Chapter 418 Regretting the Missed Wedding Night from Last Night
Jessica whipped around, pulling off a nearly impossible 180-degree spin. She wobbled a bit, her long hair flying as she yanked off her hat.
She landed smack dab in Gabriel's arms.
Gabriel, holding a file folder, just stood there, looking down at Jessica. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck to steady herself.
For a few seconds, Jessica's brain went totally blank. She stared up at Gabriel's jawline, dazed, before it hit her what just happened.
Locking eyes with Gabriel again, she saw a mix of emotions. "I thought you needed time, but you're so forward," "Regretting missing our wedding night, huh?" "One minute we're arguing, the next you're in my arms. Your push-and-pull game is quite unique." "Since you're Mrs. Harriman now, guess I'll play the part of the dutiful husband."
Feeling a jolt, Jessica tried to pull her hands back, wanting to explain. She hadn't planned to fall so perfectly, but here she was, right in his arms, even though there was a big sofa she could've landed on.
But Gabriel had already dropped the file folder. With a quick move, he pulled her closer. As he grabbed her waist, he lost balance and fell back onto the sofa. Jessica, unable to steady herself, ended up straddling his lap, pinning him down.
Her chin bumped his jaw, and their lips brushed briefly. Blushing like crazy, she wanted to bolt. She tried to get up, but Gabriel held her waist, keeping her there. She could only look down at him, stuck in this awkward position.
Meeting Gabriel's dark eyes again, she noticed a hint of amusement. His calm tone had a touch of huskiness. "Mrs. Harriman, do you have a special fondness for this position?"
Jessica was stunned. What position?
She looked down at herself on top of him.
Remembering the night in Sunshine Bay City when he drank something sketchy, they almost did something in the car but ended up at the hotel without going further.
So what did he mean?
Jessica hurriedly tried to climb off him, but her panicked movements accidentally touched places she shouldn't have. She saw Gabriel's brow twitch sharply before she finally managed to get off, stumbling to stand by the sofa and looking for her dropped high heel.
Gabriel sat quietly for a moment before getting up, picking up the file folder from the sofa, and walking back to his desk. As he placed it on the desk, he looked back at her. "What time does the crew wrap up tonight?"
Jessica was momentarily confused by his sudden question, but instinctively ran through the schedule in her mind: "Tonight's a night shoot, won't finish before nine."
As she spoke, her eyes accidentally locked with Gabriel's deep gaze again. In the office, he always seemed a bit sharper and more intense than usual. That edge was now softened under his calm look, his casually open collar showing a hint of his collarbone.
She quickly looked away, avoiding his eyes.
Gabriel got the answer he wanted and didn't push further. Jessica glanced at him again, their eye contact unavoidable. She finally asked the question that had been bugging her since she arrived.
"The statement on the Harriman Group's official Instagram, did you have the legal department issue it?"
Gabriel's tone was cool and composed. "Yeah."
"And the part about the kid? If it wasn't your call, they wouldn't dare post it. You don't want the media trashing me, and this public announcement is a solid move. But by openly acknowledging Danielle as your daughter, how will you handle the fallout later? Danielle and I have gained so much from you, but the Harriman family, Grandpa Harriman, and you..."
Gabriel's lips curved slightly, and he gently cut her off. "Remember to tell the housekeeper I'll be picking up Danielle from kindergarten this afternoon."
For some reason, Jessica saw more warmth in his eyes at that moment, a softness that seemed out of place in his office.
He was going to pick up Danielle?
Did Gabriel really intend to treat Danielle as his own daughter?
Danielle had always wanted to see him but didn't dare to say it. If she suddenly saw him, she would definitely be over the moon.
Today's statement and the marriage certificate seemed to fill all the missing pieces for her and her daughter, bringing them joy and completion.
But even if Gabriel truly liked Danielle, he had never cared about her background. Wasn't this too unfair to him?
Did he really not care who Danielle's father was?
Jessica had already imagined various scenarios where Danielle's biological father suddenly appeared, and two fathers fought over one daughter.
Her only memory of the man from that night was his cold, indifferent eyes in the dark car, making her feel both cold and scared. She couldn't discern more about his emotions or situation at the time. But now, thinking back to that cold, indifferent gaze, she couldn't help but imagine he might be a ruthless mob boss. After all, the leather seats in that car were top-notch, suggesting he was loaded and powerful. And Maple Avenue was a sketchy area; anyone there at that late hour couldn't be a good person.
Gabriel noticed Jessica standing there, lost in thought, and said calmly, "Want to know the reason?"
Jessica felt a strange sense of intrigue from his words.
Gabriel didn't keep her in suspense, just chuckled softly and said, "Tonight, Danielle and I will pick you up and take you somewhere."
"Where?"
Gabriel didn't answer, just said calmly, "See you tonight."
