Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 46. Regretting My Actions Gabriel's POV Chapter 46: Regretting My Actions I sat at the head of the long table, trying to focus on the presentation. Clairessa and Nicole were presenting their final pitch for the Gemia Project, and it was clear how much tand effort they had put into it.

Clairessa spoke with confidence, though her hands trembled slightly when she turned a page or pointed to the screen.

The project was flawless-every detail and idea well thought out. They had taken my feedback seriously and delivered beyond my expectations. I was glad I had trusted them to handle it together.

But as I listened, my focus started to drift.

My attention shifted from the presentation to her.

My gaze lingered on Clairessa's face. The way her soft brown hair framed her face, her lips... God, her lips. She wasn't just stunning-she was intelligent, driven, and incredibly talented.

Memories of that night in the garden flooded my mind. I could still feel the soft breeze, see the way the lights touched her skin. I could still feel how close we were, how her breath mingled with.

I'd replayed it all weekend, regretting every second I held back. I should have kissed her. I wanted to kiss her. I needed to kiss her.

But I hadn't. Instead, I drove her home, and watched her walk away, disappointment clear on her face as she tried to understand why I stopped.

00 +x 1/5 FRES ||| O < 18:53 Wed, 19 Feb.

Chapter 46: Regretting My Actions If only she knew just how much I wanted her, how much I craved her. But I couldn't bring myself to take that step. It wasn't just about breaking my rules-it was about protecting her from me.

I couldn't give her what she deserved. She was young and full of promise, at the peak of her career. I was older, broken, and carrying scars she didn't know about. If we started something, it would only end in pain.

I told myself I was doing the right thing, saving us both. But deep down, I knew I was lying to myself. The truth was, I was afraid-afraid of how much I wanted her, of how she turned my world upside down without even trying. "Mr. Storm?" Her voice snappedout of my thoughts. She was looking at me, waiting for a response.

"Yes?" I asked, my throat tight. I hoped she hadn't noticed how my gaze had lingered.

"Do you have any questions or feedback?” she asked, her voice polite but slightly nervous. Nicole stood tense beside her, clearly waiting for my verdict as well.

I cleared my throat. "No, it's excellent. Both of you did great work." I glanced briefly at Nicole before turning back to Clairessa. "You've exceeded my expectations." Relief spread across Clairessa's face as she exchanged an excited look with Nicole. The tension lifted from her shoulders, and Nicole seemed equally thrilled, though a little surprised-I wasn't known for handing out praise easily.

Still, there was more to discuss.

2/5 00 FREE ||| O < 18:53 Wed, 19 Feb.

Chapter 46: Regretting My Actions "We have a meeting scheduled with Sergio, the founder of Gemia Resorts and Casinos, next week in Las Vegas," I said, my tone firm. "Clairessa, you'll be accompanyingon the trip." Nicole's expression fell slightly, confusion quickly replacing her earlier excitement. "Wait, just Clairessa?" she asked, her frustration barely hidden.

"Yes," I replied evenly. "You both did a great job, but Clairessa has been leading on the design front. She's the best fit for this presentation." It wasn't just an excuse-Clairessa truly had been the driving force behind the project. But there was also more to my decision, something I didn't need to explain to Nicole.

Nicole's eyes darted between us, clearly unhappy but too professional to argue. "I understand," she muttered, gathering her things.

"Good. You may leave," I said, dismissing her. She threw a quick, fake smile at Clairessa before heading for the door.

The moment the door closed, the atmosphere shifted. It felt more personal now. Clairessa stood there, processing everything.

"You'll be responsible for the entire presentation in Las Vegas," I said. "You'll be pitching directly to Sérgio. Everything needs to be flawless." She nodded slowly, her mind already working through the challenge ahead. There was something about the way she thrived under pressure that fascinated me.

"Thank you, Mr. Storm, for believing in us," she said softly, her voice sincere.

O 315 FRES ||| O < 18:53 W Chapter 46. Regretting My Actions As she left, I told myself it was professional-she was talented, driven, and had earned this opportunity. But deep down, I knew there was more.

My feelings for her were growing, and it scared me. Clairessa wasn't just an employee toanymore. There was something deeper building between us. I'd felt it that night, and it scared me.

I convinced myself this was about mentorship and nothing more. It had to be.

The vibration of my phone pulledfrom my thoughts. A message from Adrian: Dad! Let's make up for lost time. Lunch? I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Family. That's what mattered. This trip to Las Vegas would be strictly business. Clairessa was my protégé, nothing more.

Adrian had picked a restaurant close to my office, which was convenient, and thankfully, he was on time. That was rare for him, given his habit of being late. As we sat across from each other, I noticed how worn out he looked. There was something different about him-a distance I hadn't felt before. We used to be close, but now it seemed like a wall had cup between us. I wanted to fix it, but only if he'd let me. The tired look on his face toldhe had something on his mind.

"How are you doing, Adrian?" I asked, trying to keep my tone calm, but inside, I was worried.

Adrian started fidgeting with the napkin in front of him, avoiding my gaze. His hands were restless, a habit he had when unsure of what to say.

"I'm fine," he muttered, not meeting my eyes.

I leaned back, studying him more closely. "You don't look fine," I pointed to the dark circles under his you the dark eyes. "You look like you haven't slept in days. What's going on with the restaurant?"

than He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "It's good. Actually, it's better than ever. We expanded the menu, and the О new wine selection's been a hit.

Bookings are solid through next month." I nodded, listening, but something didn't add up. His words sounded positive, but there was no spark in his voice. He wasn't the sAdrian who used to get excited about his business.

He was saying the right things, but his mind seemed somewhere else. And I guessed it was his mystery girlfriend keeping him so distracted.