After My Death, My Husband Who Threw Me Into the Hunting Grounds Went Insane novel Chapter 84

AUDREY

The night was alive when we arrived at the grand porte-cochere of the Camelot Arts Exhibit. Gabriel said that even if he wasn't going to meet the Italian designer, he was still invited to the opening.

The driveway was already packed with luxury cars when I stepped out of the vehicle. When we reached the enormous grand hall, I felt confident when I caught sight of the guests. Thanks to Veronica Park, I wouldn't look out of place. Everyone was in their fancy dresses and suits. 

We continued walking inside, and Stark first extended his greetings to the people he knew. I stood back and gave the best smile I could. Stark introduced me as an executive assistant, which made it more official.

"Yes, Rickman. We will be launching a brand-new collection for the upcoming fashion show in Las Vegas. I don't want to spoil anything, but we're bringing something new." Stark gulped a shot of his drink.

"Then my daughter will have something new to look forward to," Rickman Perez, a CEO of Foretech Ventures, said. "Your father must be really proud."

Gabriel nodded, but his expression remained passive. "I guess."

During my probation with Mr. Stark, I'd always wondered which family he came from, so I did a little research—something everyone could find on the internet. 

Gabriel Stark got his MBA at Harvard, and his father was none other than Elazar Stark—the Chairman of Stark Group, a multinational conglomerate based in New York. It encompasses numerous associated businesses, most of which were joint under the Stark brand. He was one of the richest men in America. However, his second son, Coulson Stark, joined his brother in the thriving apparel brand, which was, of course, founded by Gabriel. They have a sister named Maya, and she was helping their father in the family business. 

"And of course, I'm so proud of you as well." 

A blonde woman in a bright pink dress suddenly appeared next to Gabriel. I watched as she ran a finger on his arm flirtatiously before she greeted the others, "Good evening, gentlemen. Hi, Dad." She kissed Rickman's cheek and briefly embraced the man. Of course, this was Maxine Perez. She flaunted a curvy figure with a nice pair of long legs, emerald eyes, and evenly fair skin.

"Max, why are you always late?" he scolded, but his voice remained calm. "You kept our Gabriel waiting."

Gabriel chuckled deliciously. "It's alright."

"You look absolutely stunning tonight, Max," Gabriel complimented and kissed her on the cheek. 

I looked away from the heartbreaking view. So, he really did wait for her? It must be true what the employees said in the office, then. 

"Well, Rickman," Gabriel interjected, still grinning. "We don't want to keep you up. I have to look for Rivera, and my assistant still has to eat," he told the man, then he glanced at me. 

‘Great! Now, you remember I'm still here,' I thought. I rolled my eyes.

"Of course. I think I saw the man earlier. Enjoy the rest of the evening," Rickman said with a small smile. "Max, I'll just look for your mother."

"Mom is with Maria Evreux. And we will certainly enjoy, Dad," Maxine answered, then she clung to Gabriel's side, but he carefully took her hands off.

‘Yep, that's right. Hand's off!' I thought, trying to hide my smirk. 

"Max, as I have said, I need to look for Rivera," he informed her. He seemed suddenly uncomfortable, which was odd, given that he greeted her pleasantly a few minutes ago.

"Then I'll come with you," she insisted, pulling his arm again. "My Dad would be worried if you showed him this side of you. He'll find out we're not really close. Well, physically, we are but—"

"Hey!" Gabriel cut her off, then stepped away.

My face was heated. I'd always known that Stark was a Casanova of the year, screwing different women here and there, but I didn't like it very much meeting one of them face to face. I just couldn't.

"Excuse me, Mr. Stark." I cleared my throat. "I'll just go to the restroom, and I'm hungry, so…"

He frowned and leaned his face slightly into my ear, "Wait for me, I'll join you," he said softly, his voice lingering to my deepest core. 

My cheeks flamed. I gave him an astonished look. To the restroom?

"To dinner, of course," he said as if he heard my thoughts.

My mouth parted. "Oh, it's okay, Mr. Stark. I'll try to look for Mr. Rivera as well," I whispered back. "He might be here somewhere."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Wait." Maxine prompted. Her eyes studied me from my red heels to my face. "And who is this? Your date?"

Gabriel heaved a sigh, pressing two fingers on the middle of his eyebrows. "This is Audrey, my new executive assistant."

"Ah, I see that you finally found one." She grinned, which seemed forced, and she curled her arms to Stark again. "I'm sure she can handle herself, Gabriel. Right, sugar?"

