His Mistress is His Ex-Wife
Chapter 15: Friendship

Chapter 15: Friendship

[ At Tan Group Hospital: CEO’s Office...]

Gael was working on his laptop, checking the hospital’s monthly income report when his secretary’s voice echoed from the intercom.

"Sir, Miss Lanny Ivankov is here to see you. Should I let them in?"

Gael’s eyes glinted with excitement when he heard that name. They have been keeping in touch for four years because of one person– Sabrina.

"Let her in!" Gael swiftly shut his laptop, rising from his executive chair, his heart brimming with anticipation and longing. ’Is Sabrina with her?’

Last night, in the Circles, Gael tried his best not to approach Athena even though he already knew the person behind the mask. Every two weeks Circles had different sponsors and organizers, and last night’s gathering was sponsored by Gael for Sabrina’s comeback.

As he made his way to the glass door of his office, it suddenly slid open and Athena’s figure came into his view. Athena and Gael stood face to face, their eyes locking in a moment of recognition.

Five years of separation had only intensified the longing in their hearts, and now, as they stood reunited, emotions overflowed like a river breaking its banks.

"Sab..." Gael’s voice trembled with a mixture of joy and yearning as he reached out to caress her face.

"Gael!" Athena’s eyes brimmed with tears as she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace.

For a moment, they simply held each other, lost in the familiarity of each other’s presence.

Meanwhile, Lanny stood behind them with a faint smile, watching this heartfelt reunion between the two best friends.

Finally pulling back, Athena looked into Gael’s eyes. "Long time no see. I’ve missed you," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Gael smiled and nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "It feels like a lifetime," he admitted, his voice raw with emotion. "But seeing you now, it’s like no time has passed at all."

Gael recognized her because he was the one who facilitated Sabrina’s surgery at Tan Group Hospital. He had been helping her in secret. However, he couldn’t meet her in person as Dominique’s men had been closely monitoring his movements.

He endured those painful years without seeing Sabrina for her own safety. But now, he was so glad that she was back!

"Let’s settle down first before catching up on our lost time." Gael guided the two ladies to the long sofa. He also offered them some coffee and tea.

"Are you okay?" Gael asked Athena, holding her hand. "Did you meet him last night?" He was aware that Dominique won the bidding.

"Yes. But don’t worry, I’m fine," Athena reassured him.

"Haha! We’re making swift progress. We’ve caught the big fish in our trap!" Lanny joined the conversation.

The turn of events was unexpected. Ashton was the initial target, but Dominique ended up taking the bait. Nonetheless, everything unfolded according to their plan.

"So what’s next?" Gael inquired expectantly. "Tell me how I can be of help."

"Sasha!" Both Athena and Lanny uttered in unison. Then they looked at each other, bursting out into a peal of laughter.

"What about Sasha?" Gael watched them with intrigue.

"We should let her know that her husband spent five hundred million for a woman!" Lanny exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

"Will you help us do that?" Athena asked.

Gael darted his gaze back and forth between Athena and Lanny before saying, "Ladies, I think you shouldn’t worry about that. I know someone who will do the job even if we don’t exert any effort."

Lanny: "Eh?"

Sabrina: "Who is that someone?"

Gael’s face lit up with a wolfish grin. "Who else? It’s your cousin, Melody, the traitor. She’s got eyes for Dominique. I caught her flirting with him last night. Melody is determined to claim Dominique for herself. She’ll do whatever it takes to sow discord between the married couple."

"Oh right! I witnessed that scene last night!" Lanny’s face contorted with disgust. "I thought she’s engaged with Oliver Jones, the Vice Chairman of Jones International Inc."

"He is one of the bidders," Athena remembered Oliver.

"Yeah, and he’s also a big fan of yours," Gael informed her.

"Alfonso Williams arranged this marriage with the Jones Family to expand their business empire. His greed knows no bounds." Gael had been closely observing the Williams Family from the shadows.

A cold glint flashed through Athena’s eyes when her Uncle was mentioned. "Indeed. He’s willing to sell out his own brother. They’re a family of traitors!" she muttered through gritted teeth.

Gael took a deep sigh, gently squeezing Athena’s hand to comfort her. He felt sorry for her. Her own relatives betrayed her.

"We are going to deal with them soon." Gael asserted, determined to protect Sabrina at any cost. "We will take everything back, Sabby," he uttered some comforting words for her.

Resting her head on Gael’s shoulder, Athena expressed her gratitude toward her best friend. "Thanks, Gael, for always being there for me... when I need you the most."

"No need to thank me, Sabby. I’ll do anything for you. I know you will do the same if I’m the one in trouble, am I right?" Gael looked at her intently. His stare was filled with tenderness and affection, yet tinged with the bittersweet awareness of keeping his emotions hidden from her.

However, his expression didn’t escape Lanny’s observant eyes.

’Whoah! Why do I feel like I just found my brother’s love rival?’ She thought to herself as she silently observed Athena and Gael’s interaction.

"Hey, guys. What do you think about calling off the engagement between Melody and Oliver? We can’t let the two families unite. Alfonso Williams will gain even more power and influence." Lanny suggested.

The three of them exchanged thoughtful glances, recognizing the idea. Breaking the engagement could disrupt Alfonso Williams’ plans and potentially weaken his hold on power.

"Sounds like a great plan!" Gael concurred, his enthusiasm evident in his tone.

"Maybe I can pull this off." Athena asserted with confidence. "After all, he is an avid fan of mine."

"I like your confidence, Athena. By the way, Gael, don’t call her Sabby or Sabrina anymore. She’s Athena now. Don’t forget." She reminded him.