Matthew’s POV
Morning arrived, dragging with it the heavy burden of my sour mood. Sleep had evaded me entirely, and the more I replayed last night’s events, the more irritable I became. Gabrielle’s defiance, her sharp retorts, and the undeniable fear that coiled in my chest whenever she was out of my sight—it all grated on my already frayed patience.
The woman was impossible. Irresistible, yes. But utterly infuriating.
By the time I arrived at the office, I was a storm ready to wreak havoc.
"Good morning, Mr. Gorvell," Julian greeted cautiously as I strode into the building. His voice carried an edge of apprehension, likely sensing the dark cloud that hovered around me.
"Morning," I snapped, brushing past him.
He wisely refrained from saying more.
The first meeting of the day was a
