Gabriela descended the stairs. Mr. Jackson, Alejandro, Miguel, and Michelle turned to look at her, their faces filled with admiration. "How are you, Gabriela?" Mr. Jackson asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"I'm okay, thank you," Gabriela replied, her voice smooth and confident.
As she took her seat at the dining table, she exchanged glances with Miguel and Michelle, who were watching her with utmost attention. Mr. Jackson stood up to shake her hand, congratulating her on her new role as the heiress of Flores Corp.
The conversation turned to business, and Gabriela surprised everyone with her mature and professional tone. Alejandro smiled proudly as she discussed strategies to promote sales in Flores Corp.
"I think we should focus on digital marketing," Gabriela said, her voice filled with conviction. "Social media platforms are where our target audience is, and we can use influencer marketing to reach a wider audience."
Mr. Jackson nodded thoughtfully. "I agree. Digital marketing is crucial in today's world. But we also need to focus on building strong relationships with our existing clients. How do you plan to do that?"
Gabriela leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "We can implement a loyalty program that rewards our repeat customers. We can also offer personalized services to our high-end clients, making them feel valued and appreciated."
Alejandro smiled, impressed by Gabriela's ideas. "I think that's a great idea, Gabriela. What about expanding our product line? Should we diversify into new markets?"
Gabriela nodded. "Yes, I think that's a great idea, Dad. We can explore new markets in Asia and Latin America. But we need to make sure we understand the local culture and tailor our products to meet their needs."
Mr. Jackson was impressed by Gabriela's business acumen. "You're absolutely right, Gabriela. Understanding the local culture is key to success in any market."
"I'm really amazed by your intelligence, Gabriela. I believe you'll take Flores Corp to the greatest height. A complete self-made woman! Beauty with excellence. Mr. Alejandro, you're so lucky to have her. Looks like I've found a wife for my son."
Michelle tried to control her giggle by covering her mouth with her palm.
Gabriela's heart skipped and she started coughing.
Miguel turned his head sideways, avoiding their gaze.
"Where's the kitchen? Should I get water?" Michelle asked trying to look innocent.
Gabriela stopped.
"There's absolutely no need for that. Let's proceed, sir." She rolled her eyes at Michelle and Michelle winked.
"Stop.... looking at Michelle. Can we proceed?"
As they enjoyed their wine and discussion, Claudia stormed downstairs, a fake smile plastered on her face. "Oh, Mr. Jackson, let's get on with our discussion," she said, her voice dripping with insincerity.
Everyone glared at her, their faces disapproving. Gabriela chuckled, amused by Claudia's antics.
Claudia stormed over to Alejandro, her face twisted in frustration. "Dad, those ideas Gabriela is giving Mr. Jackson are terrible," she said, her voice laced with disdain. "Why don't we have a little talk about what to do?"
Alejandro's expression turned gentle, but firm. "Gabriela, Mr. Jackson, Michelle, and Miguel, why don't you all go to the living room?" he asked, his eyes never leaving Claudia's face.
As the others left, Alejandro turned to Claudia, his voice low but angry. "Claudia, why do you always feel the need to point out Gabriela's flaws? Can't you just love your little sister for who she is?"
Claudia's face reddened as she yelled back, "She's just a half-sister! And plus, she doesn't deserve what you're giving her!"
Alejandro's eyes flashed with anger, and he pointed towards the stairs. "Go to your room, Claudia! Right now!"
Claudia's face contorted in rage, she fumed and hit her fist on the dining table. As Alejandro turned to leave, Claudia's eyes landed on Michelle's bag on the other side of the table. A sly smile spread across her face as she hatched a plan.
Without making a sound, Claudia slipped her precious bracelet into Michelle's bag, her eyes darting towards the living room to ensure no one was watching. But unbeknownst to her, Gabriela's eyes had followed her every move, and she had seen the bracelet being sneaked into Michelle's bag.
Claudia pretended to storm off, climbing a few stairs before running back down, a look of alarm on her face. "My bracelet! It's gone!" she exclaimed, her voice shrill with fake panic.
Gabriela's expression remained calm, her eyes never leaving Claudia's face. She knew exactly what was going on, and she was ready to call Claudia's bluff.
"Check your room, somewhere. We're busy." Alejandro spoke, less concerned.
