Chapter 1632

"Okay, okay." Taylor waved his hand with a self-deprecating grin. "I guess I brought this on myself." The woman and her boyfriend exchanged knowing smiles, clearly not ready to let him off the hook. "But seriously, when are you going to find someone? You're not actually into guys, are you?" "If you keep pushing me, I might just steal your man!" Taylor narrowed his eyes playfully, pretending to be fierce. Moments later, he exaggerated a sigh and nudged the couple toward the door. "You two sappy love birds better hurry off on your date before I change my mind!" "Alright, we're out. Bye!" Once they were gone, Taylor's smile faded instantly. He settled back in his seat, gazing out the window, his thoughts consumed by Abigail and Gideon together. Taylor couldn't believe that Abigail had agreed to become Gideon's wife. Nonetheless, it made perfect sense—after seven years of sharing both triumphs and struggles, their relationship was naturally progressing to the next level. Given Abigail's fiery temperament, Taylor couldn't help but wonder what she would be like as a wife and mother. The thought brought a wry smile to his lips, a reaction he didn't even fully register. Even as his phone rang insistently on the table, he remained oblivious. "Excuse me, sir, it seems you have a phone call," the waiter said, bringing him back to reality. Just as the call was about to disconnect, Taylor finally answered. "Mr. Xander, we've received word that the suspects from the case reported seven years ago have been released from prison. They're threatening revenge on the reporters who exposed them—Ms. Fitzgerald is included on that list!" Without hesitation, Taylor tossed a few bills on the table and hurried out the door. As he walked, he dialed Abigail's number. At that moment, Abigail saw his name flash on her screen. Feeling emotionally drained, she decided to switch her phone off completely. "Who was that? Why didn't you answer?" Gideon asked, glancing at her. "It was just a telemarketer," Abigail said, tucking her phone into her pocket. She took a deep breath and looked up at the full moon. "I suddenly feel like going for a drive. Let's head back to the club and pick up the car, okay?" "I'll call a cab then." "It's fine," Abigail said, tilting her chin toward a nearby intersection. "Let's take the shortcut; it'll only take us five minutes to walk. There's no point in waiting for a cab." "Alright, sounds good," he replied. With that, they walked hand in hand toward the club, exchanging light-hearted banter as they went. Before long, they arrived at the entrance. As Abigail pulled out her keys, a wave of unease washed over her. When she turned, she was shocked to find a group of thugs gathered on the street in front of the club. All eyes were on them, and it was clear their intentions were anything but friendly. Gideon felt that something was amiss as well. When he turned to see the sheer number of menacing faces, a jolt of fear shot through him. "Who are you? What do you want?" he demanded, positioning himself protectively in front of Abigail. "I've been looking for you, Gideon," the leader sneered, brandishing a baseball bat menacingly. "Seven years ago, you took those photos of my operation at the docks and handed them to the cops. "I've spent the last seven years in prison because of you! Do you have any idea what that was like for me?" As Gideon shielded her from view, Abigail discreetly activated the distress signal on her wristwatch. Meanwhile, Taylor had been unsure of where to find her when he suddenly received the alert. Without a moment's hesitation, he turned the car around and raced toward her location.