Aliyah watched with a frown as her father sent the $100,000 to Gabriel's account. Confirming it, Gabriel thanked him and was about to leave when Aliyah blocked his way. "And how are you going to get the other $100,000 to buy the painting?" she demanded, skepticism lacing her voice."Don't worry about it," Gabriel said calmly. He actually had the money but didn't want to draw suspicion, which was why he had asked his father-in-law for $100,000.Aliyah snorted in disbelief. "You're going to make a mockery of our family by telling them you want to buy the painting for $100,000 because I know you don't have any more money."Mikelson, sensing the tension, gestured for Gabriel to proceed. "Let it be, Aliyah. Gabriel knows what he's doing."The crowd watched in anticipation as Gabriel confidently approached Walter and Benson, completing the payment with a few taps on his phone. Walter's and Benson's smug expressions turned into shock as the transaction went through.Aliyah stood there, bewil

As the realization of the painting's value sank in, the room fell silent, the air thick with disbelief. Gabriel's father-in-law stood frozen, his eyes wide with astonishment. Aliyah and the others stared at the painting, their jaws hanging open in shock."$50 million... I can't believe it," Aliyah whispered, her voice barely audible.Gabriel remained composed, his confidence unwavering despite the chaos around him. "I told you there was more to this painting than met the eye," he said, his tone calm but firm. "What can you all say now, doubting Thomas?” He chuckled, glancing at each of them that had said something bad about him earlier. The experts continued their examination, their excitement palpable as they uncovered new details and insights about the painting. Gabriel watched with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that his intuition had been proven right.As the room buzzed with excitement, Gabriel's detractors began to realize the gravity of their mistake. The bald middle-aged man

Mikelson, watching nervously, finally spoke. "Gabriel, maybe hear him out."Aliyah added, "It could be important." She forced a smile at Brock, who returned it in a sly manner.Gabriel glanced at them, then back at Brock. "Make it quick."Brock's eyes gleamed with confidence. "Let's discuss this in private."The crowd's murmurs grew louder, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Gabriel's decision now hung in the balance, leaving everyone on edge, wondering what Brock's offer could be and how Gabriel would respond.With a cold stare, Gabriel responded, "I'm not stepping away from my family for this."Brock's smile faded. "This isn't a negotiation, Gabriel. You might want to reconsider."Gabriel's jaw tightened. "And you might want to learn some respect."As the two men stood locked in a silent battle of wills, Mikelson and Aliyah exchanged worried glances. Then Brock, deciding to act nice for a minute, proudly said, "I will overlook your bluntness, man." He glanced at Mikelson, who g

As Gabriel stood with his family, some onlookers began to murmur amongst themselves, their disbelief palpable."There's no way he took down Brock's bodyguards alone," one man scoffed, shaking his head."He's just asking for trouble," another chimed in. "Brock won't let this slide. He will come back and break Gabriel's wings for sure."Aliyah heard their whispers and glared at them, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "We all don't know Gabriel like we think we do. I think he is stronger and smarter than we think."One of the skeptics, a man with a sneer on his face, replied, "Words are cheap. Brock is a powerhouse in this city. Gabriel won't last long against him."Mikelson stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Gabriel has shown time and again that he's capable of handling himself. Doubt him if you wish, but don't underestimate him."Gabriel, hearing the commotion, turned to address the crowd directly. "If Brock wants to come after me, let him. I'm not afraid. I've dealt wit

Gabriel walked further and stopped, realizing he couldn't see his father-in-law or sister-in-law nearby. He wondered where they had gone. Then, Benson approached him with Walter. "Lost your family, Gabriel?" Benson sneered. "They probably disappeared because they felt you’d be a huge disappointment."Walter chimed in, smirking. "Maybe they’ve finally seen through your act."Gabriel’s patience snapped. He grabbed Benson’s collar, pulling him close. "Enough of your nonsense," he said coldly, his eyes blazing with intensity. "I've had it with your provocations."Walter, taken aback, watched in stunned silence. When Gabriel shifted his gaze to him, Walter’s bravado melted away. "Th-they’re over there," he stammered, motioning to a corner around the vicinity. Gabriel let go of Benson roughly, causing him to stumble. Ignoring their hostile glares, he walked briskly to where Mikelson and Aliyah stood.Mikelson looked almost startled as Gabriel reached them. "Did Brock harm you?" he asked,