Chapter 321 Gabriel Got Upset and Didn't Even Recognize God
Jessica moved gracefully, spoke confidently, and smiled just the right amount. Imogen, standing nearby, couldn't find any faults, but her eyes still showed no sign of acceptance. Without waiting for Kimberly to formally greet Jessica, she directly asked Gabriel, "Are you busy these days?"
Jessica and Kimberly's conversation was abruptly cut off.
Imogen had no intention of letting her precious daughter get too close to someone she considered an outsider.
Jessica's smile didn't waver, and her mood stayed calm. Kimberly just nodded politely to Jessica, not saying much more.
Gabriel replied coolly, "Yeah, Jessica's busy too. But since you rarely come back, we made time. We're leaving tomorrow morning."
"No matter how busy you are, you should visit the Harriman family more often to spend time with Michael. Nicholas isn't as steady as you; he's always messing around with Michael," Imogen said in a motherly tone. "Also, Kimberly will be staying here for a year. You need to take good care of her. When you were in Y Country, you were always busy and didn't have much time to catch up. Now that Kimberly is in Xyleria, you're the only person she knows and trusts. Do you get what I'm saying?"
"I get it, but it might be tough," Gabriel said, his naturally cold demeanor showing no warmth as he looked directly at Kimberly, who was listening to Imogen with her head down. "Even real siblings need to avoid unnecessary contact as they grow up, let alone a nominal relationship like ours. It's normal to ask about her studies occasionally when we meet at the Harriman family, but other forms of companionship are not appropriate."
Since Kimberly first met Gabriel at home in Y Country, she hadn't seen him much, but she had paid attention to his words and actions for a long time. This was the first time she had heard him say so much.
His words made her face turn slightly pale.
"What's inappropriate? I'm just asking you to take Kimberly out more. It's her first time in the country and in Xyleria; she's not familiar with anything here. What's the problem with you accompanying her more?" Imogen immediately frowned. "Although Kimberly lives with the Harriman family, she's still very distant from Michael. Even though she calls him Grandpa Michael, it's their first meeting. You can't just leave her there and ignore her. Kimberly has always been very fond of you. Saying this in front of her is too hurtful."
"Jessica is also meeting you for the first time and has been thinking about you far away in Y Country," Gabriel said lightly, looking directly at Imogen. "What did you say today?"
Imogen immediately retorted, "I'm the elder! Since she's your girlfriend and came to the Harriman family without proper manners, what I said wasn't harsh! Are you holding a grudge for someone and speaking for an outsider in front of me?"
"Not at all. What I said to Kimberly wasn't harsh either. I was just making the relationship and situation clear," Gabriel said coldly, his expression unchanged.
Imogen frowned in anger.
"Mom," Kimberly quickly took her arm and gently patted it. "Don't be angry."
Jessica consciously remained silent for a while.
So Gabriel could argue with his own mother?
And he had a point.
With the right amount of politeness and his inherent aura, even someone as experienced as Imogen couldn't out-argue her own son.
"I'll say it again. I brought Kimberly to Xyleria, but with so much going on with our overseas branches in Y Country, I have to head back in a few days. Kimberly will stay in Xyleria, whether you agree or not. If anything happens to her, if she gets hurt or feels uncomfortable, or if someone bullies her," Imogen said, glancing in Jessica's direction.
"You better understand how important Kimberly is to me and your father after all these years. You must do what you should and take care of her. Don't neglect the person who truly matters because of an outsider," she emphasized, glancing at Jessica again.
Kimberly, holding Imogen's arm, suddenly spoke, "Mom, don't worry. Gabriel has always been good to me. When he came home a few times in Y Country, he took good care of me. Now, it's just that Jessica is here, and he can't say too much. Don't be angry. I won't have any problems in the country. Even if Gabriel doesn't come to see me during his breaks, I'll go to the company to find him. No matter what, he can't get rid of me. He'll still take care of me, so don't worry."
Gabriel's face was as cold as ice, with no warmth. "Since you're an exchange student, I suggest you focus on completing your studies in the country. Not everyone can enter the company. Being stopped by security is not a good scene."
Suddenly, Nicholas's leisurely voice came from the side. "Even I have to apply several times to get into the Harriman Group to see him. Once inside, Gabriel leaves me alone, and I can't even get a word in. I advise you not to go."
Imogen immediately looked at Nicholas with displeasure. "Gabriel thinks you talk too much."
Nicholas sneered, "The Harriman Group's rules are strict. Even family members can't easily access. These rules were set by Grandpa Michael before he retired. After Simon caused trouble in the company, Gabriel tightened security at the headquarters. Even Grandpa Michael has to inform Gabriel before visiting the company."
Nicholas then raised his eyebrows and said earnestly, "I suggest you guys not to give Gabriel a hard time at work. He's so serious during work hours that he wouldn't recognize even God."
Imogen suddenly looked at Jessica. "Have you been to his company?"
Should she tell the truth?
If she lied and Imogen checked the company's security footage and found out she had been there, it would be really awkward.
After a few seconds, she answered, "I went in the evening when it was already after work hours at the Harriman Group. He hadn't eaten dinner and was working overtime, so I brought him some food."
Nicholas nodded. "See, even my sister-in-law has to go after work hours."
