Chapter 201: It's Actually Him

Alfred felt a mix of emotions but kept quiet.

Meanwhile, Gabriella was doing her best to stay composed.

She had seen Alfred and Freya together earlier.

They looked so happy.

She had always known they were a perfect match, but for some reason, thinking about it now made her feel a bit upset.

Azalea didn't notice Gabriella's change in mood and was still caught up in the joy of reuniting with an old friend.

It had been a long time since they last met, so naturally, they reminisced about their childhood.

Azalea said. "I remember you the most from back then. We used to play together all the time. Then Walter joined us, and it became the three of us. But it seemed like you two were closer."

Hearing a familiar name from Azalea, Gabriella's hand, which was holding a teacup, froze in mid-air.

She looked at Azalea in surprise. "Who did you just mention?"

"Walter," Azalea said earnestly. "You haven't forgotten him, have you? He moved in a bit later than you and spent a summer with us. We were pretty close. After you moved away, he came back in the winter and asked me about you."

Gabriella's heart skipped a beat.

The last time she saw the woven butterfly pendant in Walter's car, she thought it was just a coincidence.

She never imagined that she and Walter had actually met before.

She had almost forgotten about it and never expected her childhood friend to become the head of Apex Holdings Group.

Gabriella forced a smile. "I've moved so many times that I can't remember everything."

Fortunately, Azalea didn't mind. "I get it, so I don't blame you. By the way, are you living separately from your mom now?"

Mentioning Molly brought a hint of sadness to Gabriella's eyes.

That year, Gabriella was focused on escaping from Samuel.

She had completely forgotten that Molly was still under Alfred's control.

The fear in her heart made Gabriella unsure of how to return. She didn't even know which hospital Molly was in.

The guilt washed over her.

Gabriella didn't even know if her mother was still alive.

Unexpectedly, Azalea continued, "Molly looks much better than before. When I saw her a few days ago, she seemed quite healthy. But she didn't mention much about you. Did you have a fight with her or move out on your own?"

Gabriella's eyes widened, and she grabbed Azalea's hand, her voice trembling with excitement. "What did you just say? You've seen my mom? How is she now?"

Azalea was taken aback by Gabriella's intense reaction.

"Gabriella, what happened between you and Molly? Don't you know she moved back?"

Moved back? And recently?

Molly was better? At least she was still alive!

Gabriella felt a surge of emotion, her lips trembling as she lowered her head. "We had a fight, so I..."

Azalea quickly accepted the explanation.

She gently held Gabriella's hand. "It's okay. Even if you fought, you'll make up. Molly seemed fine when I saw her, so she probably isn't mad at you anymore."

The more Azalea spoke, the sadder Gabriella felt.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she forced a smile. "Really? That's great."

Gabriella looked at Azalea with a serious expression and grabbed her hand. "Azalea, I'm really glad to see you. Truly."

If it weren't for Azalea, Gabriella might not have known where her mother was and could have missed the chance to see her again. Thinking about the past and how Molly had protected her, Gabriella felt a rush of emotion.

Knowing where Molly was felt like a huge relief.

She needed to take Charles to see her tomorrow, no, she needed to go tonight.

She wanted to tell Molly that she had been doing well and introduce her to Charles, the adorable little boy.

Gabriella felt all her emotions welling up inside her.

She couldn't even tell if she was happy or sad.

"But Gabriella, after all this time, you've become even more beautiful. Are you married?" Azalea blinked, wanting to know more about Gabriella.

Gabriella awkwardly wiped away her tears. "Actually, I..."

"Actually, Miss Montague is quite restless. How could she possibly devote all her feelings to one person?" A slightly mocking voice suddenly came from behind.

Gabriella's brow furrowed as she turned to see Alfred standing there.

Her tone turned cold. "What are you doing here?"

Alfred remained calm, placing a hand gently on Gabriella's shoulder and leaning in. "Do you really not want to see me?"

Gabriella's eyes were icy, and if she weren't holding back her displeasure, she might have already lashed out.

Azalea, watching the interaction, was at a loss for words. "Gabriella, who is this..."

Alfred glanced at Azalea, his gaze so cold it was frightening.

Azalea had more to say but quickly decided to leave. "Gabriella, we have each other's contact info. Since you're busy, I'll go now."

She turned and hurried away, afraid Alfred might target her if she stayed.

Gabriella wanted to call her back but, seeing Alfred's attitude, swallowed her words.

She looked at Alfred with a cold stare. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

"What do you mean?" Alfred frowned. "I just saw you here and wanted to say hello."

"Say hello?"

Gabriella found it amusing. "Shouldn't you be with Freya right now? Did you have a fight with her so you came to me?"

Freya?

Alfred frowned, a hint of amusement in his eyes.