Chapter 327 Unexpected Encounters and Lingering Tensions
Chapter 327 Unexpected Encounters and Lingering Tensions
Mason, now in his eighties and having recovered from a severe illness, preferred staying out of the limelight. He had delegated the family business to his son and grandson, making his appearances at public events rare.
Mason's attendance at William's engagement ceremony was indeed a sight too rare to miss. It made everyone see Teresa's standing in the Garcia family in a new light.
It was evident that no other woman could challenge her position!
Due to Teresa's ongoing recovery and concerns about her ability to care for little Will, she rode with Raymond and Katherine while Teresa and Gabriel drove separately.
Teresa, having been kept awake late by Gabriel's antics the previous night, was now dozing off in his arms in the cozy warmth of the car.
As they neared the hotel, Gabriel, who had been embracing Teresa while reviewing some documents, leaned down to kiss her forehead, whispering, "We're almost there."
"Mhm," Teresa murmured, opening her eyes and sitting up straighter as she turned her gaze toward the car window.
As she glanced outside, Teresa spotted a black Bentley speeding in the opposite direction. Remembering the license plate from when Hayden had driven it in River North, she quickly lowered her window to get a better look.
"What's up?" Gabriel asked, sensing her surprise.
"Honey, isn't that Hayden's car?" Teresa asked, pointing at the black Bentley passing by, a hint of astonishment in her voice.
Gabriel looked back in the direction Teresa was pointing and nodded. "Yeah, it looks like the Lin family's car."
"Do you think Hayden's back?" Teresa asked excitement in her voice.
Gabriel lifted his hand to gently tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear and shook his head, "Not necessarily. That car isn't exclusively Hayden's. Others use it, too."
Teresa frowned, paused to think, then swiftly pulled out her phone from her sparkling clutch and dialed Hayden's number.
The phone rang, but no one answered.
"Babe, stop worrying and guessing. Just enjoy your brother's engagement party, okay?" Gabriel suggested as Teresa's frown deepened at the unanswered call, reaching to redial. He took the phone from her hands.
"If Hayden really did come back, so what? She's at River North," Teresa persisted, unwilling to give up.
"And what about it? You think your brother would call off the engagement ceremony just because Hayden's back in River North?" Gabriel retorted.
Looking at him, Teresa's expression suddenly shifted to disappointment.
‘Right, all the big shots were here. The engagement was happening no matter what.’
Teresa let out a deep sigh, and her face sank in sadness.
"Babe, it's still your brother's big day. Try to cheer up." Gabriel wrapped an arm around her, gently pinching her delicate cheek. "Otherwise, when we get out of the car, people might think I've upset you."
"You are upsetting me! Wasn't last night proof enough?" Teresa became frustrated by the situation with William and Hayden, so she lashed out at Gabriel.
Gabriel pretended to be innocent as he kissed her forehead and said, "Okay, okay, I was wrong last night. I'm sorry! Once you're all better, I'll make it up to you every day."
Teresa just glared at him.
‘Rascal, brute, jerk!’
At that moment, the car stopped in front of the red carpet, and a valet appeared to open the door for them.
"Let's head out!" Gabriel said and planted another affectionate kiss on her forehead. "Smile."
"Oh," Teresa sighed heavily, gently pushing him aside, and exited the car with a touch of annoyance.
Gabriel smiled affectionately and followed her outside.
...
"William, someone here wants to see you!"
In the banquet hall, William, who was the center of attention, entertaining his guests, was approached by his trusted assistant, Finley Jeffrey, who whispered something in his ear.
"Who?" William, while laughing with some corporate CEOs, suddenly became serious and quietly asked Jeffrey something.
Jeffrey refused to give a straight answer, opting instead for a respectful tone, "You'll find out once you see them."
"Cut to the chase, Jeff," William's expression turned cold with impatience.
"It's an old friend of yours," Jeffrey replied, quickly averting his gaze.
"Just give me a name," William demanded briefly, his voice tinged with annoyance.
Lately, William had become more easily annoyed and less patient.
"They're up in the penthouse suite, waiting for you. Said they were an old friend but didn't leave a name," Jeffrey admitted with difficulty.
Glancing at Jeffrey, William's handsome brow furrowed slightly, almost unnoticeably. "Who told you this?"
"The general manager from the River North branch," Jeffrey answered truthfully.
William's lips curled into a slight smirk, but then his eyes turned cold and mocking as he promptly refused without hesitation, "I won't go."
"Understood, William." Jeffrey nodded silently, not daring to speak further, and quickly turned to leave in order to convey the message.
