Classic Novel
Chapter 19
And it did.
Leonica's final words to him sank in the deepest, striking Gabriel's heart that was already occupied by the conflicted feelings, seeing Leonica after five years, had brought.
But one thing was clear, her transformation in the past five years, precisely, how indifferent she had began acting towards him, angered him. Yet, as he turned and watched her ascend the stage to give her speech, spot light shinning all around her, Gabriel couldn't help but feel mesmerized.
The Leonica he knew five years ago, would have never dared to talk back to him. She would have been so afraid, so broken, she wouldn't have the courage to stand up for herself, yet, here she was.
Her aura had completely changed and she wasn't the same woman he had married and divorced.
No, the woman who stood on stage, holding a microphone in her hand with a billion dollar smile, was a confident and strong individual.
She had changed so much in five years.
During his trans like stare towards Leonica, Gabriel had failed to notice Angelina beside him, who had noticed his gaze on Leonica.
Seeing the way he stared at her, clearly affected by her glow up, like the other, Angelina felt irritated and clenched her fist, manicured nails nearly digging into the flesh of her palm.
'Never.' She thought, directing her stare towards Leonica who was now starting her speech, unaware of the tremors in both their hearts.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen," She began, soft voice washing over the crowd and hushing the whispers. "My name's Leonica Romero, the President of the business chambers. and tonight's speaker. I hope you all are having a pleasant evening, 'cause I sure as hell am.
****
The rest of the Banquet had gone by in a blur in Angelina's mind, the only thing she had been focusing on was Leonica who was clearly not bothered by her starè.
After some time, she had grown tired of the banquet and bade her prospective acquaintances goodbye before leaving the banquet. Immediately she was gone, Gabriel announced that they were also leaving.
Angelina tried not to think too much of it, but each time she recalled the way Gabriel had stared at Leonica's throughout the female's time on stage, the more she became aware of the situation.
A New Threat Hus Alinen
A threat had arisen.
They arrived at Angelina's manor ten minutes past ten, however, as the chauffeur was about to drive away,
she noticed Gabriel was still inside the car.
"Aren't you coming?" She questioned.
"I'm tired. I'll head home for now." Gabriel replied, his dull grey eyes, which were fixed
outside the window, not even bothering to glance at her.
Angelina's eyes twitched, clearly sensing the sudden change in his attitude tonight.
'It is all because of that woman.' She thought.
"Are you sure? Why not stay the night. It's pretty late." She reasoned.
Gabriel glanced at her and flashed a clearly forced smile. "No, I think it would be better for me to rest at home. Thanks for the invitation though, I'll talk with you once I've rested." And just like that, he was gone.
As the chauffeur drove away, Angelina felt a knot form in her stomach.
'Just what is this feeling?' She thought, her eyes staring down at the diamond ring on her finger.
Threat? Fear? Intimidation?
All because of the same woman?
No.
Angelina shook her head, her long brown locks dancing at the action. "I have no reason to be afraid. Leonica's just a nobody who can't hold a candle to me."
Turning around, she marched towards the entrance of her house, all the while fishing her phone out of her purse.
She scrolled through her contact list and once she spotted the number she was looking for,
she dialed.
The line rang for only a few seconds before it was answered.
"Detective Langer, Evening." She greeted.
"Ms. Fernandez, hello. How many I help you." The man on the other end sounded more than happy to hear from her.
"I have a favor to ask." Angelina stated, passing the coat Gabriel had lent her to her butler who was waiting. "I need you to trail someone for me."
"Alright. Who's the target?"
A New Theat Has Aguin.
T
"The name's Leonica Romero, she just recently returned to Norway, I want her movements to be traced and all her activities to be monitored."
"What kind of activities are we talking about?" Detective Langer inquired.
"All of them. I need a detailed report, I want to know the type of food she eats, the clothes she wears, the places she visits, even the men and women she meets. Am I clear?"
"Yes ma'am, you are crystal clear. But may I know the reason behind all this?"
"The reason?" Angelina's lips twisted into a sneer, her eyes darkening as a feeling of satisfaction washed over her.
The reason for her current action was simple. She wanted the upper hand.
She is going to monitor Leonica's activities and look for the best time to strike, tarnishing her reputation, no, her existence entirely in Gabriel's eyes.
By the time she is done, those eyes that stared at her this evening would be filled with nothing
but disdain and malice towards her.
And she was going to enjoy every single second of it.
"The reason detective, is for me and me alone to know."
It was dark.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
That was the first thought that crossed Gabriel's mind as he opened his eyes after having drank a considerable amount of whiskey to forget Leonica's claims about his grandmother and then having fallen asleep in his room.