Thirty minutes earlier…
Gabriel Carter had already reached his breaking point.
He stood in the center of his father's grand study, jaw locked tight, hands buried in his pockets so he wouldn't explode sooner than planned. Mr. Carter paced slowly behind his mahogany desk, every step tapping like a metronome that counted down Gabriel's remaining patience.
"You are marrying Andrella Adams," his father declared for the hundredth time. "The Adams family has supported our business for decades. This alliance must happen."
Gabriel's glare sharpened like a blade. "You mean must… for you. Not for me."
His father scoffed. "Don't be childish. Andrella is stunning, powerful, and every CEO's dream—"
"She's arrogant," Gabriel cut sharply. "And spoiled. I'm not about to marry someone who treats everyone like trash beneath her nails."
His father slammed his palm on the desk. "You don't have a choice!"
Gabriel's voice dropped colder than ice. "There is always a choice. And I'll die before letting you dictate the rest of my life."
Without another word, he turned and stormed out. His father yelled after him, but Gabriel didn't hear — or maybe he refused to.
His chest felt too tight, frustration burning through his veins. He needed cold air, space… and maybe a drink strong enough to drown the rage.
That's how he ended up outside Crimson Corner — the rowdiest bar downtown, notorious for trouble and patrons who minded their own business too much.
Perfect.
He stepped inside, the stale air of alcohol and smoke hitting him immediately. Dim red lights washed everything in a crimson glow, making the place feel like a den of secrets. He sat at a far booth, loosening his tie, trying to forget the world.
But then… he saw her.
A familiar silhouette slumped at the bar counter. Long dark hair falling carelessly over her shoulders, fingers wrapped around a half-empty glass. Even intoxicated, she sat like she owned every gaze — her beauty impossible to ignore.
Elena.
His chest tightened for an entirely different reason now.
Just earlier today, she'd been angry and fiery in the office. Now she looked… exhausted. Broken. Muttering to herself under her breath clearly talking about her "devil boss."
He almost smirked. Even drunk, she hated him.
But the small amusement vanished the moment he noticed two men lurking nearby — whispering, smirking, their eyes glued to her like she was prey.
Gabriel sat forward slowly.
Don't you dare.
But they dared anyway.
They approached her, acting friendly at first — fake smiles, cheap compliments. Elena tried to push them away with sharp words, but she swayed, her balance unsteady. The men grabbed her arms, insisting.
Gabriel stood — his restraint burned away.
He crossed the room in seconds, grabbed the first guy by the collar, and slammed his fist into the man's jaw. Bone cracked. The second man barely reacted before Gabriel kicked his knee from the side, sending him crashing to the floor.
People stared but no one moved.
Of course. In this place, everyone valued their safety more than justice.
The two men scrambled away terrified, cursing under their breath but too shaken to fight back.
Gabriel turned to Elena. She blinked up at him slowly, eyes glossy with tears and alcohol.
"Boss…?" Her voice trembled. "Why are you… here?"
He ignored the question and shrugged off his suit jacket, wrapping it carefully around her shoulders covering her exposed skin.
Her eyes softened a little at the unexpected gentleness.
Without asking, he slid his arm under her knees and lifted her. She gasped but couldn't resist — too drunk, too tired. Her head naturally fell against his chest.
"W-What are you doing?" she mumbled.
"Saving your stubborn life," he muttered.
He carried her out of the bar, the cold night air brushing against her flushed cheeks. She shivered, snuggling instinctively closer to the warmth of his body.
Gabriel tried not to react.
He placed her gently into the passenger seat of his sleek black car, buckling her in as she blinked slowly, still confused.
When he got into the driver's seat, she turned her head toward him, squinting.
"You're so mean," she slurred.
Gabriel sighed. "And you're drunk."
"You always boss me around," she complained dramatically. "You think you're soooo important."
"I am your boss," he replied flatly.
"That's the problem!" she pouted. "You walk like you own the world. Just like that jerk father of yours!"
Gabriel froze for half a second.
"That's none of your concern," he replied quietly.
Elena leaned closer, eyes heavy. "You're angry… I can tell. Your stupid face is always angry."
A resigned chuckle escaped him before he could stop it. "You talk too much when you're drunk."
"And you…" She pointed a shaky finger at him. "You act like a robot. No feelings. No smile. No love."
Gabriel gripped the steering wheel tighter.
"Elena," he warned softly.
"And now you're acting like a hero," she said, voice cracking. "Protecting me tonight… just because I'm part of your company. You don't care."
Her eyes glistened — tears threatening to spill.
Gabriel opened his mouth to respond — and stopped.
He didn't know how to answer that.
He cleared his throat. "I'm taking you home."
"Nooo," she mumbled weakly. "Everyone leaves…"
Her words faded, her head dropping back against the seat.
Gabriel looked at her really looked.
Her lashes resting on her cheeks, lips parted slightly, his jacket drowning her small frame. She looked fragile… and it did something unsettling to him.
He reached out slowly and brushed a strand of hair from her face.
She didn't react.
"Elena…" he whispered.
Silence.
Her breathing slowed… softened…
Then, suddenly, her body slumped sideways.
"Elena?"
No response.
Gabriel's heart kicked into panic.
"Elena!" He shook her shoulder quickly. "Stay awake—"
Her head lolled forward, eyes shut tight.
She had fainted