Chapter 152
Inside the lobby, the guards and receptionist, along with several other employees, were struck dumb at the sight of Teresa entering. There was a collective pause as they stared, transfixed.
Teresa always had a subtle style. And now, as a teacher in a school, her dress selections were inevitably far from the flamboyant designer wear of socialites, wealthy housewives, or celebrities. She wore casual clothing.
But subtle didn't mean ordinary. The quality, comfort, and fluidity of her clothes were incomparable to off-the-rack purchases. After all, every garment worn by a member of the Garcia family was tailor-made, seasonally updated, and unattainable for most, regardless of their wealth.
In her three-quarter sleeve cashmere sweater and capri pants, Teresa's tall and graceful figure was perfectly complemented. Black heels added to her poise, her only adornments being a delicate diamond chain resting above her collarbone and her wedding ring. Even with minimal jewelry, she was an arresting sight that was hard to look away from.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Garcia!" someone finally managed to break the silence, greeting her with the utmost respect.
By now, Teresa or Mrs. Garcia as she was affectionately known had become an internet sensation, her fame eclipsing even A-list celebrities and elite influencers. Everybody knew who she was.
However, she was far more stunning in person than on television, social media, or magazines.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Garcia!" Following the initial greeting, others began to follow suit, and soon, greetings filled the vast lobby, each filled with respect for Teresa.
Teresa proceeded, her smile gentle and eyes warm as she nodded in acknowledgment to everyone.
"Mrs. Garcia, are you here to see Mr. Garcia? May I show you the way?" The security manager jogged over, asking with a respectful grin.
Teresa shook her head, "Not necessary, I've got it. Just tell me which floor, and I'll find my way."
"Sure thing," the manager responded with a smile, "Mr. Garcia's office is on the top floor. Take a right out of the elevator and it's about fifty meters down."
"Great, thanks," Teresa replied with a nod, heading straight for the private elevator.
Stepping into the elevator, Teresa waited for the doors to close before confronting her reflection in the polished, mirror-like walls. Noticing that her lipstick seemed a bit subdued, she deftly pulled out her tube and refreshed her pout with a few practiced swipes.
With her lips now adequately touched up, she couldn't help but chuckle to herself.
Since when had she become so conscious of her looks in Gabriel's presence? Even in the early days with Liam, she hadn't paid as much attention to her appearance.
The elevator softly signaled its arrival at the penthouse level. As the doors glided open, Teresa's gaze instantly met that of Finley, who appeared to be waiting for the elevator, a stack of papers in his hands.
"Ma'am, you..."
"Shh!" Teresa quickly silenced a surprised Finley with a finger to her lips. She stepped out and quietly inquired, "Is your boss around? Has he had lunch?"
"Skylar prepared something for him; it’s in his office. But I don’t think the boss has taken a bite. He's been busy discussing a collaboration with Miss Bush," Finley informed her.
"Hayden?" Teresa's brows knitted, "You mean Hayden?"
"Yes," Finley replied with a nod, gesturing courteously, "Please, ma'am, let me accompany you to the boss's office."
Teresa thought for a moment, biting her lower lip thoughtfully before shaking her head gently, "Tell everyone if they see me, not to make a fuss. I'll just wait outside until their meeting is over."
She didn’t want to interrupt Gabriel's important business discussion with Hayden, potentially wasting their valuable time.
"Sure thing, ma'am. Follow me," Finley responded, leading the way to Gabriel's office with an inviting hand gesture.
Upon seeing Teresa, the staff outside Gabriel's office, all widened their eyes. Nevertheless, Finley quickly signaled for everyone to stay quiet. They all resumed their work in silence after Teresa greeted them with a warm smile, though they couldn't resist sneaking glances at her.
"Alright, let’s finalize it when I visit the capital next month. I'll have our legal department draft the terms, and after Mr. Bush reviews them, we can further discuss," came a voice from within the office.
"Why not bring Teresa along on your trip to the capital next month?" another suggested.
Teresa slowed her pace as she approached the ajar door of Gabriel's office, where the voices of Gabriel and Hayden spilled out. The two seemed to be wrapping up their discussion.
“I’d love to, but Teresa might not be so keen,” Gabriel’s voice carried through.
“Just sweet-talk her, she’ll totally fall for it,” Hayden encouraged.
That Hayden, plotting with Gabriel against her! Teresa fumed in silence.
“Why do you want Teresa to join us on the trip to the capital? Got any ulterior motives?” Inside the office, Gabriel lounged in his executive chair, casually eyeing Hayden with a half-smirk.
“What motives could I possibly have? You’re not suggesting I’d harm Teresa, are you?” Hayden shot back.
“You wouldn’t, because you simply have no reason to. Though, I do hope that after you become Teresa’s sister-in-law, you'll still stand by her the way you do now,” Gabriel said, teasingly.
Hayden chuckled and raised an eyebrow. “Well... even I’m not sure about that; how can you be?”
Gabriel didn’t answer, instead smoothly shifting the subject, “Anyway, thanks for the favor of not marrying me back then.”
“And I thank you for not taking vows with me either,” Hayden replied with equal dryness.
Exasperated by their exchange, Teresa strolled in unannounced, as the door stood wide open. “You guys thanking each other back and forth... are you doing this because you know I'm here, or what?”
At the sound of her voice, both heads turned, and upon seeing Teresa enter with a stack of gourmet meal boxes in hand, a genuinely delighted and blissful smile spread across Gabriel's face.
"What a coincidence! Speak of the devil, and she shall appear," Hayden said with a grin, gathering her documents and purse to leave, "I'll skip out on the lovefest and head out."
"Take care, my future sis!" Teresa teased with a playful smile.
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