Trading My Ex for His Uncle (Nyla)

When Clark finally processed what Nyla had said, he scowled.

"You'll regret this!" he spat before storming off.

Nyla remained unfazed, calmly continuing to eat.

Seeing that she showed no signs of distress, Gabriel lowered his eyes with a smile. "Looks like you're really over him."

Nyla's tone was even. "He's just a scumbag. Not worth my time."

Gabriel nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, you'll find someone better."

Nyla didn't reply.

At this point, she felt that spending time on a relationship wasn't nearly as productive as focusing on her career.

...

After they finished eating, Gabriel drove Nyla back to her hotel before heading home.

As soon as he walked in, he saw Wren sitting on the sofa with an angry expression.

Surprised, he asked as he took off his shoes, "Mom, you're not going to the hospital tonight?"

"What happened at that blind date the other day? I heard you brought another woman with you," Wren questioned.

Gabriel hummed in response.

"Who was she? Was it Nyla?" Wren asked.

The girl Gabriel had gone on a blind date with was the daughter of Wren's friend.

Wren had initially thought it was simply a case of them not hitting it off, but her friend had called today and mocked her. She revealed that Gabriel had brought another woman along, infuriating her daughter. Wren had had to apologize profusely to calm her friend down.

After hanging up, Wren reflected and figured that Gabriel had just returned to the country, so he could hardly find a woman to pretend to be his girlfriend other than Nyla.

The idea that Nyla was involved made her even angrier. Nyla's own marriage was a mess-did she want Gabriel's life to turn out the same way?

Sensing the dissatisfaction in Wren's voice, Gabriel frowned and replied coldly, "No, it was a colleague."

"You just started working. Which colleague of yours is so eager to help you lie?" Wren demanded.

Gabriel's patience was wearing thin as he faced Wren's aggressive questioning. "What's the point of digging into this? I told you from the start I wasn't interested in your blind dates, but you insisted. Now that you've brought this up, let me make it clear once and for all-don't set me up on any more dates."

Wren shot up from the couch, shouting, If you could find

someone, I wouldn't have to worry! You are almost 30 and are not even thinking about settling down Do you plan on being alone forever?"

"Being alone is better than being with someone I don't love. If you arrange another date without my consent, I won't go," Gabriel declared. "You're trying to drive me to my grave, aren't you?!" Wren fumed.

Gabriel ignored her and went straight to his bedroom.

...

The next morning, Wren headed directly to Prospectus Technology. Instead of looking for Gabriel, she contacted Nyla.

They met at the café downstairs.

"Is there something you need me for?" Nyla asked.

Wren's expression was icy, her tone

dripping with sarcasm. "Nyla, you're my stepdaughter. I wouldn't

normally interfere, but your actions are affecting Gabriel, and I have to say something."

Nyla felt lost but anticipated that Wren's words wouldn't be favorable, so her expression darkened. "Wren, how have I affected him?" Wren snorted, her voice full of certainty. "The blind date I arranged for Gabriel-you ruined it, didn't you?"

Nyla frowned. "Is that what Gabriel told you?"