Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 52

"Gabriella," Drake said quietly, staring at the sunlight streaming in. His voice was barely audible.

"What?" Mason's voice rose sharply. "Gabriella's getting engaged? To whom?"

"Who doesn't matter." Drake's voice took on an obsessive edge. "I won't let her marry him. She belongs with me. I'll win her back."

"Uh..." Mason was momentarily speechless. After a pause, he ventured carefully, "Drake, don't you think that's... unethical?"

Drake laughed bitterly. "Ethics? I don't care about ethics. I just need her back."

Mason was stunned into silence. His friend had treated Gabriella as a replacement, cheated on her with Sienna, and now that she was engaged, he was claiming undying love? It was beyond belief.

"Look," Mason sighed, "I've never tried stealing someone's fiancée, so I can't really advise. Different strokes and all that. Good luck, I guess."

That weekend at Gabriella's apartment, Asher cooked lunch for her.

"I'm visiting a colleague in the hospital this afternoon," she told him afterward. "The one from the knife incident. We're bringing flowers and fruit."

"Let me have WilGabbym arrange that," Asher offered.

"Thanks."

WilGabbym arrived with the Cullinan, the trunk filled with gifts. As Gabriella got out at the hospital, Rachel approached.

"Well, well," Rachel smirked. "Was that a Rolls-Royce I just saw?"

"Is there a problem?" Gabriella asked coolly.

"No problem at all." Rachel's smile was knowing. "Just... interesting."

Enzo Corner, standing nearby, couldn't resist asking, "So who was that, Gabriella?"

"My boyfriend," she answered simply.

"Boyfriend? Right." Rachel's tone dripped with insinuation. "We understand completely."

After Gabriella walked away, Rachel turned to Enzo. "Must be her sugar daddy. Explains how she can afford those expensive dinners."

Enzo nodded eagerly. "Makes sense. Remember that ten-thousand-pound dinner she treated us to?"

"What exactly are you implying?" Gabriella's voice hardened. "You seem to have a problem with me."

Enzo smirked. "No problem at all. Just admiring how well you've done for yourself, landing someone with that kind of money."

"I haven't done anything to you. Why the hostility? Did I spend your money on that car?"

"As if I could afford one."

"Rather than being bitter, maybe focus on your own success," Gabriella snapped. "Your jealousy is showing."

The word 'jealousy' struck a nerve. Enzo's face darkened. "At least I didn't earn my position on my back."

Gabriella's face went cold with fury. "Be very careful. As a lawyer, you should know defamation is illegal. Don't make me forget we're colleagues."

Enzo rolled his eyes and left without another word.

At The Sovereign Club, Gabriella found Enzo already drinking with two middle-aged executives, each with a hostess draped over him. All eyes turned to her as she entered.