Chapter 23 Change of mind
Reida's skyscraper pierced the skyline of River North, dwarfing the Bennett's respectable Queen headquarters with its sixty-eight stories of glass and steel.
Teresa exited the Uber beneath the towering facade of Nebula Consumer Products, her eyes tracing the ascent to the clouds where she half-expected to see Gabriel Garcia peering down from his lofty perch.
Her phone's buzz cut through her reverie. It was Patrick, her father.
"Hey, Dad."
"Teresa, rumor has it the Garcias might join forces with the Lewises not the Lins. You're close with Unity, could you find out if there's any truth to it?" His voice was laced with urgency.
The news hit her like a bolt. Gabriel and Unity, a couple? It makes sense; Unity had been Gabriel's date at their friends' gathering, a spot reserved for serious relationships.
Teresa hadn't heard from Unity in a while. Maybe she was busy with wedding plans with Gabriel, the jerk.
"Dad, I'm pretty sure it's happening," Teresa said, piecing the puzzle together for Patrick.
Patrick's sigh was heavy, burdened.
"Dad, will this affect us?" she asked, a frown creasing her brow.
"Don't worry. Your brother and I have it covered. Just focus on your studies abroad. I'm proud of you," Patrick reassured her.
After hanging up, Teresa's thoughts returned to Gabriel's antics, sparking a fresh wave of anger.
She went to Reed Corporation's lobby with a purpose.
"Hello, these belong to CEO Gabriel Garcia. Could you please deliver them to him?" she asked the receptionist.
The receptionist's eyes sparkled at the mention of Gabriel's clothes, and accepted the bag with a grin. "Certainly. I'll ensure it reaches him."
"Thank you!" Teresa was so relieved after returning the jacket..
"She actually came to return my clothes? Incredible!"
Gabriel's voice, deep and tinged with annoyance, stopped her in her tracks.
"Gabriel!" The receptionist stuttered..
Teresa was caught off guard but still managed to put herself together, she stepped back and replied, "The clothes are clean. It seemed right to leave them here."
Gabriel's gaze lingered before a smirk appeared. "Teresa, I've reconsidered."
She wasn't here to play his games. She glanced at him and walked away.
"They still smell. I demand an exact new one," he called out, nonchalant.
Teresa stopped walking and turned around, she was speechless.
"Come on, let's go get it now," Gabriel said, then grabbed her arm, and walked away.
