Chapter 233
Watching Teresa, Diana grinned, "Because, beyond family background and looks, I can't think of another reason. I've tried so hard, so damn hard, to be by his side. I've strived to get everything just right and made myself look sharp and beautiful every day. But it seems to be in vain."
"Diana, you can't think like that," Teresa said with a hint of urgency in her eyes, her voice tinged with concern. "So, what if Liam doesn't like you? There are plenty of other guys who do. Remember how you always had boys chasing after you back in Jena? That just shows how amazing and charming you are."
Diana gave a bitter laugh, "But so far, the only man I've truly loved is him."
"Diana,..." Teresa began, only to find herself at a loss for words. Swallowing her initial response, she paused and then said decisively, "If you love Liam that much, then go for it. Confess, chase after him with all your heart. I've got your back! No matter what, I'll be right there with you, like your sister."
Moved by Teresa's words, Diana's eyes welled up, and she couldn't resist reaching out to hug her tightly, "Teresa, you're the best!"
"Of course! We're sisters for life!" Teresa hugged her back, beaming. "And if Liam dares to hurt you, I'll step in as a Garcia and knock some sense into him."
Finally, Diana laughed wholeheartedly, "All right, just make sure you can live up to that promise!"
"When have we ever gone back on our word?"
"Right."
...
The next day, after a thorough check-up by, the doctor confirmed Teresa was okay, so she was discharged from the hospital. Arrangements were made for a family doctor to make house calls so she could recover at home.
Mason and Katherine, as well as Sophia, were there when she was discharged.
To ensure her best recovery, Teresa and Gabriel returned to the Garcia family house, where they would spend the next couple of weeks.
"Darling, you should head to the office. You don't need to stick by me all the time," Teresa coaxed after lunch at the estate as Gabriel carefully lay her down in bed, propping a pillow behind her for support.
While in the hospital, Gabriel had been by her side 24/7, and now that they were home, she didn't want him to continue such a constant vigil. It was unnecessary, so with a bit of pout, she playfully nuzzled him.
"I'll stay right by your side and still keep the company's affairs in order. It won't affect a thing," Gabriel said, snatching the blanket to tuck her in and gently kissing her forehead.
Teresa frowned. "You're not planning to hover over me for the next two weeks, are you?"
"Yep," Gabriel nodded, "that's exactly what I had in mind."
"I don't want that. Having you around all the time, I feel like I can't get anything done."
"Why?" Suddenly, Gabriel's hands pinned her down by her sides, his devilishly handsome face inching closer to hers, his voice husky, "Tell me."
Looking at him, Teresa couldn't help but laugh, "I get easily distracted seeing your face."
"So, does that mean you're too in love with me? That you can't keep your hands off me?" His eyes burned into hers, his voice low and teasing.
Teresa was at a loss for words and could only glare at him.
That shameless man, she thought, was getting more brazen by the day!
"Daddy, Mommy," at that moment, little Michael bounded to the edge of the bed on his short legs, then scrambled up with all fours.
Gabriel watched him but didn't lend a hand.
Michael was already a pro at climbing onto the bed and pounced toward Teresa in no time.
Gabriel quickly scooped him into his arms to prevent him from tumbling onto Teresa.
After lunch, the little guy had a routine of playing for a while and then taking a nap. The family of three lounged on the bed until Michael grew sleepy. Teresa cuddled him down, and soon, they were napping together.
As they slept, Gabriel watched over them. Once they were sound asleep, he grabbed his laptop to tend to some business.
About half an hour later, Luke appeared at the bedroom door. Gabriel glanced at him, expecting an update, so he set aside his work and stepped out of the room with quiet footsteps, careful not to disturb the still-sleeping mother and child.
"Gabriel, we've brought Dakota back," Luke whispered respectfully once Gabriel had stepped out.
"Where is she?" Upon hearing the name "Dakota," Gabriel's features turned to frost, chilling anger overtaking him.
"In the basement of the annex."
With that, Gabriel strode down, with Luke quickly following behind.
In the basement of the annex building, Dakota was tied up hand and foot, mouth sealed with duct tape, eyes covered, sprawled on the floor in disarray. His once meticulous makeup was smeared — a complete mess.
After several hours of being held captive without food or water, ignored even for her pleas to use the bathroom, Dakota had no choice but to endure her discomfort. She couldn't grasp how Gabriel had tracked her down so quickly after she had fled the country with a foolproof plan and someone else's passport. Could there have been a traitor in her midst?
Muffled whimpers broke the silence as she lay on the cold floor of the basement, feeling a strange tension in the air. Despite her vigorous struggle and shouting, the four bodyguards standing remained unfazed, not sparing her a second glance.
Then, the sound of approaching footsteps intensified Dakota's fear, leading her to struggle even more desperately. Gabriel's presence loomed over her writhing figure. He commanded succinctly, "Loosen her."
"Yes, sir." Two of the bodyguards complied immediately, untying Dakota, peeling the duct tape from her mouth and removing the blindfold from her eyes.
"Gabriel, what gives you the right to do this? You're breaking the law! Don't think the Garcia family's power allows you to do whatever you want!" Once freed, Dakota shrieked at the sight of Gabriel in front of her.
With a chilling gaze, Gabriel watched her shriek like some kind of jester. He nonchalantly seated himself on a couch, crossing his legs, and then flicked a glance at Luke.
Luke, understanding the silent command, walked over and delivered a kick to Dakota.
"Ah!" She cried out in pain, falling to the ground, but quickly turned her fury back on Gabriel. "Gabriel, we grew up together. How could you do this to me?"
