His voice cracked completely as he remembered her first night drinking in his place, swallowing the alcohol silently, her eyes full of hurt. The memory tore through him.
“James! Come back to your senses!” Gabriel shouted, panic edging his voice. “You can’t just drown yourself in alcohol. You just came from the hospital—have you lost your mind?”
James stumbled toward the table to pour another drink, but Neil and Gabriel grabbed his shoulders and forced him out of the bar, dragging him home before he could hurt himself further.
***
Gabriel was practically trembling with excitement as he stepped into the lavish Empire Group’s business party—his first truly high-profile party. Crystal chandeliers glimmered overhead, soft music filled the air, and power lingered in every corner of the room.
He had worked for years for a chance like this. Years of networking, scheming, waiting. And then, out of nowhere, an invitation had appeared.
He hadn’t even been the original recipient. With great difficulty—and a little shamelessness—he had scammed the invitation from a friend and entered in his place. But this opportunity mattered too much to let go. Expanding his business meant building relationships with industry giants, and there was no better place than this room full of powerful men.
This was his gateway into the elite circle—where deals were sealed over champagne and handshakes.
His eyes sparkled as he scanned the hall, until they abruptly stopped on a familiar figure.
Alexander Graves.
The man stood effortlessly confident, hands tucked into his pockets, dressed in a deep charcoal suit tailored so perfectly it looked molded to his frame, the collar of his crisp white shirt open, no tie in sight.
He was speaking with two other men. Gabriel recognized him instantly. Anyone who had done even a fraction of the research Gabriel had would.
Sebastian Graves and Sawyer Stark.
Sebastian wore a jet-black suit, jacket buttoned, tie knotted with flawless precision. Sawyer, in contrast, stood in a navy-blue suit with the jacket left open, his tie loosened just enough to suggest ease rather than carelessness, his posture relaxed but alert.
Gabriel sucked in a sharp breath. His pulse spiked. These weren’t just industry giants—they were untouchable. He had spent years researching the top figures in the industry. Every big name, every powerful face—he knew them all. And now they were standing right in front of him.
Straightening his collar, Gabriel set his champagne glass aside and walked toward them, steadying his breathing. This was his moment.
He stopped beside them and offered a confident smile. “Good evening, gentlemen. Mind if I join you for a bit? I’m waiting for a friend—he hasn’t arrived yet.”
The three men glanced at him with mild curiosity.
Alexander’s expression tightened for just a fraction of a second—but Gabriel didn’t notice. Alexander had recognized him instantly. James’s close associate. Someone who had once hovered too close to Mia. But Alexander revealed nothing, his face smoothing into polite indifference.
He gave Gabriel a brief nod.
Gabriel jumped at the chance. “I’ve heard a great deal about you, Mr. Graves,” he said smoothly, directing his attention to Alexander. “I’ve been expanding into the industry for a while now. We own several resorts. I believe it’s only a matter of time before our paths cross professionally.”
“Perhaps,” Alexander replied flatly, with little interest.
Gabriel didn’t falter. He had expected that. Men at this level never showed enthusiasm to strangers. He simply smiled wider and turned to the others. “It’s a pleasure meeting you as well. I hope we’ll have the chance to discuss business in the future.”
Ignoring him, Sebastian suddenly nudged Alexander with his elbow. “Your wife is here.”
All eyes shifted toward the entrance—including Gabriel’s.
And then his world froze.
Mia walked into the hall.
She was dressed in a silver-studded gown that clung to her figure and flowed down to her ankles. Her hair was swept up, exposing her neck, her posture elegant. She looked radiant. Beautiful. Nothing like the woman Gabriel remembered.
Gabriel stared, stunned, disbelief washing over him. His gaze flicked back to the men, his mind scrambling.Wife?
Before he could process it, Alexander stepped away from the group and walked straight toward her.
