Chapter 38 Strategic Alliances
"Look at that, Patrick, William—the Lewis and Garcia families are merging through marriage. They've set the date for two weeks from now!"
The day after Patrick's hospital discharge, the family was at the airport, sending Teresa off. Liam was there too, of course. They'd just left the parking lot elevator for the terminal when Sophia spotted the headline flashing on a nearby screen.
She'd been so absorbed with Patrick's care that the outside world had slipped by unnoticed.
Patrick nodded, "The Lewis family must be thrilled."
Teresa, standing close to Liam, let out a dry laugh at the news report. Gabriel's empty promise of marriage echoed bitterly on her mind.
"Uncle, could this alliance threaten your business?" Liam asked, noting the concern on Patrick's face.
Patrick confirmed, "They're our main rivals for the South End project."
"Since you and Gabriel are childhood friends, maybe you could find out what his real opinion is?" William suggested, his voice tinged with urgency. "If the Garcias stay out, the Lewises might falter."
"I'll see what I can do," Liam replied, then smiled. "Let's get Teresa checked in. It's time."
They all nodded, moving toward the terminal.
In Erfurt, Germany, Gabriel got into his car after a long flight. He turned on his phone, and notifications flooded in, they were mostly about his recent dealings.
So exhausted that he tossed the phone aside, started massaging his temples.
His business in Erfurt involved a major acquisition, and he hadn't rested, because he got all carried away by documents and thoughts of Teresa's evocative expressions.
"Boss, the press is all over your supposed wedding to Unity,"
"Shut up!" Gabriel's response was sharp. "Tell PR to silence any further speculation, or shut them down."
Finley promptly relayed the orders.
Gabriel leaned back, eyes closed, a frown etched on his face.
The car slid smoothly towards the hotel. After a while, Gabriel's phone buzzed insistently. He ignored it until it nearly went to voicemail.
Seeing Liam's name, he answered.
"Where are you?" Liam asked.
"Erfurt."
"That's near Jena. Teresa's headed there for a exchange program," Liam answered.
“Teresa is going to Jena?”
"Why would she go there?" Gabriel questioned.
"She's studying abroad at the University of Jena."
A smile flickered across Gabriel's lips, his frustration was fading.
After some chitchat, Liam probed, "Rushing into marriage with Unity, it's not for love, is it?"
Gabriel immediately became blue when he herad that name. "Love's irrelevant. It’s to please my father."
Liam chuckled, then said "He's looking forward to meeting his great-grandchild."
Gabriel said nothing.
"The city's South End project's up for bids. The Bennetts and Lewises are contenders, but it looks like a Lewis win," Liam continued.
This was new; Liam seldom asked Gabriel for help.
"Is this call a favor for your future father-in-law?" Gabriel surmised.
Liam's light laugh was his only reply.
"Consider it done. Tell him not to worry," Gabriel said, already planning to strengthen his ties with the Bennett family, regardless of Teresa's feelings.
"Thanks, will give you a big gift when you marry." Liam promised.
“Haha.” Gabriel faked a laughter as he ended the call.
