Chapter 28 Uncertain About Going Bald
Gabriel's disappearance had already had a major impact on the business community." The voice on the television continued, nearly lulling Jessica to sleep. Despite her exhausted state, the sound kept her hanging onto a thread of consciousness as she tried to stay awake long enough to take a shower before surrendering to sleep.
The news was confusing her, and in her half-asleep state, she hardly grasped what was being said—all she caught was something about a CEO and the Big Five families.
Finally mustering the stamina to open her eyes, the news had already moved on to the next item—reporting on a financial oversight at a company called Xyleria that resulted in a multimillion-dollar liquidity shortfall.
She had been curious to see what the person was named Gabriel. Was he balding despite the accolades of the CEO and master's degree?
"When did I switch to the business news channel?" she muttered bewilderedly as she peered at the television screen, then grabbed the remote control from beside her. She pressed several buttons, channel surfing until she heard laughter from a variety show, and stopped. Remaining seated on the couch, she couldn't concentrate on what was being said or shown. It took her a while before she took a deep breath, stood up, and prepared to take a shower.
Gabriel had gone to bed but was roused when he heard Jessica come home and the television turn on. Jessica was so tired she forgot to lower the TV volume, and Gabriel could clearly hear the news reports.
He braced for the inevitable: Jessica would soon come knocking to interrogate him about various matters. If it was no longer possible to keep secrets, there was no need to pretend.
However, the bedroom door was only knocked on twice before being pushed open. Jessica, holding pajamas and a bath towel, walked in, looking utterly exhausted and confused. "I'm going to take a shower. You can head to the living room and relax for a bit if you're up for it or keep sleeping if you've already dozed off. Don't worry about me; I'll be quick and won't disturb your rest," she said in his direction.
After a big yawn, as though all the news content had gone in one ear and out the other, she went straight into the bathroom.
Gabriel just stood there, silent. Jessica was too tired to speak coherently, let alone grasp the situation.
Out of respect, Gabriel got up and left the bedroom. He had noticed the stuffiness in her voice—she was still battling a cold. He went to her kitchen and used the electric kettle to heat some water, then took out the cold medicine from the drawer of the coffee table and placed it beside a mug, preparing to help her once she was done with her bath.
By the time Jessica finished her shower and emerged, toweling off her hair with a clearer head, she found Gabriel pouring water into a glass and couldn't help but chuckle. "You've been staying at my place for a few days now, and you've got the run of the kitchen, boiling your water and everything."
Gabriel ignored the playful jab, simply placing the glass on the table, "Wait until the water cools down, then take some cold medicine before going to sleep."
Jessica paused in mid-dab on her hair, glanced in his direction, and then at the glass and medicine on the coffee table before setting down her towel with an "Oh" and saying, "You had already gone to bed before, hadn't you? Did I wake you up?"
"Remember to take your medicine," Gabriel replied nonchalantly and retreated to the bedroom.
After closing the door, he picked up his cell phone, glanced at the time, and sent a very brief message to Nicholas instead of making a call.
The next day, the major newscasts of Xyleria mysteriously pulled all reports about Gabriel's car accident and disappearance.
