Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel)

Chapter 18: Obey My Instructions Or Face The Consequences

Chapter 18: Obey My Instructions Or Face The Consequences

Gabriel's POV

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The new week had barely begun, and I was already dealing with the fallout from the weekend. I had just gotten off the phone with my security team, who informed me that Marco had fled the city with his men. They hadn't recovered any footage from the restroom, confirming my suspicion that Marco had paid off some hotel workers who likely helped him escape and covered his tracks. But that didn't mean I was out of options when it came to making him pay. If I couldn't get him through the law, I'd ruin him where it hurt most-his businesses.

I had tipped off Marco's business partners about his shady dealings with their competitors and how he'd been embezzling company funds. It was information I'd been sitting on for a while, unsure if I'd ever need to use it. But now, after what he'd tried to do to Clairessa, I was more than willing to burn everything he'd built to the ground. The taste of revenge was sweet, and I planned to savor every moment of it.

Why had I ever considered working with a degenerate like Marco? Sure, he was powerful, but he didn't come close to me. He and I had made major investments together in the past, and he'd practically begged to be included in my Next Generations project. That was the only reason I'd let him in. Now I was paying the price for letting my guard down. But I wasn't going to stop until I'd seen this through to the end. I knew Marco would fight back, and I was more than ready for it.

I couldn't get the image of Clairessa out of my head, no matter how hard I tried. She had told me that she decided to let go of what Marco did to her. For her to truly move on, she had to release herself from the pain of yesterday because there was so much to live for in the future, and she didn't want to be chained to the past.

But I didn't share the same thought process. I was going to make those who hurt me pay for their actions. There was no forgiveness in my book, only vengeance-or better yet, justice served by my hands. I couldn't let go, no matter how hard I tried, when the images of that night still haunted me.

Clairessa was truly one of a kind, stronger than the rest of us who held on to past trauma. Her heart was so pure. She was different from me, who found it difficult to let go of pain.

13:42 de,

Chapter 18: Obey My Instructions Or Face The Consequences.

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I found myself thinking about her constantly. It took all my willpower not to drive to her house and check on her, to stay away. I'd nearly kissed her in the car, and that was a dangerous slip. I had rules for a reason, and getting involved with her would break every single one of them.

I'd given her the week off, hoping she'd get the rest she needed, both physically and emotionally. But deep down, I knew it was also to create some distance between us. I needed to regain control of the situation, to remind myself why getting close to her was a bad idea.

I paged my PA. "Hi, Tems."

"Yes, Mr. Storm?"

"Send flowers and a 'feel better' note to Clairessa's house." I wanted her to know I was thinking of her, even if it was from a distance.

"Right away, Mr. Storm. But I'll have you know that she clocked in today. Should I send it to her office instead?" Tems replied.

"She clocked in?" I asked, surprised. I had explicitly told her to take the week off. Why would she defy my

orders?

"Yes, sir. She clocked in at 8:30 a.m."

“Thanks, Tems. Never mind about the flowers." I pressed the end button, barely controlling my temper. After the weekend Clairessa had, she was supposed to be resting, not working. I wanted to focus on work, but I couldn't help worrying about her. And why did I care so much?

It had to be the guilt. I felt responsible for what happened to her. That was the only reason. I tried to convince myself of that, but deep down, I knew it wasn't just guilt. There was something more, something I wasn't ready to admit yet.

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13:42 e, 11 Feb M.

Chapter 18: Obey My Instructions Or Face The Consequences

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I stormed through the office, my mind set on confronting Clairessa. She had disobeyed me, and I wasn't about to let that slide. The closer I got to her office, the more my irritation built. When I pushed open her door, she looked up, clearly surprised.

"Mr. Storm... I didn't expect to see you," she exclaimed, rising from her seat, shock visible on her face. My eyes quickly scanned her office. It was neat and organized, as I expected. But this wasn't a courtesy visit, and I needed to make that clear.

“Clairessa, why are you here?” I asked, my voice cold as my eyes bore into hers. “You had clear instructions to take the week off."

firm.

"Mr. Storm, I'm sorry, but I couldn't just sit at home doing nothing. I needed to work," she replied, her voice “But you could have worked from home,” I pressed, stepping closer but she didn't back down. Instead, she looked me straight in the eye, fueling my frustration.

"I wanted to be at the office," she shot back, defiant. Her beauty, her fiery spirit-everything about her was intoxicating, drawing me in when I wanted to pull away.

"When I give an order, you obey it, especially when it's in your best interest,” I snapped, my tone harsh. The tenderness I had shown her before was gone, replaced by the cold, stoic man she knew I could be.

“Mr. Storm, I did nothing wrong here. I simply showed up to work," she fought back, rolling her eyes. Her defiance rattled me further, challenging me in a way I hadn't expected.

"You will soon learn," I said, my voice low and dangerous, "that I don't take kindly to being disobeyed. Since you're so eager to work, you'll move to my floor and work closely with me. I'll inspect everything you do, and you'd better make sure I don't find a single mistake.” I could see a glint of fear in her eyes, and that was exactly what I wanted. I needed her to fear me, to remember who was in control.

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Chapter 18: Obey My Instructions Or Face The Consequences

But even as I watched her reaction, something inside me coiled uncomfortably. I was pushing her too fat but I couldn't stop myself. I had to regain control, not just of the situation, but of my emotions. Clairessa Hartwood was becoming a constant distraction, and I couldn't afford to let her disrupt my life any more than she already had.

She looked at me, her fear slowly fading into defiance, and I could see she was ready to argue further. But I wasn't going to give her the chance.

“Clear out your desk, Clairessa,” I ordered, my tone final. “You'll start on my floor immediately.”

She hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching mine as if looking for some sign of the man who had held her so gently just days ago. But that man was gone, replaced by the cold CEO who wouldn't allow her to challenge his authority.

"Yes, Mr. Storm,” she finally replied before turning to her desk to gather her things. I turned on my heel. walking out of her office before I could say or do something I'd regret.

Chapter 19: The Move

Clairessa's POV