Chapter 343: Romantic Nightfall (Part 2)
Alison frantically searched her mind for the vendor. who the vendor was.
Elsewhere, Gabriel was still haggling with him.
A sudden flash of memory struck her— it was the day Jack had fallen into the water. As she was about to jump in, Officer Clark had pulled her out.
The vendor before her now was Officer Clark — this realization stunned her.
What’s Gabriel’s identity?
Informant… or undercover agent?
These possibilities flashed through her mind.
Just as she was lost in thought, Clark glanced her way, startling her into quickly lowering her head.
“This headpiece is lovely — so stylish and charming. Pick this one!”
“Okay, I’ll take this one.”
To cover her earlier glance, she bought the headpiece.
While paying, she secretly looked back, only to find Gabriel was already gone.
Did I expose myself?
She grabbed the headpiece and hurried toward the street entrance, wandering deeper into the night market.
With every step, she felt two pairs of eyes watching her — Clark’s and Gabriel’s.
Her mind raced, tangled in doubts about their connection.
As she walked, her phone suddenly rang.
Instead of answering, she silenced it—afraid that one sound might reveal she’d been following him.
Finally, the ringing stopped. Immediately afterward, a text-alert chimed.
She headed to the roller rink.
“Ma’am, we close in half an hour. Are you sure you want to buy a ticket?” the attendant asked.
“Yeah, I’ll just skate for a little while.”
Alison bought a ticket and rented a pair of skates.
Once laced up, she glided across the rink with ease.
When she was certain Gabriel hadn’t followed, she dashed into the restroom.
Instead of exiting through the door, she climbed out the window.
She hailed a taxi and handed the driver $200.
“Driver, no meter. Please take the shortest route home — as quickly as possible.”
She had to hurry home.
Back home, Alison bolted for the bathroom.
The warm water gradually calmed her racing heart as it cascaded over her.
Where could he be now?
Was he rushing toward me?
Who exactly is he?
She swirled water between her fingers, scrubbing every inch of her skin.
Thinking about her reaction to him, warmth surged through her once more.
Just then, the bathroom door slid open softly.
Gabriel appeared before her like an uninvited guest.
As she was about to scream, he silenced her with a wild kiss.
“Mmm …” His sudden kiss left her gasping for air. She pushed against his chest.
“Jack, let me go.”
Jack? He flinched, slowly releasing her.
Through the misty fog, he murmured, “Why didn’t you answer my call?”
After a moment’s thought, she forced herself to sound calm.
“Gabriel, did you call? I didn’t notice.” Her heart tightened.