Claudia walked and she stood right in front of them, faking tears.
Miguel's eyes was fixed on his phone.
"Mr. Jackson, I think I saw your daughter sneaking my bracelet into her bag! It was on the dining and I was just upstairs." Michelle's eyes widened and Gabriela squeezed her hand funnily, telling her not to react.
"Excuse me? What's this embarrassment about, Mr. Alejandro? Say something!" Mr. Jackson was wild with anger.
"Calm down, sir. Claudia, can you please stop creating a scene here?"
"Shut up, Gabriela! This girl is a thief!" Claudia was even surprised that Mr. Jackson was angry.
But she stood on her plan.
"Doesn't Mr. Jackson hate Michelle because she's a maid's daughter?" Claudia thought.
"Michelle, give me my bracelet! It's really precious to me! Give it!"
"Claudia, I didn't steal your - " Claudia threw a slap across Michelle's face and they were all aghast.
"How dare you?" Mr. Jackson stood up wanting to attack Claudia but he calmed himself by clenching his fist.
Claudia went to the dining room, took the bag and emptied it.
The bracelet fell, making everyone shake with bewilderment.
"Michelle??" Mr. Jackson was taken aback.
"Mr. Jackson, it wasn't her. I swear." Gabriela tried to defend.
Miguel was watching the whole scene.
"I believe Michelle can't steal." Miguel added.
"Then how did it get into her bag? It flew?? Answer my freaking question." Michelle stood there with an unreadable expression.
"I clearly saw you sneaking it into her bag." Their fathers were confused.
"Are you sick or something? How could I sneak my most precious bracelet inside a bag of such a filthy thing like Michelle?" Miguel's fist was clenched hard already, his expression not showing it.
"Save it. I have proof." Claudia gulped, getting scared.
"What proof?"
"We could check the cameras. Are you ready for it?" There was a minute's silence before Claudia finally spoke.
"I'm not ready." Miguel tried to control his chuckle.
"Claudia, go upstairs to your room right now, you stupid girl!" Alejandro growled. Claudia stormed upstairs in anger feeling disgraced. Michelle sat down with a sad look.
Gabriela sat down too.
"I'm sorry for this, Mr. Jackson." Alejandro apologized.
"It's okay. I just wanna advise you, if you care to listen. This girl and her mother should be out of your house. I can see the hatred and jealousy she has for Gabriela is really deep. She was trying to make her look stupid here and also humiliate my daughter. Although, I used to hate Michelle because I thought she was a mistake but now, I won't let anyone treat her wrongly." Mr. Jackson replied.
~~~~~~A WEEK AFTER, GABRIELA'S APARTMENT~~~~~~
Miguel visited Gabriela, finding her alone in the living room. The others had gone shopping, leaving Gabriela to enjoy some quiet time. Miguel sat down beside her on the sofa, and they started discussing their plans for the upcoming semester.
"I'm so glad it's just us today," Gabriela said, sighing in relief. "Claudia's drama has been exhausting. She's refusing to leave Dad's mansion, and it's getting old."
Miguel nodded sympathetically. "I can imagine. You deserve some peace and quiet."
They chatted about their resumption plans, joking about their vacation and the rollercoaster of events that had unfolded. Gabriela suddenly jumped up from the sofa. "I got you something!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"What is it?" Miguel asked, curiosity piqued.
Gabriela ran upstairs to retrieve the gift, leaving Miguel in the living room. As she was gone, Miguel's eyes landed on her phone, which was still on the sofa. He saw the caller ID flashing - Isabella.
When Gabriela returned with a small box, Miguel mentioned, "Hey, Isabella called."
Gabriela's eyes lit up as she quickly grabbed her phone and dialed Isabella back. Isabella answered, barely containing her excitement. "Gabriela, guess what? Leonardo just landed in the city, and he wants to visit you!"
Gabriela's eyes widened, and she squealed happily. "Really??"
Isabella didn't need to say more; Gabriela knew how much she had been longing to see Leonardo. "Yes, I gave him the address," Isabella said, barely able to contain her enthusiasm. "He's on his way!"
Gabriela's face lit up with joy, and she couldn't wait to see Leonardo. She hung up.
"Who's Leonardo?" Miguel questioned immediately and Gabriela chuckled cutely.
