12

AUDREY
I was going to speak again, but I was saved by the bell by a short-haired young woman who approached Mr. Stark. There was no way I would win a one-on-one debate with him.
“Maya,” he said gruffly.
She grinned so wide it almost tore her lips. The girl sweetly kissed her brother’s cheek. I could see a lot of admiration in her eyes. “Hey, Gabe. We haven’t spoken for a week, and that’s how you’re going to greet me?”
According to the records, Maya Stark was twenty-two years old. She had a Master’s degree and had accomplished so much in the family business at a young age. She helped their father run the Stark Group as the COO.
Gabriel rolled his eyes. “We usually run into each other at a gathering like this, Maya, and I don’t think we should meet often. I’m swamped.”
“You were never free, anyway!” She sighed. “I’m just here because Mom is asking about you. How about you come with us tonight and have dinner at home?” Her eyes gleamed at the anticipation her brother would accept using her charms. I could tell she was very good at it. She was a beautiful young woman.
Her brother patted her hair and declined without thinking. “I have something important to discuss with my assistant.”
My mouth parted at the fact he used me for his excuse. The sapphire-eyed lady dashed her eyes at me, and her face automatically fell.
“You said it like that because you think she’s pretty.”
I blushed at her statement. “Mr. Stark, it’s really okay—”
Maya grinned at me, and there was no mixture of unkindness in there. “See? She said it’s okay.”
“Maya.” He shook his head.
She pouted again. “No one can win against you,” she murmured, but enough for me to hear.
I snickered at her comment. Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
Maya’s grin grew wide. “Aha! Your assistant thinks so, too!” She set her eyes back at me. “By the way, I’m Maya. Nice to meet you.” She reached a hand at me, and I gladly shook it.
“Audrey Hopkins, Miss Stark.” I smiled back.
“Audrey?” She frowned. “I think I heard that name before. Where did I hear it?” She crossed her arms and placed a finger on her temple. “Oh! I think I know—”
“Okay, fine.” Gabriel suddenly cracked. “I’m coming to dinner, so you can stop intimidating my assistant.”
“I wasn’t intimidating her!” her voice raised. “Why are you so defensive?”
I chuckled. I honestly liked her. When anyone thought of a girl born from a well-off family, they were usually a bore, nasty, or one who would look down on other people. Like me… before.
“It’s really okay, Mr. Stark.”
“How are you going to go home?”
“I’ll just take a cab.” I shrugged.
My boss exhaled a sharp breath. “Then I’ll see you outside.”
“No, it’s really okay—”
“I insist,” he snapped. “Maya, I’ll just see her outside. Tell Coulson we are leaving when I get back.”
Maya curiously looked back and forth between his brother and me, then flashed a smile. “Okay.”
“Come.” Gabriel headed out first, then I excused myself and said my final greetings to his sister. I glanced back once again, and she had already gone to see her other brother.
It was cold outside the building when we stepped out. My boss stood at a distance as we waited for a cab to pass through. An awkward silence filled the air. Neither of us was saying anything. Finally, a cab pulled over in front of me. This was why I thought a car was essential. I could never complain now that my boss had actually provided it.
I watched Stark speak to the driver and hand out some bills. He didn’t have to because I at least had the money for the fare, but there was no point debating it.
Stark turned around the car and opened the passenger seat for me.
“Good night, Mr. Stark,” I said, but before I could step inside, he grabbed my wrist and leaned over my ear.
“We’ll speak again in the office tomorrow,” he whispered. I hummed when I felt goosebumps rise over my skin, but that was because he slipped an arm on my waist. “You have no idea of what I’m planning for both of us.”
Stark pressed a lingering kiss on my cheek. I closed my eyes, biting my lower lip.
“Good night, Miss Hopkins.”
I murmured good night once more and finally stepped into the car. I sat there unmoving, still not having the slightest hint of what had just happened.


GABRIEL
There were reasons why I preferred to live alone.
Helen Stark could see through my mask, and she was the only one—not even my real mother could see it. I’d always longed for a mother’s affection, and she knew exactly what she was doing. I wasn’t even her son, but she cared for all her children equally. Not that I didn’t want it, but living with the Starks made me forget why I reclaimed myself.
It was to crush and destroy Hopkins down. I should never forget how they ruined my life, and I wasn’t their only victim.
I could never drag the family down with my issues.
The dinner was already served when we arrived at the house. The rest of the family was present at the elongated table.
“Good evening, Dad.” I first greeted Elazar with a brief embrace.
“Gabriel! So, Maya wasn’t lying when she told us you were coming?” He accepted my greeting and patted my back as his welcome.
Maya appeared at our side and kissed Elazar’s cheek. “Hey, Dad! He was going to ditch me for a beautiful blonde, but I insisted. She doesn’t seem to mind.” She grinned sweetly.
Helen’s expression was surprised. “Is this true? Isn’t Maxine a brunette?”
“Mom.” I walked towards her as well and kissed her cheek.
“Sweetheart!” She hugged me. “I’m glad you are here.”
“It’s not Maxine, and it’s certainly not Gabriel’s girlfriend. It’s his assistant,” Coulson interrupted, coming from behind, and he held Helen as well.
“Really?” Helen was even more astonished. “Is she new? You never even brought Kline once.”
I squeezed my temples. No information had really walked past my mother. She always knew what was happening in the office. Damn, Kline.
“It’s because she’s a vision! I told you. Gabriel is always fond of beautiful girls!” Maya crossed her arms.
“You are exaggerating, and your imagination is unbelievable. Miss Hopkins is there to work.” I paced towards the table and pulled out a chair.
Coulson laughed. “She’s just jealous.”
Elazar settled at the head of the table, and then the maids began filling our glasses with water and wine. “Anyway, it’s not always you who are here to dine with us. You should do this often.”
“We’re always busy at work, Dad.” Coulson sighed, shaking his head. “I, myself, sometimes forget about lunchtime.”
However, I also missed one thing while living with the Starks. Compassion. They had always supported each other, and they were the definition of a perfect family. I was lucky enough to become a part of them.