Chapter 453 What's the Obsession with Bathing Together?
"Instead of worrying about my relationship with Mrs. Harriman, you should be counting the years you'll be spending behind bars," Gabriel's voice, cold as ice, echoed from the bedroom.
Daniel spun around, disbelief etched on his face, and saw Gabriel stepping out. He crumpled to the floor. "You..."
Gabriel didn't even glance at him, his eyes locked on Jessica.
Jessica, who had been busy packing in the bedroom, now stood there with a safety hammer in one hand and a high heel in the other. Her hair was a mess, and though she tried to look calm, her rapid breathing gave her away. Subduing a grown man wasn't a walk in the park. Her eyes were fierce, a stark contrast to the sweet, embarrassed look she had earlier.
She had already recorded everything. The last ten minutes were all the evidence the cops would need.
She exchanged a look with Gabriel, seeing the sternness in his eyes. She knew she'd been too reckless, trying to handle it all on her own. He had trusted her and given her space, but it was clear he wasn't happy.
Jessica remained where she was, maintaining her defensive posture in case Daniel tried anything.
Once Gabriel saw she was okay, aside from her messy hair, he finally looked at Daniel.
Daniel quickly turned his head, trying to dodge Gabriel's gaze. Just one cold, indifferent look from Gabriel was enough to make him feel like he was being crushed.
That look was scarier than the "weapon" in Jessica's hand.
The police knocked on the door soon after. Jessica, still holding the items against Daniel, couldn't move, so Gabriel stepped past them to open the door.
The cops rushed in and, seeing the scene—especially the unscathed woman holding a hammer—were momentarily stunned.
Daniel was taken away, and Jessica handed over the surveillance video to the police.
To help with the investigation, she went with the police to explain everything.
When she got out of the police car, she saw Gabriel standing by the car, talking to someone who looked like a police department leader. After a brief chat, the leader turned to Jessica with a respectful smile. "Mrs. Harriman, don't worry. We'll handle this based on all the evidence. We know about Daniel's situation. If he appeals, you and Mr. Harriman might need to testify. Mr. Harriman has already arranged for a lawyer."
Jessica knew Daniel wouldn't go down quietly. He'd do everything he could to appeal and cause trouble.
She nodded, "Thank you, officer."
The officer smiled politely and then nodded respectfully to Gabriel. "Mr. Harriman, we'll take him back and be in touch."
Two police cars with flashing red and blue lights pulled away from the apartment complex. Jessica turned to face Gabriel, not saying a word, just looking at him.
Gabriel, though silent, had a cold aura about him, even in his jawline.
"Are you really not afraid of death?" he finally asked, his eyes cold but softening when he looked at her.
"I know it was risky, but scaring him off wasn't my goal. The whole mess with the Rogers father and son taught me that. Guys like Daniel are too unpredictable. With the Jenner family embroiled in that property dispute in Washington, I might get dragged into it. Best to send him to prison for a few years so he can't cause trouble. Plus, he did have malicious intent towards me, so it's justified."
Gabriel raised his hand to smooth her hair, which had been pulled by Daniel.
His gaze was calm, but Jessica could feel his anger.
She tugged at his sleeve, looking at him innocently like Danielle. "I know my actions were risky and not well thought out. I didn't fully consider the dangers and consequences if things got out of control. I promise I won't do it again. I'll discuss everything with you first. And… and if necessary, I'll hide behind you. For safety!"
She then kissed Gabriel's jaw. "I swear it won't happen again!"
Gabriel stroked her hair, a mix of anger and helplessness at her sudden childish plea, and sighed, "Does it hurt?"
"It's fine, just a few lost hairs," Jessica snuggled into his arms. "I've almost finished packing. I'll go back to the set this afternoon and tonight I'll make you some egg pasta at South Hill Villa."
Seeing his indifferent expression, Jessica quickly added, "I'll add two eggs!"
She continued, "And two more dishes. I'll cook tonight."
Gabriel remained expressionless.
Jessica leaned into his arms, poking his chest with her finger. "I'll take a bath with you tonight."
Finally, Gabriel moved, taking her hand and kissing her hairline, then her head, his heart aching even for the few strands of hair she lost.
Jessica smiled, "So, Mr. Harriman, is it the shared baths or the egg pasta you crave?"
Gabriel's kiss moved to her lips and he murmured, "Both."
The next day.
Jessica spent the entire day on set, finishing most of the important close-up shots by evening.
Afterward, she drove to the commercial street in downtown Xyleria, circling near the high-end dress design center before choosing a store to enter.
Michael had arranged a family dinner for the weekend. Although it was called a family dinner, many friends and relatives were invited.
According to Seraphina, Michael intended to formally introduce Jessica and Danielle to friends and family, making sure Danielle was welcomed grandly. The dinner was almost as grand as Michael's 80th birthday party.
As the Harriman family's granddaughter-in-law and Danielle's mother, Jessica needed to dress elegantly and appropriately, a departure from her usual business attire. So, she was here to commission a custom-made gown.