Chapter 8 Return The Bride Gifts

Ring! Her phone interrupted her once more. Gabrielle was contemplating blocking her number, but after a moment's hesitation, she decided to answer the call. Before she could even speak, the voice on the other end of the phone erupted. “Gabrielle, how dare you ignore my calls? Do you think marrying into the Zechman family has made you some kind of high-society lady? Without the Seavers family, how could the Zechman family have ever noticed you? This opportunity was given to you by the Seavers family. You should be grateful. Your brother has a project on hand right now, and he needs someone to invest. Can you get the Zechman family to toss in eight hundred million? Do you hear me?” Marilyn's shrill voice rang out. As Gabrielle listened, she was devoid of any trace of sleepiness. In disbelief, she stared at her phone screen, unable to fathom the woman's audacity. She still remembered, she had severed ties with them and even had a falling out four hours ago. Yet now, they had the audacity to call her, asking her to seek investment from the Zechman family. Eight hundred million... When she spoke of it, it was as casual as if she were talking about eight bucks. “Mrs. Seavers, if I recall correctly, we've already severed ties. On what grounds do you expect the Zechman family to invest in you all? Besides, you're aware that I married into the Zechman family. I belong to them now. If you have any sense, get lost,” Gabrielle said coldly. Just because she didn't lose her temper, it didn't mean she had a good one. “How dare you talk back now? Do you think you've grown wings? Your brother just managed to get you a spot on a variety show. Our family has granted you the opportunity to make a name for yourself on television. It's such a golden opportunity. All the guests on the show are A-list celebrities! If you can't appreciate that, it's one thing, but how dare you speak to me like this? Do you believe I have the power to ruin your career in the entertainment industry?” Marilyn threatened. Upon hearing that, Gabrielle suddenly burst into laughter. Her beautifully defined dimples could be seen on her face. She tilted her head in laughter, the breeze from the window wafting in, lifting her hair, partially veiling her fair complexion. “Fine, then you might as well blacklist me,” Gabrielle said coldly, “And I won't bother attending the variety show tomorrow.” A single sentence drove the person on the other end of the phone to a frenzy. Marilyn became flustered. She could faintly hear other voices on the other end of the phone, seemingly confident that she could control the situation. Unexpectedly, Gabrielle didn't entertain her. “Just go when you're told to! Why are you being so dramatic? And bring back the bride gifts that you took this morning,” Marilyn ordered through gritted teeth. Clearly, she was still preoccupied with those bridal gifts. After it was taken away, they reminisced about the items listed in the bridal gifts. Upon calculation, the total value of those items, if converted to cash, was worth a billion. The more they thought about it, the more aggrieved they felt. They hadn't expected to actually give Gabrielle such an advantage. They wanted her to secure an investment project for the Zechman family was actually a ruse. Their true intention was to reclaim the bridal gifts. Moreover, anything gifted by the Zechman family, once brought out, would imply a connection with the Zechman family. If word got out within the inner circle, wouldn't everyone want to seize the opportunity to collaborate with the Seavers family? The Zechman family's assets would then be scattered across the globe. Being associated with the Zechman family meant they could soar to greater heights. They could get any project they wanted without even having to bid for it. Such a golden opportunity, would they ever let it slip away? Hence, they coveted the power of the Zechman family, yet they were unwilling to sacrifice Chloe. “Heh, you want the bridal gifts? Fine...” Gabrielle sneered. Without letting the other party say any more, she promptly hung up the phone. Though she didn't particularly care, when she first heard her mother speak in such a way, an inexplicable pang of pain surged through her heart - it was quite distressing. It seemed like her body was still struggling to accept the consequences of her family's scheming. “Since you're pushing me to my limits, I see no need to hold back any longer.” Gabrielle declared. With that, she got up from her bed, washed her face, and turned to walk out. As soon as she descended the stairs, the butler promptly approached her. “Mrs. Zechman, are you planning to go out?” the butler asked with utmost respect. Having witnessed her ability to suppress Jonathan's dire condition, the butler didn't dare to treat her any less. If she could save Jonathan, it would mean that she was a benefactor to the Zechman family. “I need to swing by the Seavers residence. If it's not too much trouble, can the driver give me a lift?” Gabrielle said softly. In the world of the affluent and influential families, everyone had their own personal chauffeur. She, too, couldn't be bothered to hail a taxi. “All right. Please wait a moment,” the butler said upon noticing her request. He promptly arranged for a driver and even selected the latest model of a limited-edition luxury car for her transportation. After Gabrielle settled into the car, the driver headed straight for the Seavers residence. It was quite lively at the Seavers residence. Gabrielle stepped in, catching sight of Chloe pouting and clinging to Benjamin's arm. She said sweetly, “Ben, I want more.” Benjamin wore a look of adoration, gently patting her head. At the same time, he pulled out a tissue, carefully wiping her small mouth. “All right. Have another one,” Benjamin said, picking up a strawberry and bringing it to her lips, tenderly wiping away the juice that had trickled down the corner of her mouth. Chloe was nibbling on a strawberry, tipping her head back to gaze at him, her eyes blinking as she said, “Ben, you're wonderful.” Marilyn walked over, carrying a bowl of nourishing broth in her hands. She said to her, “Chloe, come here! I've made you some bone broth. Come, have some to replenish your strength.” When Chloe heard this, her brows furrowed deeply. “Mom, what if I gain weight from drinking this? I need to maintain my figure. After I finish filming the variety show, I have to join the crew,” Chloe said, not receiving the bowl. Marilyn held the bowl, blowing on it before bringing it to her mouth, saying, “This variety show is too exhausting. You need to replenish your strength. Otherwise, where will you get the energy?” No sooner had she finished speaking than she saw Gabrielle standing outside the door, causing Marilyn's face to darken considerably. With a clatter, she slammed the soup bowl onto the coffee table, her face grim as she spoke. “So you've finally decided to come back? Did you bring the stuff?” No sooner had she finished speaking than Chloe hastily sprang up from the couch, dashing out barefooted. Upon stepping outside, she found nothing but a luxury car. “Gabrielle, where's the bridal gifts? Didn't you bring it back? Weren't you just supposed to be a stand-in bride? Why would you even keep our family's bridal gifts for yourself?” Chloe asked, her eyes welling up with tears of injustice. Her gaze was firmly fixed on the car outside. This model hadn't even hit the market yet, but Gabrielle was already seated in it. Why? Why could Gabrielle sit in the car? Clearly, all of this belongs to me! “Gabrielle, what are you planning to do?” Marilyn asked, perched on the couch with the air of an affluent matriarch. She saw Gabrielle's eyes slightly narrowed. Her gaze was icy cold as she stared at her. Then, she began to move toward her. As Gabrielle steadily advanced, Marilyn couldn't help but shift backward in fear. Benjamin was sitting there, ready to give her a piece of his mind. Seeing her heading straight toward Marilyn, he quickly rushed forward to block her path. His masculine face showed displeasure as he asked, “What are you planning to do?” “Get lost,” Gabrielle said coldly. She then abruptly kicked Benjamin, catching him off guard. He felt a wave of pain sweep over him as her kick sent him sprawling onto the couch. He grunted, feeling as though his body was crumbling apart by her blow. Wincing in pain, he clutched his abdomen, watching as Gabrielle strode toward Marilyn. “Gabrielle, what are you planning to do?” Marilyn threatened. “If you dare lay a finger on me, I'll— Ah!” Her words were abruptly cut off as she saw Gabrielle reaching out toward her. She felt a tug at the cord around her neck. Marilyn froze, watching as Gabrielle forcefully yanked, causing the necklace she wore to snap apart.