Chapter 17

“Miss Brooks.”

The voice that had sounded above Gabrielle’s head now came from right in front of her. The man seemed to have knelt down to match her eye level. After being driven to her limits by fear, confusion began to creep in.

…Why does that voice sound familiar?

Slowly, Gabrielle cracked her eyes open and recognized the person before her.

“E-Executive Director?”

“Are you alright?”

Under the dim light, his pale blond hair glimmered. His brown eyes, as still as a statue, slowly lowered their gaze.

His cool eyes, neat nose, and relaxed lips—all features she knew well. It was indeed the man she was familiar with.

“What happened?”

Instead of answering, Gabrielle pointed to her house.

“I-I think a thief broke in…”

If only it were just a thief. The worst possibility was an assassin like before. Sensing something was wrong, Dominic’s composed brow furrowed.

“Wait here. If anything happens, go downstairs.”

Before Gabrielle could stop him, Dominic rose and strode past her, flinging open the front door. Gabrielle, voice tight with anxiety, tried to stop him.

“Oh, no! Someone might still be hiding inside!”

“It’s alright.”

Dominic brushed off her worries and stepped into the house without hesitation. Gabrielle, unable to simply run away, gathered all her strength and stood up.

Dominic entered the house and boldly searched every place someone could hide.

Gabrielle followed, holding her breath, flinching each time he opened a door.

Dominic checked the closet, under the bed, and finally flung open the bathroom door. But no one appeared.

After confirming no one was there, the next step was, naturally, to report the incident. Dominic put the shocked Gabrielle in his car and explained the situation at the police station, where things proceeded quickly.

After filing a report, two officers went to Gabrielle’s house to investigate. They meticulously searched for any evidence the culprit might have left, but found nothing.

“This is strange. Usually, in cases like this, they tear apart every place where money might be hidden, but there are no signs of that. And nothing valuable seems to be missing.”

“Maybe they just couldn’t find it…?”

“I don’t think so. It looks like they had a different motive.”

“What do you mean?”

Gabrielle, pale, listened closely to the officer’s meaningful words.

“Usually… if it’s not about money or valuables, it’s likely meant as a threat. Have you quarreled with anyone or done something that might have caused a grudge?”

The person who came to mind was the man she’d encountered in the powder room. She didn’t know his face or name—only his back.

‘Should I confess everything now?’

After a moment of hesitation, Gabrielle spoke heavily.

“Actually…”

“Let’s leave it here.”

A protective arm reached out from beside her, blocking Gabrielle. Her gaze slowly traveled up his veined hand.

“What do you mean?”

Dominic, face cold, objected to the officer’s question.

“Doesn’t she look like she might collapse any moment? I think rest should come first.”

“Oh…”

Only then did the officer notice Gabrielle’s paper-white face and, with an awkward smile, stepped back.

“I see. Sorry if I pushed too hard.”

“N-no, it’s fine.”

“For tonight, please stay with close family or friends, and come to the station tomorrow.”

The officer adjusted his slightly askew hat and bowed lightly. Gabrielle bowed her head awkwardly in return.

“Yes. Thank you.”

After the officers left, Gabrielle was left alone with Dominic in the house. She looked down, breaking the awkward silence, and quietly thanked him.

“Thank you for your help today, Executive Director.”

“Don’t mention it. I had a bad feeling, so I’m glad I came up.”

Dominic, accepting her thanks with a calm tone, glanced indifferently around the house.

“Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?”

“Well…”

It was already late at night. Outside was pitch black, not even a single streetlight lit. Her mother and new family had moved far away from here.

Showing up at their door at this hour would likely be unwelcome. They might not even open the door.

She couldn’t go to the Gordons’ house either, not with Mrs. Gordon pregnant at such a critical time.

As for Julian… she hadn’t seen him since she treated his mysterious wound. His house was always closed, and she’d never seen the lights on, day or night.

There was nowhere for her to go.

Realizing that, a sharp pain pierced Gabrielle’s heart. No one to rely on, nowhere to lean. Was she the only one at her age with neither?

