Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 238

Chapter 238: No Regrets

Stephanie arrived at Michael Gardens at precisely 6 PM, her sharp heels clicking against the polished marble floor as she made her way toward the private section she had reserved.

The restaurant exuded an air of exclusivity, its dim lighting casting a soft glow over the elegant dining booths.

At their table, Gabriel was already seated, his silver-streaked hair neatly combed back and his suit crisp as ever. Despite their years apart, he still carried that composed, unreadable expression—the same one she used to despise.

He didn’t bother to stand when she approached, but he gave a slow nod in acknowledgment. “It’s good to see you after several weeks,” he said, his gaze following her as she settled into her chair.

Stephanie, setting her Kelly designer bag aside, met his gaze coolly. “I can’t say the same about you.”

Gabriel didn’t react, merely leaning back in his chair. “I assume this isn’t a social call, seeing that air of arrogance around you. How do you feel assuming the role of Chairwoman of the board of directors and Vintage Cellar’s CEO?

She smirked slightly. “I feel more like myself in this new position and I’m going to enjoy every bit of the perks that comes with it.”

Then, a waiter approached, greeting them politely as he placed two glasses of water on the table and handed them their menus.

“I’m too famished to entertain any of your questions and remarks,” Stephanie announced, flipping through the menu. “Wait until I’m done eating, then I’ll feed your curiosity.”

Gabriel said nothing, watching her as she swiftly made her selection. Less than a minute later, she handed the menu back to the waiter, and he followed suit.

When the waiter left, Gabriel leaned forward slightly, his fingers tapping against the table. “I take it you are adjusting well to your new role?”

Stephanie reached for her glass of water, taking a slow sip while peeking at him. “Why not?” She asked. “Who doesn’t like power?”

Gabriel scoffed, shaking his head. “I forgot—this is what you’ve always wanted. It’s no wonder you chose it over family.”

Stephanie’s lips curled into a smirk. “And I don’t have any regrets,” she retorted.

Neither of them spoke another word until the waiter returned with their food, placing their plates in front of them.

Stephanie picked up her cutlery, cutting into her meal without missing a beat. “Bon appétit.”

Gabriel simply nodded, and for several minutes, they ate in silence.

When Stephanie finally finished, she set her cutlery down, wiped the corner of her lips with a napkin, and fixed her gaze on him.

“I want our children to come live with me,” she said bluntly.

Gabriel’s fork froze midway to his lips before he slowly set it down. His brows furrowed slightly. “Why?”

Stephanie leaned back in her chair. “They are ambitious, Gabriel. Let’s face it—you can’t give them the kind of future they need.”

Gabriel scoffed, his lips curling in disbelief. “And what exactly is that future? You want them to follow in your footsteps?”

Stephanie didn’t flinch. “Of course. My plan is for them to join Vintage Cellar and resume managerial positions. That’s where their real future lies.”

Gabriel exhaled, shaking his head with a dry chuckle. “Let me guess. You plan to push your nieces out eventually and replace them with our children?”

Stephanie’s gaze remained unshaken. “You don’t need to concern yourself with matters relating to my company.” She sounded defensive.

He let out another chuckle, but this one carried a sharp edge. “Ah, I see. You’ve always been ruthless, but I never imagined you’d go this far.”

Stephanie stood up, grabbing her bag. “I’ll be reaching out to our children soon to share my vision with them.”

Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked away, leaving Gabriel staring after her with narrowed eyes.

—

DANTE Group.

In the sleek, modern office of DANTE Group, Xander sat behind his expansive desk, his fingers skimming through a report when a knock sounded on the door.

“Come in,” he called.

The door pushed open, revealing Asher, dressed sharply in a tailored navy suit. A grin spread across his face as he stepped inside.

“I was around the area and figured I’d drop by,” Asher said as he approached.

Xander stood, clasping Asher’s hand in a firm handshake before they exchanged a quick brotherly hug. “It’s been a while since you came by unannounced.”

“I had a feeling you’d miss me,” Asher joked, settling onto the leather chair across from Xander.

Before they could get into conversation, Liam entered with a secretary trailing behind, carrying a tray with a pot of coffee and two white ceramic cups. After setting the drinks on the table, Liam led the secretary out, leaving the two men alone.

Asher picked up his coffee, inhaling the rich aroma before taking a sip. “I heard Major Walker plans to retire next year,” he mentioned casually. “Did you know about that?”

Xander shook his head. “No, but it makes sense. The man has spent more than half of his life in the military. It’s about time he retires and gets some rest.”

Asher leaned back. “And what about you? Any plans to retire from Arsenal?”

Xander set his coffee down, fingers interlacing. “Yes. After two more missions, I’m done. I signed the contract already.”

Asher’s brows lifted in surprise. “You’re really leaving?”

Xander nodded in confirmation. “I need to take better care of my family. I can’t keep putting my life on the line.”

A small smile tugged at Asher’s lips. “I can’t argue with that. But won’t you miss it? The adrenaline? The thrill?”

Xander chuckled. “I’ll miss the action, but not the constant danger. I don’t want my wife to worry about me every time I disappear.”

Asher smirked, shaking his head. “So, does this mean you’re officially going soft?”

Xander raised a brow. “I prefer the term matured priorities.”

Asher laughed before taking another sip of his coffee. “Fair enough.”

Xander glanced at him. “What about you? Any thoughts about quitting?”

Asher exhaled through his nose. “Maybe when I’m ready to settle down.”

Xander tilted his head, amusement flickering in his gaze. “And you haven’t found the right woman yet?”

Asher shrugged, a smirk playing at his lips. “Not yet.”

Xander leaned forward slightly. “Or maybe you have, but you’re just not admitting it.” He had forgotten about his intuition regarding Asher and Abigail at Aurora’s new champagne launch event.

Asher merely chuckled, neither confirming nor denying the speculation.

Xander shook his head, grinning. “You’ll let me know when that changes, won’t you?”

“We’ll see,” Asher said, lifting his coffee cup with a knowing look.