Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 224

Clairessa’s POV

The car hadn’t even stopped before Nicole had her face pressed against the window, buzzing with excitement.

The second we stepped out, I had to admit—it was impressive. The kind of resort where the super-rich came to disappear for a weekend and blow off steam.

Nicole gasped beside me. “Oh my God. This place is gorgeous! I mean—finally! I’ve always wanted to come on one of these trips.”

I didn’t respond. I was too busy watching Adrian, who was oddly quiet beside her.

Normally, he’d have something smug or self-important to say. But now? Silence. And for once, I hoped he’d stay that way.

Nicole, of course, kept going.

“Ugh, I swear, Claire. You always get picked for these things with Gabriel. You’re like, his star girl,” she said with a fake laugh.

Then, under her breath, loud enough for me to hear: “Thank God he finally added me to one. I was starting to think I needed to do special favors to get selected too.”

I stopped mid-step and threw her a warning glare.

She gave a smug smile. “Kidding!” she added with a dramatic eye roll.

Adrian glanced between us. “Star girl?” His brow furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Nicole smirked like she’d been waiting for the chance. “You haven’t heard? Gabriel always takes his beloved Claire on these high-profile trips. It’s kind of their thing.”

There it was, the drama I’d hoped to avoid.

Adrian’s expression darkened for a second, but he caught himself. His smile returned, cool and composed. “Maybe that’s because Clairessa’s good at her job. Actually, she’s the best.”

He turned to me and offered a soft, almost boyish smile.

I didn’t return it. I just gave him a half-nod and moved ahead, muttering, “I can’t deal with this right now.”

I could still hear them behind me.

“This is how she treats you?” Nicole’s voice cut through the air, grating. “God, Adrian, how low have you stooped?”

I rolled my eyes and kept walking. None of them were worth my stress.

The hotel’s automatic doors slid open, revealing a sophisticated reception area.

And there they were.

Gabriel, dressed in navy, arms folded, watching everything like he already had a dozen unspoken thoughts in his head.

Randolph stood beside him, a broad grin spreading across his face as he saw us approach.

“Well, if it isn’t the brilliant Gabriel’s team. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all again!”

“Hello, Mr. Randolph,” we all greeted in chorus.

He stepped forward, shaking each hand one by one. Nicole, of course, practically elbowed past me to be first.

“Mr. Randolph, thank you so much for inviting us,” she gushed, gripping his hand like she was proposing marriage. “We are so excited. I mean, I’ve heard so much about you, and this place is just… wow!”

Randolph was polite, but I could see the discomfort in his eyes—the way he subtly tried to pull his hand back while she kept holding on.

Next was Adrian.

“Gabriel Junior,” Randolph greeted with a raised brow. “Good to see you again. I trust you’ll be on time this round?”

Adrian chuckled awkwardly, rubbing his neck. “You got it, sir.”

Then it was me.

Randolph reached for my hand slower, more intentionally. I didn’t miss the way Gabriel’s gaze tracked the movement, monitoring every detail.

Randolph’s grip was warm but light.

“Ms. Hart,” he said with a smile. “A pleasure to see your beautiful face again.”

I nodded. “The feeling is mutual, sir.”

Before the exchange could continue, Gabriel stepped in, his voice cutting through the moment like a blade.

“Welcome.”

His eyes locked on mine before flicking briefly to the rest.

“Max and Pen will show you all to your rooms,” he continued, gesturing toward a smartly dressed man and a smiling woman by the elevator. “Get settled. You’ll be briefed at dinner.”

“One moment before you all go,” Randolph waved a hand with a grin. “I know you’re here as the project team, but forget all that for now. It’s my birthday. I want you to relax. Unwind. Drink. Laugh. This weekend’s about fun.”

He gestured around the luxurious lobby. “This is my hotel—everything’s on me. So make the most of it. Eat like royalty. Sleep like you’ve got no deadlines. Just… have a damn good time.”

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