Chapter 177
Once the video conference was over, Gabriel called Finley, who was on the other end, and asked, "Besides dresses, jewelry, watches, planes, yachts, cars, houses, and stocks, what else can I give to my wife?"
Finley, wiping the sweat from his brow, thought Gabriel had something more significant to discuss but realized it was all for Teresa.
"Boss, since Mrs. Garcia isn't keen on business and management, maybe skip the stocks. I've heard it’s trendy to buy a private island and build a vacation villa on it. Perhaps that could bring her joy?" Finley cautiously suggested.
Gabriel had given her everything; jets, yachts, cars, jewels, watches, and mansions, gifting her relentlessly. Finley was running out of ideas.
Every time Gabriel was at a loss for gift ideas, and Finley sensed that the role was getting harder and harder!
"Hmm, an island might just do the trick. Gather some information for me," Gabriel agreed readily.
"Yes, sir," Finley replied, and after discussing a few more business matters, they concluded the call.
Elsewhere, after completing their jewelry shopping spree, Teresa and Hayden joined Diana for afternoon tea.
They chose a secluded and luxurious club owned by the Bennett, an establishment prized for its privacy and ambiance.
Arriving at the club, Michael was ecstatic to see her godmother, Diana. She clung to Diana in a loving embrace for a moment before heading off to play with Victoria.
"Teresa, I'm sorry, but I might not make it to the diplomat exam with you in two weeks," Diana said apologetically, sipping her juice, as Michael scampered off to the pond in the garden to watch the fish.
Teresa frowned in surprise, glancing at her, "Why not?"
Sitting beside them, Hayden already knew Teresa and Diana had planned to take the diplomat's exam together. Diana's sudden change of plan, giving up on her dream, left her perplexed as well.
Diana's smile was obvious as she looked at Teresa, and she said, "I've grown to love my current job. It makes me happy."
If she were to pass the diplomat exam, that could mean leaving Prime Investment and losing the chance to be with Liam.
Of course, by "be with" she merely meant working in Liam's company, nothing more.
Teresa bit her lip, pondering for a moment, then asked, "You sure about this?"
Diana nodded resolutely, "Yes, I've thought it through and made up my mind."
"Teresa, your husband's okay with you going for the diplomat gig?" Hayden suddenly asked with a playful smile.
Considering his overprotectiveness, would Gabriel really be okay with Teresa pursuing a career that kept her away from home so often?
Highly doubtful!
Teresa shook her head as if it were obvious, "He didn't object. What could he possibly object to? And even if he did, he'd keep it to himself."
Hayden chuckled, "That's the spirit. I love how you have Gabriel eating out of your hand."
Teresa was at a loss for words.
"William."
"William."
Suddenly, a chorus of respectful greetings echoed around them as everyone called out to "William." Teresa looked over, catching a glimpse of William inspecting the venue with his executives.
Not just Teresa, but Hayden's reaction was quicker. Seeing the tall, suit-clad man, her breath hitched and her heart raced involuntarily.
Truth be told, William was becoming more attractive and distinguished by the day, his presence practically radiating charisma.
Diana looked up and observed William. It was true, beauty had a force of attraction, but her heart was already filled with thoughts of Liam, in a way no one could match her man.
"William!" Teresa spotted William and immediately waved, calling out to him with a shout.
William looked over at the sound of his name. His first glimpse wasn't of Teresa, though, but of Hayden. Their eyes met midair for a split second, and William's handsome eyebrows contracted almost imperceptibly. Then he turned away, whispered a few instructions to the executives by his side, and strode over to where Teresa and the others were standing.
"William," Hayden said with an elegant, meaningful smile as she watched him approach. Diana also greeted him with a nod, "Hey, William."
William continued to ignore Hayden, looking past her and landed his gaze on Diana, where his lips formed a wry smile. And he even offered a generous compliment, "It's been a while, Diana. You look even more beautiful than before."
Flustered by the attention Diana could only smile back and murmur a "thank you."
Teresa watched William, agitated and at a loss for words. She knew he was deliberately ignoring Hayden in front of her, just to be childish and petty!
"William, are you making rounds here? Thirsty? Hungry? Wanna sit down for a drink or have some cake?" Teresa hid her annoyance well behind a servile smile as she offered him a slice of untouched cake.
"No, thanks. You all enjoy," William replied casually, tousling Teresa's hair with a smirk, "Don't overindulge in sweets, Teresa. Gabriel might abandon you if you gain weight."
Teresa gave him a scathing look.
"I'm off," William said and turned to leave, never glancing at Hayden again after that initial moment.
"William, wait!" But after just a couple of steps, Hayden's voice stopped him.
He paused reflexively, turned back with a cool gaze, and asked indifferently, "Miss Bush, what's up?"
Hayden watched him, a smile playing on her lips. To the astonishment of everyone in the room, she gracefully stood up and approached William with measured steps. Her hands slid up to his shoulders with an ambiguous charm as she tiptoed closer to whisper in his ear, her breath sweet as an orchid's scent.
William felt her presence inches away, the familiar fragrance of her enveloping him. He didn't push her away, but his brows furrowed in consternation.
As Hayden's hushed voice filled his ear, his deep eyes momentarily darkened, his heart tightening suddenly.
Everyone, except for Teresa, stared at them in shocked silence, not expecting William and Hayden to be involved. But Teresa's curiosity also spiked, wondering what secrets were being shared between them.
After Hayden finished whispering, she stepped back, gracefully allowing a smile to curl her lips as she awaited his reaction.
William turned to face her again, and, somewhat predictably, but also against Hayden's expectation, his expression darkened swiftly. "Just deal with it, Hayden," he said in a deep voice tinged with sardonic irony and icy coldness. It's not like you've never dealt with situations like this before. Why should I care?
With those words, William turned decisively and strode away.
