Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 192: I Saw Red Gabriel's POV There was a bitter taste in my mouth-and it had nothing to do with the coffee I'd just swallowed. It cfrom watching Clairessa and my son.

Adrian was singing her praises again, grinning like he'd won a prize, and there she was, blushing like a schoolgirl.

The smile on her lips made something ugly twist in my chest.

Why the hell was she blushing? Couldn't she see what he was doing? Every compliment, every smile—it was all part of his damn strategy to win her back. And she was playing right into it.

Was she really going to give in that easily? Goddamn it, Gabriel. This is what you wanted.

You offered to fund her long-tdream just so she could play pretend with your son.

You practically handed her over to him. So what are you mad about? This is what you wanted. So now deal with it.

She's simply doing her part... and you caused this.

"Fuck..." I muttered, unaware I'd spoken aloud.

"What did you say, Dad?" Adrian's voice cut through the storm in my head.

I cleared my throat, reached for my glass of water, and offered a half-hearted smile. "I said I'm glad you're settling in nicely at the company. Happy to hear it." Adrian lit up. "Thanks, Dad. This is all happening because of you." I gave a small nod and hummed. "How's the Randolph Project coming along?" "Oh-Dad, it's going great," he said quickly, full of pride. "Clairessa has a solid grip on things. And the backend integration? You should've seen her. She figured it out before IT could even blink. Honestly, she's kind of a genius." He reached across the table and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

That damn squeeze again.

Something in my chest tightened.

Did he always have to touch her? And what's worse-she didn't pull away.

Her cheeks flushed again, and heat crawled up my own.

For someone who claimed she didn't want to be with him, she was enjoying it a little too much.

I forced my eyes to stay on her.

"How about you, Clairessa? How's it coming along, from your end?" She finally glanced at me-briefly. She'd been avoiding my gaze since dinner started. And now she gavethe fakest smile I'd ever seen.

"It's coming along really well." That was it? I wasn't satisfied. I wanted her to break. To squirm like I was squirming.

"From what Adrian's described, I would've expected more than 'really well."" "Dad," Adrian chuckled nervously, "you know Clairessa. She's not much of a big talker, but I assure you, she's got everything under control." I nearly laughed.

He had no idea.

I knew Clairessa. More than he ever would. I knew every moan, every tear, every tshe trembled under my touch.

I knew exactly what she was thinking in this very moment.

She was deliberately givinga vague answer, knowing it would pissoff.

She wanted to prove she could defy me.

The fire in her eyes toldeverything.

But I couldn't say any of that aloud, so instead, I said, "Adrian, I wasn't speaking to you. Clairessa can speak for herself." My tone was bitting.

Adrian's mouth parted, taken aback. "Oh. Apologies, old man." I didn't even blink. My eyes stayed locked on her, making it clear I was waiting for a real answer.

She swallowed hard, her jaw tensing. "Mr. Storm, just as Adrian has informed you, we've made great progress on the Randolph Project. It's all coming together. We're optimistic about the results." I nodded, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. "That's good to hear. At least I know you two will do great when you present to the CEO on Monday." They both froze.

"Wait-the CEO?" Clairessa asked, visibly alarmed. "I thought that wasn't for another three weeks." I kept my expression calm. "So did I. But Mr. Randolph called personally and asked to schedule an emergency meeting for Monday." "You should've told him no," she snapped. "We still have so much work left. The team was working under the assumption we had three more weeks before presenting to the CEO!" Adrian jumped in. "Dad, Claire's right. I don't think we're ready yet-" "Oh yes, you are." I cut him off. "You just need to have faith in the work you've put in. I've seen the progress report-your team's done a solid job. You're further along than you think." Clairessa wasn't done. "We've done a great job, yes. But not great enough to impress the CEO at this stage. You toldwhat the stakes were. If we go in underprepared, we might tank the deal. I strongly suggest you speak with Randolph and postpone-" I slammed my palm down on the table, my voice rising. "Enough!" The room went still.

"I don't recall asking for suggestions. I gave you an explanation-as a courtesy Randolph insisted on the meeting despite my attempts to push back. This is a multi-million dollar deal, and I won't risk it@ver your nerves." My gaze bounced between both of them, hard.

"The meeting holds. End of discussion. You better spend the rest of the week preparing, because we're not losing this contract." "Am I understood?" Adrian nodded. "Yes, Dad." But Clairessa didn't move. Didn't flinch. Just stared.

Of course she did.

Her chin lifted in that silent protest of hers.

That fire in her expression again-stubborn, proud, untamed-both infuriated and excited me.

Adrian nudged her lightly. Only then did she speak.

"Yes, Mr. Storm," she finally bit out.

I didn't miss the disgust in her tone. She hated saying it.

I didn't care.

This wasn't my fault. Randolph had made the call. No matter how much I tried to shift the date, he gavea firm no.

Then suddenly, her chair scraped back. She stood, rolled her eyes, and began walking away.

"Where the hell do you think you're walking off to?" I barked.

She turned back, her chest heaving with restrained rage. "To work on the project.

So it's not a flop."

I stood as well, approaching slowly. "You don't walk out in the middle of a conversation without an explanation. of an apology. You leave when I say you can." She folded her arms. "I didn't know I needed your permission to exercise my fundamental human rights." "Clairessa-" I growled, ready to tear into her, but Adrian jumped in, standing between us.

"Dad, please. Calm down. She's not trying to disrespect you. She's just doing what you asked-working on the project." I ignored Adrian and pressed forward. I was taller, so I looked past him, my gaze locking onto her.

"She clearly doesn't need a defender. She's capable of speaking for herself. Isn't that right... Miss Hartwood?"

She exhaled, frustrated. "I'm not trying to challenge you. I just want to go to my room. Am Xallowed to do Fami that, or am I your prisoner because I work for you and live under your roof?" Oh, she was baitingand I was ready to bite.

"Adrian, leave us. I would like to speak with Miss Hartwood." But Adrian stood firm.

"Dad, no. That's not happening. I'm not leaving you alone with Clairessa when you're like this." I narrowed my eyes at him. "I'd hate to repeat myself." But before it could go further, Clairessa gently touched his arm.

"Adrian, it's fine. I'll be alright. It's not like your father can hurt me." He looked uncertain. "Are you sure?" She nodded.

He turned to me. "Play nice, Dad." I didn't respond. I was already seeing red.

As Adrian walked away, I turned to her.

"My office. Now." The will be updated first on this website. Cback and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!