Chapter 75 The Failed Ploy
No sooner had they settled into the car than Yves removed his sunglasses, his eyes brimming with contempt.
He had unmistakably spotted that scoundrel, Gabriel, at the airport.
Natalie, in her characteristic calm, acknowledged, "Yeah, his old flame has made a reappearance."
Gabriel was a man hard to overlook, and Yves, with his astute perception, was bound to notice him.
"That woman next to him? Is he blind?" Yves questioned.
Natalie responded with a chuckle, "It seems your tastes differ. On another note, the photos taken earlier are bound to surface online. Would you like to manage this situation?"
Yves scoffed coldly, "No need. I merely want him to witness the number of admirers my sister has."
Had it not been for Gabriel's unexpected appearance, Yves would have kept Natalie away from the public eye. However, now that Gabriel had shown up, Yves was determined to make him see Natalie's allure and the attention she commanded.
"Recently, there's been an influx of rumors about me. I'm practically a celebrity," Natalie remarked with a helpless smile. The level of attention she received was enough to make many in the entertainment industry green with envy.
"You could easily become a celebrity. With me by your side, you can do as you please,"Yves retorted as they settled into the car, the atmosphere within growing increasingly tense.
Brad ventured timidly, "Mr. Kensington, where are we headed? Are we escorting Ms. Davis back to the hotel for some rest?"
Alyssa, glancing at Gabriel, suggested, "I'd like to visit your home. It's been a while since I've seen your parents. I've even brought gifts for them."
Gabriel's eyes darkened, his brow furrowed as he replied, "You should pay a visit to the Walker family first. Oscar's anniversary is approaching, isn't that why you're back?"
He seemed somewhat resistant to Alyssa's proposal.
Gabriel pondered whether he had been too lenient, allowing Alyssa to grow too close, to the extent that even Natalie had misconstrued their relationship.
The image of Natalie in Yves' embrace flashed in Gabriel's mind. The sight of the tall, handsome Yves holding Natalie, who made no attempt to break free, as they departed under the watchful eyes of everyone present, was a painful memory for Gabriel.
Alyssa hesitated, sensing Gabriel's displeasure. Her heart fluttered, and she quickly agreed, "Yes, but visiting the Walker family might upset the elders further, so I plan to go in a few days."
Gabriel wasn't convinced by her explanation. Brad, seated upfront, stole a glance at them through the rearview mirror before quickly averting his gaze. The tension in the car was palpable.
Alyssa clenched her fists, biting her lip. She blinked.
"I think I just saw Natalie. Isn't she dating Victor? Why is she with Yves again? After your divorce, she seems quite at ease, surrounded by many men. Brad, am I right?"
Gabriel's face turned ashen. Seeing this, Alyssa hoped Brad would interject and alleviate the situation.
However, Brad remained silent, his gaze fixed on the work schedule displayed on his laptop, as if he hadn't heard Alyssa's words.
Time seemed to stand still, the silence in the car growing heavier.
Alyssa's ploy had failed.
She fidgeted with her clothes. As the car pulled up at the hotel entrance, a look of surprise crossed her face.
"Gabriel, I..."
Alyssa had no desire to stay at the hotel. With Natalie having vacated the Kensington Villa, she saw an opportunity to temporarily reside there.
Gabriel glanced at his watch, remaining seated in the car. He regarded her indifferently, stating, "Spend more time with Oscar's parents. In three days, I'll arrange for someone to escort you back to Fairland."
Alyssa was taken aback, not expecting Gabriel to insist on her departure.
Was there no hope left for her?
"Drive," Gabriel commanded.
"Wait." Alyssa stepped forward, tears welling up in her eyes as she pleaded, "Are you still angry with me? Is it because I falsely accused Natalie previously? Isn't that water under the bridge? You don't have feelings for her, so why does it matter? If it will appease you, I can apologize to her."
