Chapter 186: Do You Think You Can Just Leave?

Gabriella's voice was soft and soothing.

She cherished this rare moment of tranquility, watching Charles with a tender smile. But, of course, someone had to come and ruin it.

"How convenient to preach simplicity, you've perfected that wide-eyed lamb act - all soft wool and trembling lashes."

Gabriella's brow furrowed.

She recognized the voice immediately. Sure enough, when she looked up, she saw Alfred's mischievous eyes.

Gabriella never liked Alfred, and now she turned to leave with Charles.

But Alfred had no intention of letting her go.

He grabbed Gabriella's arm. "Didn't Mr. Murphy give you the invitation? Did he forget, or are you just trying to get my attention?"

Gabriella found Alfred's words laughable. She shook off his hand, a hint of mockery in her eyes. "Mr. Barnett, are you always this full of yourself?"

Before Alfred could respond, Gabriella continued. "Yeah, I must have forgotten what kind of person you used to be. Your arrogance is really annoying sometimes."

Alfred frowned.

Back then, if it hadn't been for Shadow's pressure, Alfred would never have agreed to the engagement with Jennifer.

He had everything planned that day. If Gabriella had just stayed home, she wouldn't have been affected.

As for Jennifer, Alfred never really paid her any mind. She was the one who insisted on getting involved, so she had no one to blame but herself.

Who would have thought Gabriella would show up at the engagement party? Her eyes full of tears, barely holding back from crying.

And the first person to comfort her was Justin.

From that moment, Alfred noticed that whenever something happened to Gabriella, Justin would be there, more anxious than anyone.

Justin used to be indifferent, even causing trouble for Gabriella for Jennifer's sake.

But that changed. It became something else entirely.

When Alfred heard that Shadow was finally arranging for Justin and Ophelia to get married, his first thought was of Gabriella.

He thought she should witness this event too.

It was as if seeing those who once wanted Gabriella with others would bring Alfred peace.

Why he felt this way, even Alfred couldn't explain.

It was like a weight on his chest, only lifted by doing this.

When Gabriella refused without a second thought, Alfred's face grew colder. He grabbed her hand. "You have to attend the Barnett family event today."

"Why? I'm not part of the Barnett family." Gabriella pushed Alfred's arm away.

Sensing something was wrong with Gabriella, Charles, nestled in his cradle, started crying, his little face pitiful.

Ariana, who had gone to grab some water nearby, rushed back, worried something had happened to Charles. Seeing the situation, she grew even more anxious. "Miss Montague, what's going on?"

Alfred finally noticed Charles in the cradle. He had assumed Gabriella and Samuel's child would be unremarkable, probably resembling Samuel.

Thinking of Samuel's annoying face, Alfred had little patience. But looking down, he was struck by Charles' delicate features.

Charles was truly adorable, inheriting the best from his parents.

Even while crying, Charles wasn't irritating. His big, watery eyes stared at Alfred, softening his demeanor. "Did this kid get his stubbornness from you?" his tone was softer, despite his complaint.

"So what if he did? It's none of your business."

Gabriella felt a bit guilty facing Alfred.

He knew nothing of the hardships she endured, or even of Charles' existence, likely thinking Charles was someone else's child.

That was fine with Gabriella. She didn't want any ties with Alfred. If he wanted to misunderstand, so be it.

But Alfred quickly regained his composure. He didn't want to argue in front of the child but insisted Gabriella accompany him.

He grabbed her arm again. "I don't want to do anything drastic in front of the kid, so don't test my patience. Come with me now, or face the consequences."

Gabriella's expression turned icy.

Alfred had always been domineering, never allowing any refusal.

But before she could speak, Alfred dragged her towards the car.

The car was just as she remembered.

Gabriella frowned as she got in, quickly texting Ariana to take Charles home, ensuring he wouldn't be scared.

Once Ariana confirmed, Gabriella felt a bit relieved, but her eyes blazed with anger as she looked at Alfred. "Why are you still bothering me? We have nothing to do with each other anymore."

Alfred smirked, turning to meet her gaze.

If Alfred had one redeeming quality, it was his strikingly handsome face.

Even with a cold expression, he could make hearts flutter.

Gabriella instinctively looked away.

Despite the years apart, seeing Alfred up close still made her heart ache.

Only those who had given their heart and received nothing in return would understand this feeling.

Gabriella clenched her fists, feeling a mix of emotions.

Alfred's voice broke the silence again. "Do you really think you can just escape after leaving so many scars on me?"