Chapter 124 She Rejected Outright

The night weighed upon the city, and a single floor lamp lit Gabriel's apartment. He sat on the couch with a tablet on his lap—not reading spreadsheets or market feeds, but an e-book version of "Thirty-six Ways to Win Your Wife Back." He scrolled slowly, then stopped when a chapter caught his eye. "Chapter 17: Lean Into Her Strengths, and Be the Partner She Trusts Most at Work." Gabriel closed the tablet, picked up his phone, and called Roman. "Email me the smart-health proposal and set up a meeting for me with Dr. Strebelle for tomorrow morning." ... The next day, Adrain greeted Gabriel in the director's office with a beaming smile and hands nearly clasped in gratitude. "Mr. Holton, you're here!" He handed Gabriel a cup of his best coffee. "First, you brought in visiting specialists. Then, you streamlined our systems. And now, you want to invest in a smart-health project. How are we supposed to thank you?" Gabriel took the couch with poise, his expression giving nothing away.