"I heard Michael mention it today."
There were whispers in the crowd in front of the main hall, barely audible. Obviously, some young guests were discussing. The more mature ones either stayed inside with a reserved air or, if they came out, silently observed Jessica.
"Where is she? Has my granddaughter-in-law arrived?" Michael, leaning on a cane, pushed his way out of the crowd eagerly, scanning the room and instantly catching sight of Jessica standing beside Gabriel.
Jessica had been very cooperative, maintaining a close distance with Gabriel as they walked in. He had just supported her a moment ago, and now his hand was still on her arm, appearing even more intimate.
Fearing she had been silent for too long and might appear awkward, Jessica subtly nudged Gabriel beside her with her elbow, signaling him to start the conversation.
Gabriel smoothly moved his hand from her arm to her back, appearing affectionate yet gentlemanly as he embraced her waist. "Jessica, this is grandfather," he said.
Jessica smiled openly. "Hello, Grandfather. Happy birthday and good health! It's a bit out of the blue to meet for the first time without a heads up. I hope you don't mind."
Jessica, with her attractive appearance, lively spirit, and pleasant voice, seemed like a girl from a good family with a genuinely pure heart. Confident and unpretentious, with clear and honest eyes, she seemed like a girl from a good family.
Michael's eyes lit up. Although his face didn't break into an ecstatic expression, the noticeably upbeat tone couldn't hide the joy bubbling up from within. "Good, not at all abrupt! It was I who asked Gabriel to invite you over. You've been together for quite some time, and it's only right for everyone to get acquainted. It's windy outside, come in and chat."
'What did 'you've been together for quite some time' mean ?' Jessica thought.
How far along were things between her, playing the role of the girlfriend, and Gabriel?
Should she maintain the reserved attitude of a new relationship or be a bit more intimate?
Would she end up staying at the Harriman family's place tonight?
Had she been too careless to forget to ask before coming here?
Jessica maintained a smiling expression and turned her eyes to Gabriel, silently seeking his guidance.
Seemingly oblivious to her obvious question, Gabriel continued to hold her waist intimately as they walked into the main hall, drawing the attention of the crowd.
As they passed by Nicholas, he half-smiled at Jessica, a mix of joy and mischief in his expression. Although she was his prospective sister-in-law, he still remembered the incident when Jessica had stepped on his shoe and defied him. If it weren't for the fact that he couldn't say much in front of Michael, he would have definitely retorted in a different setting.
Even though the impromptu script was quite challenging,Jessica couldn't afford to slip up now that she was here.
It was the perfect time for the banquet to begin, with servants bringing in dishes one after another. Jessica sat next to Gabriel, welcoming the gazes of those present.
Suddenly, an elder, whether a relative or a friend, stood up and placed a dessert brought by a servant in front of them, saying with a smile, "Let the dessert be placed in front of the young people. We, the older ones, shouldn't eat too many sweets."
Jessica also smiled and said, "Thank you. Gabriel and I don't often eat sweets. I see many children at the next table; I'll take it over to them."
As she was about to get up, the quick-witted servant came over and took it away before she could, carrying it to the next table.
The expressions of those at the table remained unchanged, but each had their own thoughts. This Jessica seemed to understand Gabriel's taste quite well. Could it be true?
In a sudden turn of events, one of the elders at the table started talking about their favorite coffee beans and used it as a segue to ask Jessica about her knowledge of coffee. Jessica briefly mentioned what she knew and then modestly admitted she wasn't very familiar with it.
When the conversation turned to Gabriel, Jessica lightly said to him, "You like tea, which led me to focus more on tea culture. I don't pay much attention to coffee and such. I got caught off guard by the elders. What should I do?"
Her tone was filled with a playful complaint as if she was softly teasing and complaining to Gabriel. However, her voice was audible to everyone present.
Gabriel, who had been immersed in the business world, interacted with elite individuals who were exposed to coffee due to work reasons. Even if he drank coffee, it was usually black coffee. Most of the time, he preferred tea. This was something only those who had lived with him or knew him very well would be aware of.
In an instant, many people no longer doubted Jessica's identity.
Jessica blinked at Gabriel, seemingly engaging in a discreet interaction between lovers.
Only Gabriel could understand her thoughts behind that silent blink. 'I've been taking care of you for over a month; this level of difficulty is a piece of cake!'
Gabriel smiled and suddenly took Jessica's hand, which was resting on the table, and placed it on his leg, holding it gently. "You have your own strengths. It's okay if you're not well-versed in certain areas of knowledge when asked. Don't be shy; the elders are just joking. Enjoy your meal, alright?"
Jessica's eyebrows twitched ever so slightly without a change in expression.
Gabriel was a business virtuoso, adeptly changing roles with mere words. In showbiz, his talent for instant character immersion or strategic silence would surely make him a best actor contender.
