Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 12: Suprise Invitation I stared at the screen, numb, as a rollercoaster of emotions ran through me. A weekend trip with Gabriel Storm- the man who had warnednever to speak of our night of passion if I valued my job. It was clear he didn't want a personal relationship with me, yet it was surprising that he wantedon a business trip with him.

I read the message again, just to be sure I wasn't imagining things. Did this mean myhad been selected? Would other members of the team be joining us, or would it be just him and me? My head raced with questions as I checked the time-it was 10 AM. Thankfully, I had enough tto pack.

I couldn't let myself dwell on the questions for too long. I jumped up from the bed, suddenly aware of the tticking away. I needed to pack, and fast. I hurried to my closet, pulling out outfits, shoes, and anything else I might need.

"Jess!" I called out, my voice shaky with nerves.

She appeared at my door, her expression shifting to concern when she saw the state I was in. "What's going on?" she asked.

"I'm leaving," I said, low and inaudible.

"I just got an email-I'm supposed to go on a trip with Gabriel Storm. A car's coming at 3 PM." Jess's eyes widened, but she quickly moved to my side, helpingsort through my clothes. "Are you excited?" she asked, her tone cautious.

I hesitated, folding a dress and placing it in my suitcase. "I don't know. I mean, yes, but I'm also scared. 13:30 K18, 11 Jeb MOD.

Chapter 12: Suprise Invitation What if he firesbecause of how I reacted at his office the other day?" 7 Jess paused, looking atwith a soft, understanding gaze. "Claire, calm down. I don't think he's going to fire you. If anything, this is your chance to prove to him that Haris the best initiative to go along with." I nodded, appreciating her words more than I could express. Together, we finished packing, and by the tthe clock read 2:45 PM, I was ready-at least as ready as I could be.

An SUV pulled up at Raves Luxurious Hotel, the car that had pickedup from my house earlier. I was still in disbelief at how quickly the day had changed. The hotel was more beautiful than anything I had ever seen- grand, elegant, and exuding a level of luxury that leftspeechless. I had never been anywhere so expensive, and for a moment, I felt out of place.

As I stepped out of the car, I took a deep breath before looking around. I took in the towering structure, the gleaming marble, and the ornate chandeliers that hung from the ceiling in the grand entrance.

"Clairessa," a familiar, dark voice called behind me, firm and commanding.

I turned, drawing my breath in sharply as I saw Gabriel standing there. His presence was overpowering, his tall, handsfrexuding an undeniable authority. For a moment, I was at a loss for words, completely taken by the sight of him.

"Hi... Mr. Storm,” I finally managed to say, my voice soft and low as I took in the intensity of his gaze.

"I hope the drive here wasn't too stressful," he asked, his tone surprisingly soft.

"It was rather nice," I replied, still caught off guard by him. For the first time, I noticed a tenderness in his eyes, a hint of a softer side that existed beneath the hard exterior he always projected, but it faded as quickly 2/ Chapter 12: Suprise Invitation as it appeared. I wanted to know if the rest of the team was already here, but i was almost afraid to ad "Is the rest of the team already here?" I summoned the courage to ask as I glanced around, trying to hide my nervousness, "It's just you and me," his voice was firm, almost as if he was challengingwith that staternare "Why assistant Tems will show you to your room. We'll be having dinner with simportant people at 7pm. Be ready." His tone left no room for argument, and I felt a wave of nerves wash over me, especially considering how things had been left between us the last twe met.

"I'll be ready. Thank you, Mr. Storm," I said, trying to keep my composure.

"This way, Miss Hartwood," Tems, his assistant, said, leadingto the elevator. When we arrived at my room, she handedthe key card, "Here you go. I hope you enjoy your stay," she gavea warm smile before leaving.

I scanned the key card and pushed open the door. As I stepped into the room, I couldn't help but marvel at its beauty.Nt was exquisite, with plush furnishings, rich fabrics, and a pool view that took my breath away. This was unlike anything I had ever experienced. As I walked around the room, my eyes fell on a vase of red roses placed elegantly on a table. They smelled fresh, their fragrance filling the air. I pulled out the small card that was tucked inside the bouquet.

"Be ready at 7 p.m. - Storm Innovations."

My fingers traced the words, and my heart almost jumped out of my chest. I couldn't believe I was here, on a N personal trip with Gabriel Storm. He seemed somewhat nicer today, but I couldn't let myself be fooled. Chapter 12: Suprise Invitation 71%

I tossed the card aside and fell onto the bed, my mind racing with possibilities. Had myfinally been selected? That would be the best news of my entire yea To see my ve "baby" get funded was a dream ctrue. A surge of excitement coursed throughas I lay there, now thinking about what I would wear for dinner. I wanted to look breathtaking, to make sure that Gabriel noticedin a way that made it impossible for him to resist me. This was my chance to take advantage of the twe had together. Chapter 13: Dinner With The Investors Gabriel's POV