Chapter 24
Gabriel’s mood improved significantly. He took Gina’s hand. “Let’s go. Dad is waiting.”
Gina was taken aback by how presumptuous he was. By the time she recovered, Gabriel was already holding her hand. It felt soft and tender. He didn’t want to let go.
Gina tried to pull away. What are you doing?” She was used to being on her own. Holding hands was too intimate. She felt uncomfortable.
“Can’t I hold your hand? Do you not like me?” Gabriel sounded sad.
David bowed his head to hide his shock. Was Gabriel acting coy?
Gina went speechless. Although she didn’t like to deal with social niceties, not letting him hold her hand seemed like she was rejecting him. She didn’t mean that. “It’s okay… You can hold it, Gina agreed eventually.
Asly gleam flashed across Gabriel’s eyes. They entered the Grand Restaurant. Their attractive looks drew attention immediately.
One of them whispered, “I can’t believe it. Is that Mr. Jackson? This is the first time I saw him here with a woman.”
Another added, “Mr. Jackson is so dashing. That woman is also beautiful. They’re so compatible.
Some secretly took out their phones to photograph them and posted them on their social media with the caption, “Such a beautiful couple!” The photos spread quickly. Some recognized Gabriel but he blocked Gina, making it impossible to tell who she was. It sparked a round of jealousy.
Gabriel brought Gina to the first Phoenix room.
Grand Restaurant, with its century–long history, was a high–end establishment. The First Phoenix room had its history too. Many important people used to have meals and discussions there. The room had antiques and paintings left by them.
Customers had to have a net worth exceeding 600 million dollars to dine there. Each customer was limited to one companion.
The room was spacious and there was a small rock formation and fountain in it.
Neil looked up when the door opened and his jaw almost dropped at their enjoined hands. How did Gabriel move so quickly?
Neil had thought his son might remain single for life, It turned out that Gabriel hadn’t met someone he liked. Now he was making the moves. Despite Gabriel’s flaws, Neil admitted Gabriel had a good taste like him.
Neil smiled fondly. “Gina, you’re here!”
Gina felt a bit awkward with his address but since Neil was older, she didn’t correct him. It was a small matter anyway.
“Come on, sit. Neil invited warmly, gesturing to the seat beside him.
Gina sat and handed the gift box to Neil./This is a present for you. To make up for your birthday.”
Neil hadn’t told Gina about it being his birthday yesterday and so hadn’t expected it. He accepted it happily. Thanks, Gina
Chapter 24
Seeing that Neil didn’t open it, Gina asked, “Aren’t you going to see if you like it?”
Of course, I’d like it,” Neil declared decisively. He would like whatever Gina gave him. He didn’t open it because he thought Gina would be hungry.
But since Gina said so, Neil decided to open it. It was an pearl ring resting on top of medicinal herbs. The faint aroma of the herbs wafted out. Neil questioned, “Gina, why put the herbs in there?”
“Grandpa Neil, you can put the ring into the box at night and wear it in the day. It’ll smell like the herbs and calm your mind. It’s also good for your body,” Gina explained.
Neil’s eyes lit up. Tll remember that. Thanks, Gina. I really like it.”
Gina’s heart warmed too. Neil made her feel cherished and valued, something she had always wanted from her family.
“You’re welcome.”
Neil waved at them. “Come, let’s eat.”
Neil and Gabriel took turns serving food to Gina. Soon, her plate was piled up with food. She probably couldn’t finish it. “That’s enough.” Gina said, stopping them.
Neil laughed. “Eat more, Gina. You’re too thin now. Are you secretly dieting? You’re already slim. There’s no need to lose
anymore.”
Gabriel chimed in, “Are these spicy enough for you? Do you need them to be spicier?”
“It’s good.” Gina eyed Gabriel’s empty plate. “Aren’t you eating?”
Gabriel picked up his fork to eat. Soon, his face turned red. His lips swelled. He drank some water but couldn’t get rid of the burning sensation on his tongue, so he gulped the whole glass of water. Sweat appeared on his nose.
Gina was stunned. “What’s wrong? Was there something wrong with the food?
Neil explained, “Gina, he’s fine. He can’t handle spicy food.”
Gina’s eyes went wide. “Why didn’t you say so?” Gabriel should have mentioned it.
Gina grabbed a tissue for him. “Wipe your mouth.”
Gabriel took it. The spiciness was worth it if Gina cared.