From Secret Wife to Queen of Her World

Chapter 13 Give Me Custody of the Kids.

Gabriel's breath caught at her words. "What are you saying?"

Hazel's voice was soft but firm as she said, "Let's discuss the custody of the kids again." The air around them became utterly still, as if frozen solid.

Gabriel advanced a step, positioning himself right in front of her. His face, usually so warm and inviting, was now like a mask of ice, his eyes piercing and cold. The intensity of his gaze wast enough to make anyone quiver with fear.

Having been by his side for five years, Hazel could read him like

She recognized the signs of barely contained fury.

Anyone else would have been cowed by his imposing presence. no other.

The six-year-old in her grasp was no lightweight, but Hazel's grip was unwavering, her arm steady. After sorting things out in her mind, she calmed herself down when she looked at Gabriel. "It's scorching out here. The kids can't take this heat. Let's head inside where it's cooler and talk." With Jaxon cradled in her arms and Leila safely held by Lucia, they made their way towards the hotel.

Joshua took Gabriel's hand and trailed after them.

Without thinking, Gianna grasped Joshua's free hand, trying to create a cozy family vibe with the three of them.

But this time, Joshua pulled away.

Seeing Jaxon in such distress for the first time left Joshua feeling deeply disheartened. As twins, they had always shared a profound connection, sensing each other's feelings since they were little.

Jaxon was really sad.

"Was it Gianna's fault? Did I get too close to her before?" Joshua thought to himself. At that moment, Gianna stepped in to take his hand, while Joshua continued to wavere Gianna's face was drained of color, her fingers

drained of color, her fingers clenched tightly in her hands.

The hotel was right next to the check-in counter.

The check-in process was a breeze.

Lucia's cousin invited her relatives and friends, all of whom were in the same circle in Seattle. Many people had seen the beloved twins from the Campbell family.

As everyone watched Jaxon nestled closely in Hazel's embrace, they couldn't help but take a closer look at her.

Hazel's beauty was undeniable.

Lucia had seen plenty of stunning women in showbiz, but none compared to Hazel.

She possessed a timeless elegance, like a piece of perfect gem. Her presence was captivating.

impossible to ignore.

The

13 Give Me Custody of the

the elevator climbed to the upper floors, Lucia stole a furtive look at Gabriel Gabriel

was undeniably the most attractive man she'd ever seen. His features were impeccably. chiseled, and he radiated a cool, aloof presence that kept others at a respectful distance.

Admittedly, Hazel and Gabriel were stunning pair in terms of looks.

Lowering her head, Lucia peeked at Leila in her arms, her heart swelling with affection as she planted a gentle kiss on Leila's check.

Gabriel might have been a lousy husband, but there was no denying the quality of his genes.

Both the twins and Leila had inherited his good looks.

Hazel met Lucia after her divorce. Despite not having known each other for long, they understood each other's character very well.

Noticing Lucia's sly glance at Gabriel while she held Leila, Hazel quickly picked up on her implication and gave her a subtle warning to keep her thoughts to herself.

Lucia gave

gave her a comforting smile.

Leila was so adorable. She would never tell this scumbag that Leila was his daughter.

Lucia leaned closer to Hazel and whispered, "Darling, after you regain custody of the twins, can I also be their godmother?"

She couldn't have three such stunning children of her own, but that didn't stop her from asking.

It was also a good thing to be a godmother.

Hazel looked at Lucia helplessly, while Jaxon, leaning on her shoulder, also gazed at Lucia curiously. The elevator arrived.

Hazel walked towards her own room, with Lucia following closely behind, holding Leila.

Before entering, she glanced at Gianna, who was still there.

"Ms. Lewis, this is a matter between us. No matter how far you and Gabriel have gotten, it's not appropriate for you to be involved in this, right?"

Gianna gazed at Gabriel with a sorrowful look, her eyes filled with helplessness.

Hearing the last few words from Hazel, Gabriel frowned in confusion, trying to grasp what she was referring to.