"Y-yes, sure," I murmured. "Pardon, Mr. Stark."

I didn't wait for him to speak. I turned and strode away from them before I collapsed from jealousy.

***

I went to the restroom to refresh a little bit, then I came back to the grand hall to get something to eat since I was freaking starving. 

Inside, I wandered my eyes around to look for Gabriel. I didn't know anyone, and I was starting to feel like I was out of place. After a brief sight-seeing, I still couldn't find him, so I just grabbed a glass of Sauvignon and a snack from a roaming waiter. I sat at the nearest table and munched my food. 

As I ate, someone sat in the empty chair across from me. I looked up and found a dark blonde-haired man in a white tuxedo, and he was grinning at me. I stopped eating.

"Hi," Coulson Stark greeted, still wearing a smile.

I swallow the food in my mouth. "Mr. Stark!" I chuckled nervously. "I didn't know you were here."

"I just came. It's a surprise to see you here, Audrey. But why is the most beautiful woman in this building eating here alone?" He studied me with his gaze. I felt his eyes run from my neck to my arms, then back to my face. I blushed.

Every day, I ran into Coulson Stark in the office, and I could say that he was always kind to me. He was the opposite of his older brother. He didn't shout or order anyone around. He was always a gentle speaker, not to mention he was also ridiculously handsome.

"Did you come with Gabriel?" he asked.

"Yes, but I think he's busy."

"Oh, please continue," he said as he noticed my plate. I gazed up at him. How could I eat when he was watching me like this?

He grinned so sweetly. Gabriel didn't resemble his brother, but that didn't mean Coulson was less of a bossman. His younger brother was actually handsome—with a pair of ocean blue eyes, a big frame, and a charismatic boyish smile that would make anyone melt. 

"I like this pasta very much. This reminds me of my mother," I said, not intentionally sharing about my personal life, but Coulson seemed a sensible person.

"Oh really? Then I won't be mistaken if you say that your mother is Italian?"

"She is… was."

"I'm sorry," he said sincerely. 

"It's okay, Mr. Stark."

"You can call me Coulson. We're not at work." He leaned to his chair, and his eyes brightened. "So, you won't mind if I ask you to come with me for dinner tomorrow at the Russo?"

"Yes, but I'm afraid we have to wait until next month. His wife is giving birth to their second son."

"But he likes your vision, I see." Coulson smiled. "Congratulations."

Gabriel let out a half-smile. "By the way, Maya is also here with Clarisse. You don't mind if you join them, right? I need to speak to my assistant regarding Rivera."

"Oh, God." Coulson rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "That woman is a ticking bomb. I guess I'll leave you two for a moment. I'll see them first, or we might see the end of the world." He shifted to my side. "Audrey." He kissed my cheek before he left. 

I smiled a little. "What does he mean by the end of the world?"

"That girl with my sister…" Gabriel held my shoulder and showed me where Coulson was headed, and I found two beautiful ladies. However, his fingers on my bare shoulders sent electricity rushing down my arm. I shivered at our sudden skin contact, "… is Coulson's ex-girlfriend."

I blinked. "Well, that's bad."

"And Maya's best friend. Wherever she goes, there's a disaster. If I were you, I'd stay away." Gabriel set his eyes back in the portrait.

I snickered. "Why would I? She doesn't even know me."

"She will if you hang around Coulson."

My jaw just dropped on the floor. I couldn't believe he had just said that! "I'm not. He spoke to me first—"

"You didn't answer my question earlier," he abruptly said, his tone remaining stern.

I frowned. "What?"

"This painting. Do you like it?"

I swallowed my throat dry and stared at it again. I still couldn't help but see myself in her. Bare, fragile, hurt.

I didn't like it. I hated it. 

"No."

"But you want it?"

My cheeks flared, and my skin was suddenly vulnerable. My breathing increased.

"And I know what this woman is offering. She's bold, fresh, raw, youthful… what else?" I felt Gabriel's breath on my neck. He was now standing behind me. My stomach stirred up from the building pleasure inside me. "Hungry for passion, warmth… sex."

Oh, God! I moved away from him. I shut my eyes briefly, composing myself to its rational state. "Mr. Stark… I don't think it's appropriate—"

He caught my arm, and he smirked. "Relax, I'm just giving an opinion about the painting."

I swallowed hard. "Well, I gave you mine. I don't like it, no."

"Really?" He shrugged, then crossed his arms on his chest. "So how about you give something else?"

I slowly gazed up at him. 

"I'd like a painting of you, Miss Hopkins."