Chapter 57 Brotherhood and Unspoken Bonds
Gabriel's patience was wearing thin. "Any progress?" he demanded, his tone was sharp as Finley briefed him.Finley, sensing the tension, chose his words carefully. "Boss, it's tricky. The trail's gone cold, but give me another day or two."He quickly added, "Teresa's back, though. Graduated being the top of her class, double Master's and all. But she didn't stick around for her son still overseas."Gabriel dismissed him with a curt nod, his expression unreadable.Left alone, Gabriel's mind raced with thoughts of Teresa. She had a way of getting under his skin like no one else, and it was driving him crazy.His phone buzzed with messages from his childhood friends. They didn't chat often, but when they did, it was meaningful, about business and life.Kyle's message popped up, teasing Liam about Teresa's return. The banter escalated quickly, and soon, the chat was abuzz with speculation about Teresa's love life.Aaron, about to join in, paused. Instead, he messaged Kyle privately, spilling the beans about Gabriel's unexpected request to help Patrick.Kyle was floored. "Seriously? Gabriel and the Bennetts?" The connection was baffling.Aaron's voice message laid it out. There were no apparent ties between the families, yet Gabriel had gone out of his way.Kyle's realization hit like a thunderbolt. "So, both Liam and Gabriel have the hots for Teresa?"Aaron's advice was clear. Drop the Teresa talk in the group.Liam's reply to the group chat was a bombshell. "The kid's mine. I've always supported Teresa and her decisions."The revelation sent shockwaves through the chat. Gabriel's heart sank. He knew the truth, but Liam's willingness to accept the child meant he might be reconciling with Teresa.Gabriel tossed his phone aside. His thoughts were darkening.Brotherhood, women, old sayings, none of it mattered. Gabriel's desire to claim Teresa his was overpowering.At the Bennett home, Teresa's spirits lifted as she video-chatted with her son, Croissant. His cheerful "Mommy!" made her forget Gabriel's aggravations.Diana, watching over Croissant, was ready to return anytime. Teresa, eager for their reunion, made travel arrangements for the next day.A knock at the door interrupted them. It was Gabriel. Teresa's heart sank. She instructed the housekeeper to send him away.After the call, she prepared to visit her parents, but Gabriel's persistence was unyielding. He confronted her at the doorstep."Remember the Frostpine Grand Hotel?" he asked, there was desperation in his voice.‘That night?’ Teresa's world spun. ‘Gabriel was the man from that night?’In a fit of rage, she slapped him and told him to get out. Gabriel's admission was too much to bear."Get out!" she screamed, tears streaming down her face. Gabriel left heavy-hearted.En route to the hospital, Teresa was in turmoil. Gabriel's revelation had shattered her. The man she had encountered that night—the man she loathed—was Gabriel. And yet, his genes had given her Croissant.At the hospital, Sophia immediately sensed Teresa's distress. They discussed Liam's intentions, and Teresa resolved to confront Yvonne herself rather than let Liam cut ties with his family.Teresa's mind wandered back to Gabriel's proposal. ‘Marry him? Impossible.’Sophia expressed hope for Evan’s acceptance, but the stigma of single motherhood loomed large.Teresa pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present. "Let's eat while it's warm," she urged Sophia, masking her inner conflict with a smile.
