Gabriel’s POV
I scanned the room, my eyes instinctively searching for Clairessa. She had excused herself to the restroom, but it had been a while, and she hadn’t returned. Something about her abrupt exit worried me.
Adjusting my cufflinks, I noticed movement on the far side of the room. My son, Adrian, was speaking to a woman. She had curly brown hair and wore an emerald-green gown that shimmered under the lights, reminding me of Clairessa. For a moment, I thought it was her.
But something felt off. I couldn’t be sure.
I moved toward them, my pace quickening, needing to confirm. As I neared, the woman turned and disappeared into the crowd. Adrian stepped in front of me, blocking my view.
“Adrian. I thought I saw you speaking with…” My voice trailed off, my eyes glancing over h
