“Human emotions flow between people,” Warren said gently. “When you have no expectations of someone, there’s no emotional exchange. But when you love, respect, and rely on them, disappointment hits hardest in your most helpless moments.”
Warren looked into Abigail’s tear-filled eyes and smiled softly. “Get better soon. You can’t miss his funeral.”
Sebastian observed from the side, realizing Warren had quite a talent for comforting people.
When Warren caught Sebastian watching him, he instinctively stepped back and made a small gesture in his direction.
Sebastian knew he could never match Warren and James when it came to this kind of emotional support.
When Abigail was happy, he could joke around and make her laugh. Now, watching someone he cared about in pain, he felt completely lost. Everything he thought of saying seemed wrong, powerless.
“We need to follow up on your family situation,” James said, knowing Sebastian’s jealous nature all too well. Even though comforting Abigail was the right thing to do, James clearly couldn’t handle it.
After they left, Abigail stared at the ceiling with a vacant look in her eyes.
“Your throat hurts, so I won’t make you talk,” Sebastian said.
Abigail turned to look at him and whispered, “Okay.”
At noon, Bianca arrived at the hospital room door carrying food, but Sebastian blocked her way.
“She doesn’t want to see you. Please leave, Mrs. Gibson.” His tone was cold, his eyes deep and menacing.
Bianca’s eyes reddened as she started to speak, but Gabriel cut her off. “Then we’ll leave her in your care.”
Sebastian didn’t even bother giving them a contemptuous look.
Warren’s voice cut through the tension as he approached with James. “Gibson Group is in chaos without leadership. Shouldn’t Mr. Gabriel Gibson be at the company reassuring shareholders instead of standing guard here? Are you expecting Ms. Gibson, who has suffered severe burns, to comfort your shareholders?”
Gabriel’s phone had been ringing nonstop with calls from panicked shareholders.
Wyatt’s death had thrown the entire Gibson Group into turmoil,
But the real blow was that the arsonist was Daniella–the same girl the Gibson family had raised for over twenty years, their cherished princess who they’d treated like precious treasure.
When news spread through the business world, no one offered sympathy. They only had mockery for the Gibson family.
Bianca used to parade Daniella around town, never missing a chance to brag about how brilliant Daniella was. Her eyes would gleam with pride as she showed her off while looking down her nose at other wealthy families whose daughters were spoiled brats who constantly stirred up trouble.
She’d either mock them outright or immediately hold up Daniella as the perfect example of what a young lady should be.
Now that perfect example had left one Gibson family member dead and another injured, and the rest of the Gibsons homeless.
“Mr. Judson, you and Dad always handled the company’s business. I’d be useless there anyway. For my Dad’s sake, please, you have to save the family this time.” Gabriel knew perfectly well he couldn’t handle the task Warren had given him.
The newly hired executives at the company didn’t respect him at all.
Chapter 234
They were top talent poached with high salaries–people with real skills and connections who would never take orders from Gabriel.
Warren couldn’t help but sneer. “Why should I help the Gibson family? I came here to make money from Gibson Group.
“Now your stock has hit rock bottom, and you’re hiding in the hospital refusing to answer calls. You think those shareholders are just going to let the Gibson family off the hook?”
James handed Sebastian an elegant basket. “My mom made the meal herself.”
“Please thank her for me.” Sebastian took it from him.
“Come on, let’s go. Don’t waste your time on him.” James tugged at Warren’s arm.
Honestly, if it weren’t for Abigail, they wouldn’t have anything to do with the Gibson family at all, let alone waste time talking to them.
It was a complete waste of time and energy.
The hospital room door clicked shut. Gabriel slumped against it, running his hands through his hair before slamming his fist against his head.
“Gabriel, stop hitting yourself!” Bianca rushed forward and grabbed his hand.
Gabriel had led a lavish lifestyle during the height of the Gibson family’s prosperity.
During his school days, he’d been the quintessential rich kid with an entourage trailing behind him wherever he went. He’d treat the entire class to dinner without batting an eye.
After graduation, he’d stepped into the company, starting as a manager. While he hadn’t controlled everything, Wyatt had doted on him and guided him up the ladder. He’d risen steadily to vice president, with Wyatt handling major decisions while Gabriel managed the day-to-day operations.
Before marriage, he’d been Cobridge’s most eligible bachelor, the man every socialite dreamed of but couldn’t reach.
His life had unfolded perfectly–a smooth marriage, children, and the family business thriving year after year.
Gabriel had never imagined that in his later years, he would fall this far.