Chapter 56

Abigail apologized to Timothy and then pulled her father away from him. She was still in a daze, her father’s words from just moments ago echoing relentlessly in her mind.

“Don’t be with someone that much older than you. The man I picked for you is right here in this restaurant. Come with me to meet him,” Gabriel said, snapping Abigail out of her thoughts.

Whatever flicker of warmth she’d felt a moment ago vanished, replaced by disgust at his words.

She stopped in her tracks, turned to her father, and asked, “So you defended me just so I’d meet the guy you picked out for me?”

Gabriel frowned in annoyance. “Don’t take my good intentions the wrong way. Can’t you see there’s clearly something off about your superior? I have your best interests at heart. Are you seriously thinking of getting involved with that old man?”

Abigail felt a wave of anger rise in her chest. After a long pause, she let out a cold laugh. “You’ll stop at nothing for your own benefit, huh? That act was so convincing. I almost bought it.”

Gabriel scolded, “Why are you so stubborn? I’m your father—do you really think I’d harm you? That man is way too old for you, and he’s surely married already. What good could possibly come from getting involved with him?”

He grabbed Abigail’s hand, ready to pull her away, but Abigail wrenched her hand free.

Gabriel’s anger flared as he turned to Abigail, but when he met her chilling stare, he froze for a moment before snapping, “Of course, I meant what I said. Every parent wants the best for their child.”

Abigail retorted, “Leave me be. Daniella’s the one who needs your care, not me.” She didn’t want to waste another word on him. She had been so naive, thinking he might actually be worried about her.

As she turned to leave, Gabriel anxiously blurted out, “Don’t you want to see your grandfather anymore? Last time, we were careless and let you find out where he lives. If you walk away now, I swear you’ll never see him again.”

Abigail froze in place. She was on the verge of losing control of her emotions, but then she realized it was typical of her father, a man as selfish and heartless as any Gibson, to act this way.

Gabriel sneered, “That old man might be able to fool you, but not me. You really think Halden Group is that easy to get into?

“Even Dani had to pass several rounds of interviews—they not only care about your degree, but also how you do in interviews. You know exactly where you’ve been the past three years, don’t you?”

Abigail finally understood—her father’s defense just now wasn’t out of genuine concern for her at all.

Instead, he believed she was utterly unqualified for Halden Group, and even if she got in, it had to be because she’d used improper means.

Gabriel stepped right in front of her, his voice threatening. “Abby, whether you get to see your grandfather again is up to you.”

Sensing that his tone left no room for refusal, Abigail knew if she didn’t go with him today, he would make sure she’d never see her grandfather again.

Gabriel glanced at her once more, then turned and walked off.

Abigail’s throat tightened as if she were being strangled, gasping for air. She followed him, feeling like a hollow shell, her body and spirit completely drained.

They entered a private room in the restaurant.

Gabriel’s demeanor instantly changed. He smiled obsequiously as he walked over to the man waiting inside. “What a coincidence. My daughter and her superior were just here for a business meeting.”

Abigail glanced up, giving the man sitting at the square table a cool, indifferent look.

He had a kindly face, and when he noticed her looking, he smiled, giving off an approachable air.

“Would calling her over on such short notice affect her work?” he asked in a slow, deliberate tone, pouring coffee into a cup.

Gabriel sat beside him, all smiles. “Of course not. She doesn’t have any real skills—her superior probably just brought her along as arm candy.”

Then he turned to Abigail with a warning look. “Abby, sit down. This is Quentin Coley, the heir to Luminary Tech. If he likes you, we’ll go ahead and settle the marriage.” He didn’t even bother to ask if Abigail wanted to get married.

Having her choices taken away from her yet again, Abigail wasn’t as angry as she’d expected—just surprisingly calm. She walked over and sat down.

Quentin pushed the coffee towards her and said with a gesture, “Have a sip.”

Abigail didn’t touch the cup. She simply replied flatly, “Thanks, I don’t like tea.”

Gabriel immediately snapped, “Mr. Coley brewed it himself. You should at least take a sip, even if you don’t like it. Where are your manners?”

Abigail glanced at him, a faint smile on her lips. She picked up the cup, paused, then looked at Quentin and said, “Sorry about this. I just got out of prison, so I’m a little rusty on social graces.”

Quentin maintained his smile. “Your father mentioned it to me. I was worried it might be a sore spot you wouldn’t want to talk about, but you’re refreshingly honest and bold.”

Abigail gripped the cup a little tighter. She sipped the coffee and thought it was nothing special. “I’m really not one for fancy stuff. To me, this tastes just like plain water.”

Under the table, Gabriel kicked her foot as a warning.

Quentin didn’t take offense. “Ms. Gibson, you’re really straightforward. Since you’re being so honest, I’ll be upfront too—I’m not married, but I do have a son.”