"How did you hear her?"
"She was screaming."
"Okay, so Leonardo is my high school crush and he noticed me too late 'cause we graduated before we started talking. We couldn't exchange contacts before he left. But now he's back! He's fucking back!!!" Gabriela was overjoyed.
Miguel's heart sank. He rolled his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Gabriela sounded concerned.
"You look....dejected."
"No, I'm not." Gabriela's confused face turned into a cheeky childish smile.
"Or should I say you look jealous?"
"Jealous? No way."
"I can see it. You are!"
"I'm not!" She leaned in and Miguel's eyes widened a little, his cheeks flushed.
Their faces were close.
"Don't worry, no one will take me away from you, okay?" Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper.
She sounded assuring and sincere with a serious expression filled with passion.
Her stare was filled with desire.
Gabriela tilted her head back and started mocking him with her laughter.
Embarrassment was written all over his face.
"You literally fell for that, right?"
"Fell for it again award to the most gullible friend, huh?" Miguel frowned.
"I didn't fall for that."
"Then why were you staring at me like....like you wanted to kiss me?"
His heart skipped.
"Gabriela, please change the topic." She continued laughing.
"If you've fallen for me, you can let me know." Miguel was silent.
Few minutes later, there was a knock on the door.
Gabriela ran towards the door and opened it. Miguel watched.
"Leonardo!!" She screamed and flew into his arms. Leonardo wrapped his arms around her tightly. Gabriela felt uncomfortable with his palm rubbing under her top and broke the hug.
Miguel was fuming, his fist already clenched tight. He tried to control his anger.
"It's a pleasant surprise! Isabella told me." They both walked in, Gabriela slamming the door.
"Yeah, she gave me the address." Leonardo noticed Miguel sitting and his expression changed into a curious one.
"Who is he? Daniela's classmate?" Miguel wanted to punch him so hard.
"No. He's my - friend. Miguel."
"Oh! The White's star basketball captain. Glad to meet you."
He offered Miguel a handshake but he frankly refused.
"I was just teasing him and he's a little....annoyed. But he's really nice."
"I can - see that." They sat.
Gabriela and Leonardo talked and laughed, recalling those wonderful high school moments, completely forgetting about Miguel.
Miguel was on his phone, fury and jealousy all over his face.
An hour passed and Gabriela was hungry.
"I need to grab a snack from the kitchen. What do you care for?" She asked Leonardo.
"Nothing. I'm leaving now."
"You are? Already?"
"If you don't mind, my mom is really dying to meet you and congratulate you. You can come over for dinner."
Miguel took his eyes from his phone, glaring at them.
"Of course, I will."
"I'll text you the address as soon as I get into the car." Gabriela nodded.
"Okay! It was nice having you."
"And it was nice talking to you, Miss. Flores." They chuckled and headed to the door.
"Bye, Miguel."
"Get lost." He mumbled.
Miguel had never been this angry.
As he heard the door shut behind Leonardo, he rose up.
"I'm leaving too."
"What? Why?"
"Miguel, what was that behavior? You just made a bad first impression."
"Are you going to his house for dinner?"
"Yeah."
"I won't allow it."
"Given that you are???" He sat down.
Gabriela sat close to him.
"I'm sorry, Miguel. I teased you earlier and I know you found it quite offensive. You're just someone having a female friend with nothing romantic attached, right? I understand. I respect your decision to keep it that way. I won't talk like that anymore. I promise."
She opened the box in her hand and Miguel was surprised to see an expensive wristwatch.
"Wow." His face brightened a little.
"Do you like it?" She asked.
"Actually, I don't wear wristwatches."
"What?" Gabriela was thunderstruck.
"Yeah."
"I've never heard of any male who doesn't wear wristwatches. Sounds....weird."
"It sounds weird, but yeah...not a fan."
"But this was so expensive, Miguel!" She exclaimed.
"I'll wear it. For you."
"Really?" He nodded and accepted the wristwatch.
"Thank you!!" She threw her arms around him and squealed childishly.
"What a baby." He smiled.
"Are you still going to that jerk's house for dinner?"
"Jerk? Don't call him that." She broke the hug.
"Are you?"
"Yes. No one's gonna stop me."
"Just watch out. His eyes tell me he has other plans."