“I guess I’ll have to go to an inn.”

Gabrielle muttered bitterly, face twisted as if chewing on something sour. Dominic, brow furrowed even more, pressed her.

“Isn’t that why you tried to use the staff dormitory?”

“That’s true… but I have no choice.”

“Gabrielle.”

The voice that always called her ‘Miss Brooks’ suddenly used her name. Startled, Gabrielle slowly lifted her bowed head.

“If you’re alright with it, come to my house.”

“…What?”

“There’s a spare room. Like I said, I live alone, so there’s no one you need to worry about.”

He spoke as if offering something insignificant. Gabrielle, shocked, shook her head.

“No… I can’t. I’ve already imposed on you enough—I can’t go that far…”

She stopped mid-sentence, suddenly struck by déjà vu.

She remembered the night she’d been walking alone and he’d told her to get in the car. It was a similar situation to now.

“Do you remember?”

“What?”

“Last time… you said people who have the means can afford to be stubborn, and pride is for those who have something to protect.”

“…”

Back then, Gabrielle had just felt insulted. She’d been embarrassed and ashamed to have her flaws exposed by someone she barely knew.

But now, she realized that was just useless pride born of stubbornness. She hadn’t considered the intentions of the person offering help.

“Now that I think about it, you were right.”

Her honest admission drew Dominic’s quiet gaze. Gabrielle swallowed and confessed sincerely.

“I need help. Please help me.”

Nervously waiting for his response, Gabrielle lifted her eyes.

His previously expressionless face now held a faint smile. It was the same transparent, boyish smile she’d seen when they first met.

* * *

Unlike the cramped row houses in the villa slums, Dominic Moore’s house was a sleek residence in one of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you coming in?”

“Oh… ah, yes.”

Dominic parked in his private garage and opened the door leading into the house, revealing a spacious hallway.

“At the end of the hallway is the living room. This way is the kitchen. My room is upstairs.”

Leading the way, he briefly introduced his home. Gabrielle’s room was the guest room attached to the parlor.

“You can use this room. The bedding was washed recently, so it should be clean. If anything’s uncomfortable, let me know.”

“Uncomfortable? Not at all.”

Gabrielle quickly shook her head and looked around the guest room.

It was a shock in many ways. She’d expected a spare room to be similar to her own rented place, but that idea was shattered. Even the guest room was larger and more comfortable than her own bedroom. All the furniture looked expensive, and the atmosphere was luxurious.

“Thank you so much for helping me like this.”

“Don’t mention it. There’s a small bathroom attached, so you can wash up and sleep here. There’s a robe in the closet—feel free to wear it.”

“Yes…”

As if finished with his business, Dominic started to leave the guest room. Gabrielle hurriedly called out to stop him.

“Um…”

He turned his head in response. Hesitating, Gabrielle suddenly asked,

“Why are you helping me so much?”

Gabrielle wasn’t the best judge of people, but after several months together, she knew her boss’s character. He was clear-cut and disliked crossing boundaries he’d set. He was cold and rational.

“Do I need a reason?”

“Oh, no, I didn’t mean to interrogate you.”

She wondered if she’d asked something wrong. Embarrassed, Gabrielle tried to smooth it over.

“You don’t have to answer. Sorry.”

Just then—

“…Because you seem similar to me.”

Instead of leaving silently, he replied softly. It was a mysterious answer.

“Pardon?”

“Good night.”

Before Gabrielle could puzzle over it, the door closed.

The next day, Gabrielle took a half-day off to visit the police station and arrived at work at 1 p.m.

“Good morning, Gabrielle.”

“Good morning, Gordon.”

“You’re a bit late today.”

“I took a half-day off. I had some things to do.”

Her heart was still racing from the events of the previous night, making it hard to sleep. She’d barely managed to stay up until dawn and woke up later than expected.

She’d hurried out after quickly getting ready.

The police said they’d investigate further, but since the neighborhood was known for poor security and there was little evidence, they warned the case would be difficult to solve.