However, Hazel had a point. It was a family issue, and Gianna was, in fact, an outsider.

Gabriel said, "You go back to the room first."

Gianna didn't want to miss the opportunity to sow discord, but Gabriel had already led Joshua. into the room.

The door shut in her face, leaving her seething with anger. She almost lost her composure, glaring fiercely at the door before her. With a heavy heart, she eventually retreated to her room. Lucia had arranged a suite for Hazel, and the luggage had been delivered beforehand. Hazel first settled Jaxon and Leila in the bedroom. Then she unpacked the latest toy models from her suitcase, along with some snacks the kids enjoyed.

She gently stroked Jaxon's head and softly asked, "Can you stay and play with Leila for a bit? Your

109. 109.

dad and I need to have a discussion, and I'll join you later, okay?" Jaxon nodded obediently. Hazel noticed the unease in his eyes and embraced him tenderly.

Although she was reluctant to defend Gabriel, she didn't want Jaxon to feel cornered at that

mon

She hoped that they would always be happy.

Hazel led Jaxon to the bathroom and fetched a fresh towel from the suitcase. She soaked it in

Warm Water, wrung it out, and tenderly wiped Jaxon's tear-streaked face. "Your dad made mistake just now, and I will make sure he apologizes. "You're so well-behaved. You're not a rude child at all. I know you only act out to defend Leila.

Cou're a brave and wonderful brother."

Jaxon found solace in her words, and the warmth of the towel on his face was comforting. Eventually, he stopped crying.

to soothing Leila.

Once she had comforted Jaxon, Hazel turned her attention. The little girl, being young and forgetful,

quickly forgot her tears. With a bit of persuasion, she was soon smiling again and eager to play with Jaxon and the new toys.

Joshua cautiously peeked in from outside, relieved to find them no longer crying. Upon seeing him, Jaxon invited him in to join them in play.

Joshua felt a twinge of anxiety. He cast a furtive glance at Hazel, but she didn't look at him at all. His heart sank with a sense of abandonment.

Lucia had initially intended to stay and look after the kids, but it ultimately didn't seem appropriate. She decided to give Hazel and Gabriel some privacy and retreated to her room In the living room, Hazel was seated at one end of the sofa, within sight of the three kids. Gabriel was seated across from her, his lips pursed tightly. Dressed in black, he exuded an even more distant and distinguished air.

Hazel broke the silence, addressing him with a composed gaze, 'Gabriel, are you going to tie he knot with Gianna?"

Gabriel's eyes darkened, and with a derisive smile, he retorted, "I'm not like you. I don't handle relationships as carelessly as you do."

She took several deep breaths, reminding herself to remain patient with this jerk. She was afraid Gabriel would hide the kids.

The pressing concern was the kids' custody issue.

As Hazel looked up at him again, she found herself lost in his deep, enigmatic eyes, sensing a complex mix of emotions that she couldn't quite decipher.

Gabriel shifted his gaze before she could fully take him in.

She was as aloof as when they first met. "Mr. Campbell, I'm aware our marriage wasn't your choice, which is why you've never been fond of my presence all these years.

Chapter 13 Give Me Cantody of the ki

As long as you give me custody of the two kids, I will take them abroad, ensuring we never cross paths again.

"If you want more kids, you're free to have them with Gianna."

Hazel had it all figured out. If Gabriel and Gianna ever got married and had kids, even if he was fair to the kids, who knew how Gianna would act?

In the end, it was inevitable that the two kids would suffer.

"Do you

Gabriel's expression hardened. He clenched his teeth in response, think I will consent to my sons living with your husband?"

Hazel was taken aback by his reasoning.

She thought, "We're talking about child custody. What is he blabbering about?" She was about to speak when Gabriel's icy tone cut in again, as though she had committed an unforgivable act.

"Hazel, do you want my sons to call someone else Dad?"

Without giving her a chance to respond, he declared his final stance, "Not a chance in hell!"