Love In Disguise: Rebirth of the Heiress
Chapter 92

Chapter 92: Chapter 92

Her eyes lit up. "Really? What did you find?"

"Diet and stress management," I replied smoothly. "Small, regular meals that are easy on your stomach. Avoid acidic stuff, and tea actually helps—so long as it’s not caffeinated."

She nodded eagerly. "That’s good to know. I’ve been nervous about everything. You know, the treatments and all that."

"I can imagine." I gave her a reassuring smile, even though my insides twisted. "But if they caught it early, then that’s a huge advantage. Take it one step at a time."

She exhaled slowly, as if my words had lifted a small weight off her shoulders. "Thank you, Kiara. You have no idea how much this means to me. Just talking about it makes it feel less... overwhelming."

I leaned back, trying to shake off my own memories. "You’ll get through it, Anaya. And if you ever need advice—or just a distraction—let me know."

Her face softened. "Tea, then? Sometime this week?"

"Of course," I replied, genuinely smiling this time. "I’d like that."

Anaya got up, her posture lighter, and left the office.

Once the door closed, I leaned back in my chair, the smile fading as I let out a deep sigh. My fingers drummed against the desk as I stared at my phone.

"Operation Dysfunction"

That would do. I named the group chat with Jason and Lucian as I added both of them. It felt fitting.

I typed the first message:

Kiara: Hello, gentlemen. I have questions, and you both have answers.

Immediately, the chat buzzed with replies.

Lucian: You’re quite presumptuous.

Jason: How did you even get my personal number?

I grinned, typing back.

Kiara: Lucian gave me. Also, you should probably save my number now, Jason. I’m kind of important.

Jason’s response came quickly:

Jason: Important enough to cause chaos wherever you go?

Lucian sent a thumbs-up emoji. That irritated me more than his cryptic responses usually did.

I rolled my eyes and ignored them, typing again.

Kiara: Please let’s meet today. I need clarity. Both of you owe me that much.

Silence.

"Cowards," I muttered under my breath.

A moment later, Jason replied.

Jason: Fine. But Lucian is buying coffee.

Lucian’s response came almost immediately.

Lucian: No.

Can he be any colder?

Before I could type a snarky comeback, a knock sounded on my office door. I glanced up, slightly annoyed. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal Jessica, her perfectly styled hair cascading over her shoulders, and that sickeningly sweet smile plastered on her face. She stepped inside like she owned the place, her heels clicking against the floor.

"Wow," she said, looking around. "Your office is... cool. Really nice."

I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms. "Thanks, Jessica. What brings you here?"

Her smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, nothing. Just wanted to check in. You know, catch up."

"Catch up?" I repeated skeptically.

Jessica wandered over to the window, brushing her fingers along the edge of my desk as she passed. "I heard about Anaya’s promotion," she said, her voice casual but edged with bitterness. "Honestly, I was a little surprised. I mean, everyone thought I’d get it."

I raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smirk. "Well, Anaya’s been working hard. She deserves it."

Jessica’s jaw tightened slightly, but she forced another smile. "Right. Of course. Good for her."

"Anything else?" I asked, eager to cut this conversation short.

Jessica sighed dramatically, plopping herself into the chair across from me. "Actually, there is. Have you heard from Gabriel?"

My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression neutral. "Not really. Why?"

She leaned forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "He hasn’t been at work for days. And, well... there’s a rumor going around."

I tilted my head, feigning confusion. "Rumor?"

Jessica’s eyes sparkled with barely concealed excitement. "That you... exploded his house."

I blinked, letting her words hang in the air before I laughed. "What? That’s ridiculous. Where would anyone even get that idea?"

"I don’t know," she said, shrugging. "But Gabriel’s been telling people that you’re dangerous. And honestly... after what happened at the dinner party..."

I waved her off. "Jessica, do I look like someone who would blow up a house?"

She studied me for a moment, then giggled nervously. "I guess not. Still, Gabriel’s been acting weird. He even told me you two broke up."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "He wishes. I did him a favor by ending it. He just didn’t listen. Did you hear what I did to his mother? I’m sure he’s gossiped about it by now."

Jessica blinked, a flicker of unease crossing her face before she quickly covered it with a forced smile. "I... didn’t hear the details. What exactly happened?"

I leaned back in my chair, fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk. "Oh, nothing too dramatic. Just me throwing some hot coffee in her face after a few choice words. It was quite the event."

Her smile faltered, the corners of her mouth twitching. "That’s... bold of you. Luckily, you weren’t arrested, right? So no harm, no foul."

I tilted my head, letting my gaze sharpen. "No harm, no foul?" I repeated, a faint smile curving my lips. "You sound relieved. Was someone hoping I’d get locked up?"

Jessica stiffened, her hands gripping her purse tightly. "What are you implying?"

"Nothing," I said airily. "Just making conversation. Besides, accidents happen all the time. Like poor Mrs. Greene. Such a tragedy, don’t you think?"

Jessica’s lips parted, confusion flickering in her eyes. "Mrs. Greene?"

I leaned forward, watching her closely. "Gabriel didn’t tell you? I mean, it’s not something people want to brag about, but someone like you... surely you’d know."

Her brows knitted together, and I could see her scrambling to piece it together. "I... don’t know what you’re talking about."

"Of course, you don’t," I murmured, smiling faintly. "Never mind. Forget I said anything."

Jessica tilted her head, her confusion giving way to irritation. "You’re being annoying, Kiara. If you have something to say, just say it."

"Am I?" I asked, feigning innocence. "Maybe it’s just one of those things where, if you know, you know."

Her jaw tightened, but she quickly plastered on another smile. "Well, I guess some things are better left unsaid."

I shrugged, picking up my coffee and taking a slow sip. "Exactly. Unsaid, but never forgotten."

Jessica’s smile wavered, and she glanced toward the door. "I should get going. Gabriel’s been asking about you, you know."

"Has he?" I asked, my tone indifferent.

She nodded, her voice lilting with a hint of smugness. "He said he’s moving on. Actually, he’s been confiding in me a lot lately. I’m sure you understand."

I raised an eyebrow, taking another sip of my coffee. "Confiding in you? That’s... nice of him."

Jessica smiled, her fingers brushing imaginary lint off her dress. "Well, someone has to help him. He’s been so lost without you." She paused, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Actually, I was thinking... if I marry Gabriel, you wouldn’t mind, right?"