Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles, Long Industries ~

Tuesday

2:31 PM

Steve and Gabriel got out of the meeting and were walking down the hallway while discussing one of the points that was brought up when Steve's main secretary approached them.

"Mr. Long…", she looked at Gabriel. "Mr. and Mrs. Jost demand to see you. I told them that your schedule is full, but they are causing a ruckus in the lobby downstairs. They are saying that if you don't meet with them, they will call the press. The security is on standby, but I wanted to check with you before we take action."

Steve glanced at Gabriel. "Do you want to see them, or should we call the police?"

"I will see them."

Steve was concerned that Gabriel will give in. Now that the divorce is settled, who knows what those two ex-in-laws are up to? Gabriel was always the one who preferred a peaceful solution. That is one of the reasons why he always gave in to Victoria's demands and Victoria's parents used similar techniques to gain various benefits from the Long family. 

"Gabriel, you don't need to do this. They can call the press from jail if they want. I have your back."

Gabriel smiled gratefully. "No need. They don't have any leverage on me and I want to hear what they have to say. I know that they are up to no good, but I am curious why they are here."

Steve was not convinced. "Call your lawyer. Or use one from our legal department. You don't know what they are scheming and you need to watch your back."

Gabriel refused and Steve exhaled in frustration.

"I will go with you and I don't want to hear a word of rejection. They need to know that you are not on your own. The Long family supports you."

Gabriel agreed. How can he refuse this offer?

But he knows that it's not the Long family because the only one who supports him is Steve… a person everyone labeled as an outcast and who came to the family only a few years ago. Yet now, Steve is Gabriel's pillar while others either chose to watch from the side or will not miss an opportunity to trip him. Even his own father would not help him. Richard calls that letting Gabriel grow up independently, while Gabriel calls that a father who gets involved in his son's life only when it's convenient for the father.

Gabriel never regretted his decision to support Steve. Because of Steve, Gabriel got closer to Jeff and Charlie and he is slowly increasing the circle of people he can call friends. And thanks to that Victoria was exposed and he met Becca. Life works in mysterious ways.

If Steve didn't show up, Gabriel would be the head of the Long family, with Victoria by his side… and he would be blissfully ignorant that everyone is using him. Only after he got his freedom, Gabriel realized how heavy his shackles were. And Gabriel is so high on happiness that he is confident nothing can go wrong.

Steve was pleased that Gabriel accepted his help.

Steve spoke to the secretary: "Send them to my office in five minutes and reschedule our next meeting. I want security to be ready in case something happens."

The secretary paused. "Do you expect trouble, CEO Long?"

She is concerned but also needs to know how many security guards should be summoned for this occasion.

"I don't know what to expect.", Steve admitted before explaining: "They already threatened us with the press, and I want us to treat them as hostile. Who knows what they will do if we don't yield to their demands? I want to be ready for the worst case. Let's have security ready and if things escalate, we will call the police. Before they enter, search them for weapons. I don't want to take any risks."

The secretary nodded and walked toward the elevator in rushed steps while giving instructions with her earpiece.

…

Scarlett Jost and Blake Jost entered the CEO's office, and they were visibly unsettled.

This is their first time in the Long Industries, and they are not sure if everyone gets searched for weapons, or if this is something special, but the experience was unpleasant at best.

When they heard the secretary say that Gabriel will see them, they were pleased with themselves. At least Gabriel has some sense. But now that they are in Steve's office, they feel that something is not right.

Well, right or wrong, they are cornered, and they don't see a way out. Their world is crumbling and the only one with enough power to help them is the Long family. They thought of talking to Gabriel to help them out, and it seems that the head of the family himself will be present, and Mr. and Mrs. Jost are not sure if this is a good thing or not.

"Mr. Jost… Mrs. Jost…", Gabriel greeted them and gestured that they can sit on the sofa. "We don't have much time, so I will appreciate it if you go straight to the point. Why are you here?"

Steve was sitting behind his executive desk and observed them in silence. He told Gabriel that he will not involve himself unless those two go over the line.

"Gabby, we are under attack and we need your help…", Mrs. Jost said in a timid voice which is totally out of her character.

Gabriel was baffled by her attitude and by the news. "You are under attack?"

Mr. Jost nodded solemnly. "Our business is failing. It happened overnight. We have no idea how or why, but our partners are refusing to work with us, and our equipment is failing. Most of our production is automated and computers are not responding. The whole system is down. On top of that, our accounts are either frozen or empty."

Gabriel exhaled. "And you are talking to me because…?"

"Can't you do something?", Mr. Jost asked. "Can you find out who is behind this and why? Tell them to stop."

Gabriel struggled to keep a straight face. Yesterday these two people were acting all high and mighty while demanding half of what he owns, and now they are asking him to bail them out.

"I don't understand. It's your business. I never looked into it. Do you think I have a magic wand to wave your problems away? Did you offend someone recently? Or maybe it's your competition. If the action is so swift and drastic, you must have an idea who might be behind it. Why do you think that I know who is attacking you?"

Mr. Jost frowned at Gabriel. He didn't come here to ask for Gabriel's opinion, but for his help. Why is Gabriel not making phone calls and asking his subordinates to investigate? "Is it that you can't help us… or you won't help us?"

"No matter what it is, the outcome is the same. I will not help you.", Gabriel responded flatly.

Mrs. Jost lost it and she started sobbing. "Gabby, please…"

Gabriel looked at her sternly. "Mrs. Jost… Do I need to repeat what you said yesterday? Do I need to remind you that Victoria used my work account to compromise the Long Industries? Do I need to remind you that she admitted using me for the last ten years in order to climb the social ladder? I don't owe you anything. I have no idea what made you think that I will help you."

"Victoria is your wife.", Mrs. Jost said through her sobs. "How can you abandon us? All those years together must mean something…"

"Yes. All those years mean a lot and I will never forget them.", Gabriel said, unable to hide the pain in his expression.

Gabriel was angry. Angry that Victoria took advantage of him and he didn't see it. Angry that her parents asked him for things and he never suspected anything. Angry that after everything they did and all is in open and they cut off all the ties, they are still here, asking him for more. 

"Victoria WAS my wife and my time with her taught me that I am a sucker and that unless I grow a spine I will be used by others. I will not allow you or any other person to use me anymore. If there is nothing else, I would appreciate it if you leave. I have a meeting shortly, and I need to prepare for it."

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