"But..."
"There is no but. Let's leave that matter at that," Stephanie said with a tone of finality but her tone was meek when she said this. Gabrielle did not probe the matter further seeing that Stephanie was bent on staying away from her handsome brother. She did not need to crack her brain cells to come up with a plan to make them meet. In fact, she has already foreseen this reaction from her that is why she has already come up with a plan B.
She smiled mischievously at Stephanie who was oblivious of what was going on in her best friend's mind.
"What about you and Jeff? I hope he isn't misbehaving anymore?" Stephanie questioned. Her expression was filled with concerned. Gabrielle did not reply immediately. The way she acted was as if she was looking for the perfect way to say what she had in mind. One of the qualities Stephanie hated in a guy is an unfaithful boyfriend. She didn't know how she will handle it if she found out that her boyfriend was cheating on her. She might murder him in the scene.
"I broke up with him," Gabrielle's calm voice broke the three minutes silence.
"You did what?" Stephanie exclaimed in shock. "Did he hurt you again?" Stephanie asked holding her hands. She felt terrible hearing the unpleasant news. Gabrielle liked him a lot. She has always done everything to make sure their relationship worked.
"He wouldn't dare after the lesson you thought him. His eyes show that he doesn't love me. I will be a fool if I continue throwing myself at him after knowing this. I liked him very much but I can't stand all his ferocious behaviours just because I love him. I am giving myself the opportunity to be happy once again and I know I wouldn't have gotten that by still being together with him," Gabrielle said trying to look unaffected by the whole turnout of events but she couldn't. She was hurt and it shows on her face. Since she looked so happy earlier Stephanie couldn't have guessed that such a thing happened.
"I am sorry Gab, I wasn't aware of this and pardon me for saying this but I think you did the right thing by breaking up with him. Don't weep over him. I am sure a guy who is better than him will cross path with you. The man who was specifically made for you will find you soon. It is his lost for losing a rare gem like you," Stephanie comforted as she made Gabrielle rest her head on her shoulder.
"You are damn correct. It is his lost for cheating on a rare gem like me. I am certain he will come to regret it when he realized what he has missed but by then it will be too late," optimistic Gabrielle said firmly.
"Cheer up," Stephanie patted her hair. The driver just listened. He couldn't dare utter a word when he was not asked to speak. "Any man who would dare cheat on this beautiful good-hearted damsel is a demon. He doesn't have a heart," Johnny the driver thought pitying Gabrielle. He felt bad seeing her cry. Since he started working for Stephanie for over six months now, this is the first time he saw the ever-optimistic and cheerful Gabrielle sad. "That jerk will surely meet his ancestors if either Young Master Vincent or Gabriel learns about this," Johnny thought stealing a secret glance at them. The trip to the factory took them one hour. When they got there, Stephanie and Gabrielle were not surprised to see all the directors and supervisors standing outside to welcome them.
"No need for all formalities whenever I drop by from now on. Get back to work," Gabrielle ordered. Everyone dispersed remaining the head director overseeing to the smooth running of all activities in the factory. That is Mr Alex, a thirty-five-year-old man. Stephanie particularly employees him for this job because of his years of experience and after seeing the positive feedbacks other projects he embarked received. Another reason she employed him was because of his strictness.
"Miss Adams, Miss Woods, this way please," Mr Alex ushered them. Stephanie and Gabrielle took a tour around the huge four-storey building.
Mr Alex was their tour guide. The guy making documentaries for the products followed them wherever they went. Stephanie smiled when she saw a large number of perfumes, soap, body lotion, makeup and other cosmetics products that they have produced. Seeing this, she assured herself that everything was set for the launching. What made her even happier was when she saw that all the workers followed the recipe and directions she gave them on how to manufacture the products. They spent three hours in the factory. Before they departed, Stephanie and Gabrielle collected samples of the new batch for testing. On their way back Gabrielle initiated a conversation.
"Steph, I can see success is sure for you. Everything is going smoothly for the launching. All your efforts and sleepless nights have paid off," Gabrielle complimented smiling.
"Success is not sure for me but for us. We all did this together. You are coming for the launching right?" Stephanie asked giving her a suspicious glare.
"I won't as always. That day is your day. I will only end up stealing your spotlight if I show up so I will leave everything about the launching to you. You will represent me as well as also representing yourself as the President too," Gabrielle said.
Gabrielle was very considerate. In fact, the first time she and Stephanie met, Stephanie did not know that she was from a very wealthy family. She only became aware of her social status when Gabrielle invited her to their home. Others who don't know her will think she was just pretending. That Gabrielle was too good to be true but her friends know that her sense of humility was not an act of pretence.