Gael's mood nearly flipped 180 degrees after hearing Angela's voice. He tried so hard to avoid upsetting her, so he was careful on what to say to not drive her away. But despite his best efforts, airheads like Lauretta still existed and managed to sullen everything up. It was as though the heavens taunted him and were having a blast for making fun at him.

"Did I upset you? Is that why you didn't answer my call?" he wondered, wanting to understand her reaction.

"I was upset. But not at you. It's just annoying that she did that to spite me on purpose."

"I can't expect anything good from a Morelli."

She paused as if mulling his words. And when she spoke again, her tone was careful and thoughtful. "You haven't told me what you did so she wouldn't tell on us about what she saw on the balcony that night."

"It's nothing special." Gael glanced at the cab driver and lowered his voice so that only Angela could hear him as he told her that they had materials about Lauretta that she didn't want her family to see. He didn't think they'd actually have to use it, but as it turned out, it was helpful. "That would shut her up for now."

"And what about today? I'm sure she's pissed about what you did. What if she does something to you?"

An amused smile ghosted his lips. "You're really worried for me that much? I'm so touched."

Angela scoffed. "Just so you know, I rolled my eyes just now. Be serious."

"She can't do anything to me," he answered. He was confident that he could handle himself, but he was worried for her. "Where are you?"

"In my apartment. Samantha came over… We're cooking—well, she's teaching me how to cook."

"Hiiiiii~" Samantha's voice came through the receiver. Her voice sounded distant, as if she was far from Angela.

"But I'm sure you already know that," added Angela.

"Know what?"

"That I'm in my apartment. You left Rick here to spy on me."

It was as though cold water was poured on his back when his secret was revealed. "I don't know—"

"Don't wiggle your way out of this."

"Okay." He let out a sigh. There was no use trying to get out of this. "But I had him keep an eye on you, not spy on you. How did you know?"

"I went running this morning at the park with Honey. She probably spotted him from afar and started running towards him."

"Cazzone." (Idiot) "I told him to watch from a distance." He shook his head. "Are you mad that I'm doing this?" From the receiver, Gael could hear her long release of breath as if she was contemplating her answer. He surely didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.

"It's not the first time someone's watching out for me. A few years ago, my brother hired a dozen security detail to follow me everywhere for months. I got him to stop it nearly a year later. I don't like being watched…"

Gael couldn't respond. 'Shit,' he cursed in his head. As far as he knew, Angela still hadn't worn the necklace. This was one of the reasons why he was still feeling uneasy that they were apart. He couldn't be with her at the moment, so there was no way he'd be okay about leaving her unguarded, especially since a couple of nut jobs were still on the loose.

Screw it. Her safety was his priority. "I'm not gonna ask my men to stop, Angel."

There was silence for a few beats before she answered, "I know."

"You know?"

"You're sweet, Gael, but you're also stubborn. How can I go against you?"

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" He drew his brows together, still uncertain what Angela's thoughts are on this arrangement.

"Depends." She chuckled. "Look… I'll let this be, but we have to be even."

"Even?"

"Yeah… It's not fair that you know wherever I am, but I don't know what you're doing there or where you are."

Gael laughed. Relief washed over him when he found her sentiments amusing. "You want to have someone to watch over me?"

"You know what? Forget it," she said, sounding a little annoyed.

"The most convenient way is if you come here and stay with me, Angel. That way, you'd know where I am or what I'm doing. You know I'm right."

"What would I even do there?"

A charming smile brightened his face when he thought he was winning her over. "You can do whatever you want, babe."

***

Mandarin Oriental, New York

Meanwhile, at a luxury five-star hotel, Lauretta screamed as she slammed the door to her bedroom shut. She harshly threw her bag on the floor and headed to the mini bar where she poured herself a glass of red wine. She was seething in anger, recollecting what happened outside the bridal shop.

Lauretta couldn't understand why Gael was being so difficult. Just because of the pictures, he scolded and got mad at her on the sidewalk. He even sent her to the hotel alone. They were supposed to visit more shops and have dinner at a fancy restaurant. It all got ruined because of that stupid Angela Su.

"That fucking bîtch! Who does she think she is?" she hissed and took a huge gulp of wine. She couldn't believe Angela told Gael. Setting her glass on the counter harshly that liquid spilled out, she thought of ways to get back at the other. Her chest rose and fell, and her brows knitted together in rage.

What's pissing her off more was the fact that the De Lucas had something on her that her father shouldn't know. There must be something she could do to get rid of that woman. Biting her lip, she glanced at her phone and then began scrolling through her contacts. When she found the person she was looking for, she pressed the call button and waited.

It took several rings before a man's voice came through the receiver. "Yes?"

"I need you to do something for me."

"I'm expensive," replied the man.

She rolled her eyes. "Then you better be worth it. I want you to look into Angela Su from Mayne, Esmea. I need it tonight."

"You're not going to get a lot within that time frame."

"I don't care. Just give me whatever you can. Anything."

"I'll send you my account details."

Without responding, she ended the phone call, and a wicked smile cast on her face as she stared at nothing in particular. Lauretta already felt like she was winning.