Chapter 317: The Domineering Voice (Part 1)
“Okay, fine.”
Though reluctant, Ethan cracked a small smile — at least there was still hope.
When they got back home, Aidan watched the mother and two children enter their room before leaving.
After tucking the children in, Alison stepped out onto the balcony.
Images of Emily using drugs filled her mind.
Maybe everything Emily has done… was driven by the drugs.
Desperate to know the truth, she could only ask Pierre and Gabriel.
After pondering for a while, she finally dialed Gabriel’s number.
The phone rang for a long time.
“Why aren’t you asleep at this hour?” Gabriel’s hoarse voice came through.
“Can’t sleep,” she replied.
Hearing Gabriel’s voice, she finally calmed.
“What’s wrong?”
His tone was cool, yet to Alison, it brimmed with concern.
“Is Emily also under the influence of drugs?” she blurted out.
Silence fell — so thick that she could almost hear his heartbeat through the line.
“Gabriel, say something. Yes or no?” she added.
If so, Alison would have no reason to hate Emily anymore — perhaps her past actions weren’t intentional.
Silence remained on the other line.
“Gabriel, tell me — is it true?” she pressed.
“…”
“Fine. If you won’t tell me, I’m coming over right now.”
She slipped on her slippers and opened the bedroom door.
“Miss Fairchild, don’t come. I’ve moved,” he finally spoke.
“What? Where did you move to?”
“Don’t bother coming. You can’t find me. Sorry, I’m going to sleep. Good night.”
Gabriel hung up.
“Hey, you still haven’t told me if it’s because —”
Before she could finish, Alison could only hear the dial tone.
That jerk!
Fuming, she dialed his number again.
“The number you are calling is currently unavailable because the subscriber’s phone is turned off. Please try your call again later.”
Without hesitation, she rushed out.
Standing in front of the small attic door, her heart raced.
She pushed open the door, then went to the room — the space was empty; he was truly gone.
Stupefied, she stepped out onto the rooftop.
Scanning her surroundings, she saw no sign of Gabriel.
She dialed his number again, but it remained switched off.
She slumped down on the rooftop and gazed up at the night sky.
The tranquility made her reluctant to leave.
The brightest star recalled her Jack.
Oh my God… I’ve fallen for Gabriel.
Sorry, Jack. Please… forgive me.
Realizing she had rushed here impulsively, like a lovesick girl, she felt guilt toward Jack.
However, she still texted him.
[Gabriel, I’m in the attic.]
[Are you asleep?]
[Good night!]
After sending a few, she sat quietly on the rooftop, conflicting emotions tangled within her.
Her body had long since frozen stiff.
Suddenly, warmth enveloped her as a coat was draped over her shoulders.
The familiar scent of soapberry filled her nostrils.
“Gabriel, is that you?”
She didn’t turn around; her small hand instantly grasped the large one on her shoulder — its warmth soothed her heart.
“Alison, let’s go home,” he murmured.
“You know what? I felt you would come, and then you did.” She smiled.
“Silly girl. Let me take you home,” he said softly.
“No, just sit here for a while, okay? Then we’ll go to work together,” she insisted.