Chapter 467

Gabrielle felt an immediate sense of relief when she noticed Samuel's cold demeanor toward Evelyn.

At least Samuel had taste—unlike Nathaniel, who somehow found himself drawn to country bumpkins like Evelyn. What on earth did Nathaniel see in someone so unrefined?

Once Evelyn left the office, only Gabrielle and Samuel remained. The perfect opportunity for some quality time together.

But Samuel barely acknowledged her presence.

He was either reviewing documents or typing away on his computer, completely absorbed in his work.

Gabrielle watched him, mesmerized. The way he focused, the sharp lines of his profile—she loved everything about him. She wanted to move closer but didn’t dare interrupt.

By lunchtime, he still hadn’t stopped working.

Concerned, she finally spoke up. "Samuel, aren’t you hungry? It’s lunchtime. You should eat before continuing."

He finally glanced up. "Hmm. Thanks. Leave the food there. I’ll eat later. You can go—Oliver will return the thermos to you."

The dismissal stung, but she wasn’t ready to leave yet. "It’s fine. Amelia said she’d be coming soon, so I’ll wait for her here."

Samuel gave a noncommittal nod. "Suit yourself."

Gabrielle forced a smile and settled back on the couch, her mood deflating. The food she’d brought would go cold soon.

Samuel had always been like this—distant, indifferent.

She’d loved him since they were kids, yet she could never get close.

He treated her with basic courtesy because she was Amelia’s best friend, but nothing more.

Still, she took comfort in the fact that Samuel wasn’t the type to entertain women. As long as she persisted, she believed she could win him over someday.

And with Amelia’s support, her chances were already better than any other woman’s.

Speaking of Amelia—she had texted earlier saying she was on her way, bringing her child along. She should be arriving any minute now.

Gabrielle checked her phone and sent a quick message.

[Where are you, Amelia?]

The reply came swiftly.

[Almost there. Had to bring Joey, so it’s taking a bit longer. Be there soon.]

Meanwhile, outside the office, Evelyn was busy translating documents for the Almerian client when she heard a baby’s cheerful babbling.

At first, she thought she was imagining it—she’d been watching too many parenting videos lately.

Then a soft voice called her name.

"Evelyn."

She looked up to see Amelia pushing a stroller toward her desk. Inside sat a chubby little boy, happily sucking on a pacifier.