The room was silent except for the sound of Isabella’s quiet sobs. Gabriel’s eyes burned with cold anger as he looked around the café.
The workers who had been laughing seconds ago now stood frozen, staring at him in confusion. Mrs. Valarie adjusted her blouse and crossed her arms, her lips curled in irritation.
“Who are you?” she asked sharply. “And why are you interfering in my workplace?”
Gabriel didn’t answer immediately. He bent down slowly, his movements calm and deliberate, and helped Isabella to her feet. She was trembling, her cheeks streaked with tears. He brushed the dust off her arms, his hand steady but his face tight with anger.
“Are you all right?” he asked quietly.
She nodded weakly, unable to speak. Her body leaned slightly against him, her sobs muffled against his c
