Chapter160.
Shyanne had heard plenty about the head of the Campbell family, about his striking appearance and commanding presence. But seeing him in person was another thing entirely. The sheer intensity of his aura sent a tremor through her chest. She forced herself to meet his gaze, suppressing the nervous flutter in her stomach.
Dressed in a jade–green qipao, she spoke slowly and clearly. “Mr. Campbell, hello. I’m Jaxon and Joshua’s piano teacher.”
Gabriel barely spared her a glance.“Mm.”
He turned to Byron, who immediately stepped forward.“Shyanne, let me walk you out.”
Jaxon and Joshua politely said their goodbyes.
Before she could process what was happening, Gabriel was already leading the boys toward the
main house.
The piano lessons were held in the adjacent guest house, and from what Byron had mentioned, Gabriel disliked letting strangers into the main residence.
Shyanne swallowed her nerves and quickly called out, “Mr. Campbell, I’d like to discuss the boys‘ piano lessons with you.”
Gabriel paused. He motioned for someone to take the boys inside before heading toward the guest house’s sitting room.
Shyanne hurried to follow.
Inside, a significant distance separated them.
water
to
wall
Byron poured her another glass of
before stepping aside Shyanne clenched her hands slightly, worried she’d lose her composure under Gabriel’s piercing
gaze.
“Mr. Campbell, the boys have fallen behind in their lessons. They’re often distracted in class, which isn’t good for their progress.”
Shyanne knew Gabriel cared deeply about the children’s education and couldn’t help but assess the difficulty of the situation.“I suggest increasing their piano sessions. Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to teach them.
“If possible, could I have your contact information? I believe it would be best to discuss this directly with their father.”
She held her breath, waiting for his response.
Gabriel’s sharp eyes saw right through her.
He had encountered countless women over the years. Those who played hard to get, those who feigned innocence, those who masked ambition with an air of independence. Compared to them, this woman’s tactics were almost laughable.
He
gave her a long, scrutinizing look.“Just do your best, Shyanne.”
Shyanne froze.“Mr. Campbell, you’re not concerned?” His gaze was ice–cold, sending a wave of unease through her.
Jaxon and Joshua were heirs to the Campbell family. Piano was just a hobby. They’d never need to rely on it for a living.
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But Gabriel saw no need to explain that to an outsider.
“It’s late. I won’t be seeing you out.”
His dismissal was crystal clear. Shyanne bit her lip, frustrated, but had no choice but to leave.
After Byron escorted her out, Gabriel ordered, “From now on, whenever a female teacher is instructing the boys, have someone present at all times. I don’t want them talking nonsense in front of the children.”
He refused to let history repeat itself.
Upstairs, Jaxon and Joshua rushed to find their smartwatches, eager to video call Hazel, only to find them out of battery.
They sprinted to Gabriel’s room, grabbed their phones, and immediately dialed her up. Hazel and Leila were in the middle of dinner when the call came through.
Leila Hearing their voices,
dropped her tableware excitedly. “Joshua! Jaxon!” When Gabriel walked in, the screen displayed a warm, domestic scene. Hazel, Johnson, and Leila were having dinner together.
Hazel met his gaze without a flicker of emotion.
Knowing the boys had a packed schedule the next day, she understood when they had to end the call.
Leila, though disappointed, still cheered them on.“Good luck!”
The night fell quickly.
Once the boys were asleep, Gabriel sat in his study, flipping through reports on their teachers His expression darkened with every page.
Arthur just wouldn’t give up.
***
Meanwhile, Hazel and Johnson were discussing the Redwood Resort development site. The competition for the land was fierce, with Gabriel being their biggest rival. Even the Stevens family from Los Angeles had joined the fray.
Hazel had surveyed numerous locations, but this one was ideal for cultivating the new medicinal herbs she was researching.
She was determined to secure it.
On the other side, Gabriel had entrusted Ezra with handling all matters related to the Redwood Resort project.
With the auction approaching, things were getting busier.
Late one night, Emma showed up with food.“Mr. Nelson, working late again? I brought supper for and the team.”
you
Ezra grinned.“Thanks, Ms. Morris. Perfect timing. I was starving.”
While the others‘ meals were left on the table, Ezra’s was handed to him personally. Seeing him eat, Emma finally relaxed.
But on his drive home, Ezra suddenly felt lightheaded. A blinding light, a violent impact. Then
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everything went black.
Meras
Upon hearing the news, Gabriel immediately sent someone to handle the situation. Fortunately, the injuries weren’t severe, but Ezra would be unable to work for a while.
Gabriel had him transferred to the Campbell family’s private hospital and arranged for a private room so he could recover properly.
“I’m
SO sorry,
had
no
idea you
Mr. Nelson. I
to peanuts.” were allergic to Emma rushed to the hospital, feigning concern. Her real goal, however, was to confirm that Gabriel had assigned Ezra to choose his replacement. She needed to stay on his radar. Before leaving, she casually mentioned, “By the way, Mr. Nelson, I sent the final Red Mountain Resort proposal to your email. Take a look when you get a chance.”
When Gabriel later asked for a
recommendation, Ezra pushed for Emma.
When Gabriel traveled for business or attended events, he was always accompanied by male assistants, even if it wasn’t Ezra.
However, Ezra pointed out that aside from himself, Emma was the most familiar with the project. After some thought, Gabriel agreed and assigned another male assistant to accompany them as well.
When Emma saw the official notice, her lips curled into
All her efforts had finally paid off.
a satisfied smile.
Knowing she’d be away for a week, Hazel called Ethan to stay with Leila. She and Johnson’s team boarded a plane to Akron and checked into the best hotel available. What she didn’t expect was to run straight into Gabriel at the elevator.
As always, he was dressed in a crisp white shirt and black trousers, his cool presence commandin the space.
Gabriel rarely saw her dressed so formally. His gaze lingered for a moment longer than usual.“What are you doing here?”
Hazel’s tone was indifferent.“None of
your business.”
Her eyes
shifted past Gabriel and landed on Emma beside him. Something about her face felt oddly familiar.
Emma smiled at her, but the second Hazel looked away, the warmth vanished from her expression.
Hazel stepped into the elevator. Gabriel followed.
Akron’s infrastructure was limited, and this hotel was the best in town. Most companies bidding on the land were staying here.
When the elevator doors opened at the top floor, Hazel stepped out, only to be met with a pair of
familiar
warm,
eyes.
A spark of surprise lit up the man’s gaze.
“Hazel, I never thought I’d run into you here.”
