Chapter 36 Why are you drifting away from me
The waitress, bubbling with enthusiasm, presented a new dish featuring black truffle to the table. But before Teresa could utter a word, Gabriel brusquely interrupted, making his selections with swift precision. Since Gabriel cut her, the waitress just stop keep introducing and put on an awkward smile as she left.
As the meal progressed, Liam and Gabriel plunged into a deep business discussion. Teresa slipped away to the restroom, and upon her return, she found the main course served and Liam motioning for her to try the steak he had begun to cut.
"Have a taste before it gets cold," Liam urged, swapping their plates.
Teresa tried the steak, while Gabriel intermittently glanced her way, his internal conflict evident as he observed her interactions with Liam.
Liam's business call interrupted their dinner. With a reassuring squeeze of her hand, he excused himself, leaving Teresa to dine with Gabriel.
Alone with Teresa, Gabriel teased, "Not a fan of my company, are you?"
Teresa ignored him, focusing on her meal.
"Here, the truffle sauce is exceptional," Gabriel insisted, sliding a slice onto her plate.
Teresa's expression soured. "I don't want it," she snapped, pushing the truffle back to his plate.
Gabriel got upset and said "You accept Liam's offerings but reject mine?"
Her temper flaring, Teresa was on the verge of lashing out when Gabriel tried again to share the truffle.
In her rush to stop him, Teresa's knife accidentally cut Gabriel's hand, it started to bleed.
"Ouch!" Gabriel hissed, but still managed to drop the truffle onto her plate.
The sight of his bleeding hand shocked Teresa back to her senses. She quickly removed the truffle from her plate, discarding her utensils.
"Enough, Gabriel!"
"Sir, your hand..."
"Piss off!" Gabriel's sharp command sent a waiter scurrying away, his concern cut short by Gabriel's icy dismissal.
