Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 32

The newcomer was an elegant woman in her thirties, radiating a refined presence.

"Gabriella," Asher introduced, "this is Dr. Sarah Bennett, the restoration expert I mentioned."

Gabriella's eyes lit up with surprise and delight. She'd expected an elderly academic, not this striking woman.

She rose quickly to shake hands. "Dr. Bennett, I'm Gabriella Rodriguez. I can't tell you how grateful I am for your help with my figurine."

"Oh dear," Sarah laughed warmly, eyes crinkling. "Dr. Bennett sounds terribly formal. Sarah, please."

Gabriella flushed, embarrassed at her over-formality.

"I'm so sorry—I didn't mean to be stuffy."

"Not at all," Sarah's smile remained warm as her gaze flickered to Asher. "I must say, you're quite surprising. Our Asher here is notoriously particular—I've been quite curious what sort of woman could capture his attention. Now I understand completely."

"Please, sit," Gabriella pulled out a chair.

After pouring tea for Sarah, Gabriella hovered attentively. "Hope it's to your taste."

Sarah's eyes danced with amusement as she sipped. "Perfect."

"Gabriella, darling, do relax," Asher interjected. "Dr. Bennett is being very well compensated. You needn't fuss so."

Gabriella smiled and returned to her seat beside him.

"Always ruining my fun, Asher," Sarah mock-pouted.

Turning to Gabriella, she asked brightly, "Did you bring the piece with you, dear?"

"Not yet—would you mind coming back to the house with me after dinner? I can show you then."

"Of course," Sarah agreed readily.

After dinner, Sarah accompanied Gabriella to the Rodriguez estate.

Gabriella carefully unwrapped the broken figurine. "Do you think it can be saved?"

Sarah examined the pieces, brow furrowing. "Quite thoroughly shattered, isn't it?"

Gabriella held her breath.

"But don't worry, dear. Now it's in my hands, I promise to restore it properly."

Gabriella exhaled in relief. "Thank you so much."

"My pleasure."

Sarah was privately thrilled. Asher's restoration fee was extraordinarily generous for such a small project.

"Do you have any photos of the original piece?"

"Yes, I'll send them to you."

"Perfect. I'll contact you if I need any other details. Shall we call it a night?"

"Let me have the driver take you home."

"That would be lovely."

With the restoration arranged, Gabriella turned her thoughts to settling scores with Drake and Sienna.

She called her cousin Alexander.

"Alex? I need a favor."

That evening, fresh from her shower, Gabriella's phone buzzed with an unknown New York number.

Thinking it might be a client, she answered. "Hello?"

Silence.

Burying his face in it, he imagined her face. "Gabriella, I miss you."

God, how he missed her.

Sienna entered then. "Drake? Dinner's ready."

He pulled her down suddenly, passion igniting.

At the height of intimacy, Drake called out mindlessly: "Gabriella, my Gabriella, I miss you so much..."

Beneath him, Sienna froze.

Her face went white.

The next day, Charlotte organized drinks to celebrate Gabriella's return.

At the bar, the three women settled into their booth.

"That Grace is going to be trouble," Charlotte declared, downing her drink. "Her attitude yesterday was appalling."

Victoria nodded. "She does seem rather difficult. Your future sister-in-law may prove challenging."

Charlotte scoffed. "Sister-in-law? Please. She's the housekeeper's daughter. 'Ward' sounds better than 'orphan living on charity,' doesn't it?"

Gabriella's eyes widened—she hadn't known Grace was the housekeeper's child.

"Why did the Blackwoods take her in?"

Victoria lowered her voice. "According to James, Lady Blackwood was being robbed. Their housekeeper took the knife meant for her. Before she died, Lady Blackwood promised her one thing."

Victoria paused, watching Gabriella carefully.

"Well? What was it?"

"You'll never guess what the dying housekeeper asked Lady Blackwood to promise..."