The meeting

Chapter Six- The meeting

Gabriella's POV

As I stood in the parking lot of the luxurious restaurant, I adjusted the hem of my silver dress. I took a deep breath and paused to gaze at myself in the car mirror. I looked stunning, way too stunning to spend dinner George.

I mentally scoffed, I had been dreading this dinner with George all day, but I knew I had to keep up the charade.

As I walked in, George stood up from his seat, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Gabriella, you look stunning," he said, his eyes roaming over my body and finally settling on my waist.

I forced a smile and took a seat across from him, trying to ignore the wave of disgust that washed over me. The more time I spent with George, the more my resentment grew. I had no choice but to hide my true feelings if I wanted to carry out my revenge plan.

The conversation started off awkward at first, George refused to take his eyes off me for once, that was more reason to prove that he and Tami's relationship was not a bed of roses.

As the night wore on, George began to talk about his business ventures, his interests, and his hobbies. I listened intently, pretending to be fascinated, all the while seething with anger and resentment on the inside.

Soon enough, the main course arrived, George's conversation took a turn for the worse. He began to ask me personal questions, his eyes hinting with a perverted interest.

I tried to push the conversation back to business, but George was relentless. "So, Gabriella, what do you like to do for fun?" he asked, his voice low and suggestive.

I smiled sweetly, trying to keep my anger hidden. "I am afraid I am a bit of a workaholic, George. I do not exactly have much time for fun."

Just as George was about to respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and I caught a glimpse of Tami's name flashing on the display.

But George ignored the call, his eyes never leaving mine. "Where were we?" he asked, his voice dripping with keen interest.

I was suddenly relieved when my own phone made a beeping noise, breaking the tension. I apologized to George and answered the call.

It was James, my private investigator. "Gabriella, Hey. We have to talk about something important, I think I have got a lead on your brother," he said, his voice was laced with urgency.

My heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, I forgot about George's presence entirely. What is it?" I asked, my mind beating profusely in curiosity.

"I would rather discuss it in person," James said. "Can you meet me at the coffee shop on downtown street?"

I glanced at George, who was watching me with a mixture of curiosity. "I will be right there," I said, already standing up. I hung up the call and placed the phone into my purse.

"I am afraid I have to leave now." I told George, trying to sound apologetic.

George's face fell, but he nodded slowly, even though the disappointment on his face was quite obvious. "Perhaps we can reschedule for another day? Everything okay though?" He raised a brow at me.

"Yes, i just have to attend to some quick business." I said.

"Are you sure you do not want a drive back home?" George pushed further. I waved it off and flashed the car key in his face.

"I brought my own ride. See you later Mr George." I smiled cockily, already backing away. "I'd like that."

As I turned and walked out of the restaurant, I sighed heavily in relief.

Without wasting anymore time, I drove fast to the coffee shop on downtown street, my mind drifting with possibilities. James, my private investigator, was already there, sipping on a cup of coffee.

"Gabriella, thanks for coming," he said, as I sat down on the chair facing his.

"What is the lead?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

James leaned in, his voice low. "I have been tracking a suspicious transaction that might be connected to your brother's disappearance. It looks like a large sum of money was transferred to an offshore account, and I think it might be a ransom payment."

My heart skipped a beat. "What makes you think that?"

James pulled out a folder filled with documents and photographs. "I have been analyzing the transaction records, and I found a pattern of similar payments made to the same account. It looks like whoever is behind this is trying to cover their tracks, but I think I can follow the money trail."

"Can you track down the account holder?" I felt little hope.

James nodded his head. I guessed that the reason he wanted us to meet in physical was because calls were really implicating these days.

I took a deep breath. "Please do what it takes to find my brother." I said with pleading eyes.

James nodded. "I wi'll do everything I can. I will keep you updated on any new developments."

I thanked James and left the coffee shop, but my mind remained on my brother. I believed that James would find him soon, i looked forward to reuniting with my dear brother.

As I walked back to my house, I notice an unfamiliar red sports car parked in the front of house. My brows furrowed in confusion as I wondered if Lucian had gotten himself a new car or if he had a guest. Although Lucian barely had guests at the house for reasons unknown to me.

I halted in front of the door and pushed it open. That was when i saw an old woman, sitting on the couch in the living room with her legs crossed.

Her eyes darted towards my direction and I watched a frown grow on her face.

My heart sank, and I felt a sense of fear engulf me as I stood by the door and gazed at the mysterious woman in my living room.

Everything suddenly became clear to me when she pointed her finger at me and barked angrily. "You must be the gold digger married to my son!"