Chapter 46: Uncomfortable (2)

The car slowed as they approached the manor's gates, revealing the imposing silhouette of the estate. The grand gates opened, allowing the car to enter before closing and soldiers assuming their usual positions. Gabriel's mind, still clouded by unease, settled for a moment on the subject that had been bothering him since dinner the night before. He looked at Alexandra with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Linnea," he said, his voice casual but with an underlying thread of curiosity. "What happened to her?"

Gabriel needed distraction from his relationship with Olivier. Alexandra was right; he didn't want to know what really was between him and the former Crown Prince. The feeling he had every time his name was spoken was something uncomfortable, disturbing.

"Oh, I thought you let her on our hands." 

"I did, but I'm curious if you find something about her. I don't plan to intervene. I have enough to deal with." 

The car came to a halt at the manor stairs, and a servant quickly stepped forward to open the door. Gabriel was the first to step out, his eyes scanning the towering estate that had once felt like home but now resembled a prison. Alexandra followed him, her gaze fixed on the sharp lines on his face before matching his pace.

"Well, mother, father, Charles, and Theo took this upon themselves; they want revenge on whoever paid her. It seemed like a young noble is implicated in the story. They believe that the last years of peace have made some nobles arrogant for their own good."

Gabriel did not respond immediately, instead reaching for and pushing open the grand entrance door. As he crossed the threshold, he was greeted by the familiar scent of polished wood and expensive perfume. The staff was already planning for the next week's events, but Gabriel was not concerned with the grand scale of it all. His thoughts were entwined with the image of Linnea and how she would attempt to present herself as something more than she was.

"Did they find anything about him?" His mind was already racing with plans for the evening—first dinner, then calling Anabelle. He had to confirm his concerns about Callahan's presence vanishing. 

"Just a rough sketch; he is noble, young, and alpha, with blond hair and green eyes. In the best-case scenario, we will find him at the coming-of-age ball. Joseph's report was equally ambiguous as this description."

"So, we are hunting a ghost," Gabriel muttered under his breath, his voice calm and devoid of the frustration that was building inside him. "A young, blonde, and alpha sounds like every second noble I've encountered. Not exactly easy to track."

"Well, you should know that there are less than 50 alphas your age; our men can easily track them, and you do not have to do anything about it right now. Actually, I think everyone would be happier if you focused solely on the upcoming ball and social season."

He nodded, though the sharp edge of his unease didn't lessen. "Fine. I'll play along for now. See you at dinner." He said while walking to his quarters. 

Alexandra watched him climb the large marble stairs before turning to walk to her mother's quarters. 

—

Gabriel announced upon entering his room that he intended to relax until dinner and did not want any servants or attendants in his room. He didn't want to risk another maid throwing at him like Linnea. 

He opened the bathroom door and stepped inside, letting hot water fill the bathtub. He checked his phone; he usually had a lot of messages or missed calls from clients, the government office, and his colleagues at the Claymore company in Ashmont. There was nothing now. Something was terribly wrong. 

Gabriel stared at the screen for a moment, feeling an unsettling tightness in his chest. It was unusual for his contacts to go silent, especially given his high-profile position.

He placed the phone on the marble countertop, watching steam rise from the water. His shoulders were still tense. He wanted—needed, actually—to get away from the constant buzz of politics, scheming, and the looming shadow of Olivier. But there was no way for him to leave this world. 

He sighed, stripping off his coat and loosening his tie, then shedding the rest of his clothing, slowly sinking into the bath. The heat of the water embraced him, a temporary relief. He exhaled and dipped his head under the water to wet his black hair. He reached for soap and began washing his hair and body while his mind raced. 

'What the heck is going on? Did someone mess up with my phone? There is something I should test.'

Gabriel leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment. With a groan, he sank deeper into the water, letting the heat seep into his body. His muscles ached from hours of standing still in the same pose; it would be a long time before he would shop with his sister. 

After what felt like an eternity, Gabriel finally stepped out of the tub, his body slightly relaxed but his mind still racing. He dried off quickly, putting on a simple black robe, and glanced at his phone once more. Still nothing.

"Strange," he murmured, eyes narrowing. The absence of communication from Callahan wasn't something he could let slide. Not now. Not when everything seemed to be spiraling.

With resolve, he left the bathroom and walked toward his wardrobe, his gaze flitting over the various outfits before settling on something simple and comfortable for dinner. 

A thought made him stop his hand from reaching a blue shirt; he turned on his heels and reached a bell from his nightstand and called for a server. 

The servant knocked on the door almost immediately and entered, his eyes lowering with respect. "What can I help you with, young master?"

"Tell Joseph and the family that I will dine in my room today."

The servant nodded without hesitation. "At once, Your Grace." He gave a final bow before exiting the room, leaving Gabriel to his thoughts once more.

Gabriel picked up his phone and called Callahan. 

The phone rang once… twice…