Isabella turned to Gabriel, her brows furrowed in confusion.
“What’s going on here?” she asked, her eyes darting between him and Andreas, who stood frozen with a mix of surprise and disbelief.
“Relax,” Gabriel murmured, pulling her close, his voice low but firm. “Just play along.”
His arm around her waist was protective, but his gaze was deadly serious. The café had gone eerily quiet, the faint hum of the air conditioner suddenly louder than the whispers that filled the room.
Mrs. Valarie’s trembling hand pointed toward them. “Who are you?” she demanded, her voice breaking as confusion laced with fear crept into her tone.
Gabriel met her stare without flinching. His eyes were cold, sharp like a blade. “I’m a man whom you should never dare his wife,” he said, tightening his hold on Isa
