<h4>Chapter 719: Declining the offer</h4>


    Gabriel and Amelie walked toward the mansion’s entrance after having a run in their wolf forms.


    "Why did you really ask my parents to stay here?" Amelie asked. "Mom mentioned you’d be busy with work, but is that the only reason? Or is it because you want them to love me the same way they love Flora?"


    Gabriel stopped, turning to face her. He didn’t offer a polite lie. "Because you still crave it," he stated firmly. "You don’t say it aloud, but your eyes tell a different story whenever you’re around them. You deserve to be their priority for once."


    He intertwined his fingers with hers, a silent gesture of support, just as they spotted Karmen standing by the marble fountain. He was deep in conversation on his phone, but the moment he caught sight of the royal couple, he hung up abruptly.


    "Good morning!" Karmen greeted them, snapping to a professional posture.


    "Morning," Amelie and Gabriel replied in unison.


    Amelie squeezed Gabriel’s hand onest time before pulling away. "I’ll leave you two to talk. I need to go inside and check if Noah is awake," she said, offering a small wave before disappearing into the grand foyer.


    Gabriel watched her go, then turned his sharp gaze back to Karmen. A subtle smirk yed on the Prince’s lips. "You’re glowing," Gabriel remarked.


    "What?" Karmen chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, though a hint of a flush crept up his cor.


    "It’s because you’re dating," Gabriel added, his tone lighter than usual. "But she isn’t here in San Ravendale. How do you n to manage a long-distance rtionship like this? Why don’t you take some time off from your duties? You’ve earned it."


    "No. Aisha is actually in San Ravendale. Didn’t I tell you she was transferred here for work?" Karmen revealed, a small smile ying on his lips.


    "I forgot. You did mention it," Gabriel replied, nodding as they began to walk slowly toward the mansion’s steps. "So, were you with her yesterday? Is there any progress since the cruise ship? You have fifteen days left, perhaps even less. You need to make her confess her feelings."


    "I can’t rush it just because I want it to happen," Karmen answered thoughtfully. "Everything is going well so far. Let’s see how far it goes. But Aisha has opened up much more to metely. She acknowledges my presence and actually seems happy when I’m around. That’s enough for now."


    "That’s great!" Gabriel said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "In that case, take her out for lunch today. I’ll book a private table for you at that new ce by the harbor."


    "Hey, you really don’t have to do that," Karmen said, shaking his head.


    "Yes, I do. It’s a perfectly romantic spot. I’ll send you the details in a while," Gabriel insisted, already reaching for his phone.


    "She’ll at the office today, Gabriel. I can’t disturb her during her lunch hour," Karmen stated firmly, declining the offer politely. "I have other ns for uster. I truly appreciate you thinking of me, but I’ll handle it this time."


    "Okay!" Gabriel agreed. "Anything else I need to know?"


    "You’ve a meeting once you reach thepany. You’ve been away for so long, so this was necessary to give you the gist on everything, especially the financial growth," Karmen exined.


    "Alright. I’ll get ready. Then, we will have breakfast," Gabriel said and walked inside with him.


    ~~~~


    Carlos looked at the texts from the ancient book that he finally found after a relentless search for a month. The text was shimmering even in the darkness of the library.


    "Did you find the book, boy? You’ve been searching for it for three days straight," the storedy asked. She emerged from the shadows of the towering shelves, holding a candle stand. Her gaze settled on the thick, tattered book clutched in his hands.


    "Yes, I have. I knew a ce like this was the only chance I had," Carlos stated, snapping the book shut. "I’ll pay for it. How much does it cost?"


    "I need to find my spectacles first," the olddy murmured, already walking toward the wooden counter.


    Carlos followed her closely, his boots thudding softly on the creaky floorboards. He watched as she began to rummage through a pile of loose papers and old inkwells. He didn’t care about the price; he only cared about getting the book.


    The olddy peered through her thick spectacles, her brow furrowing as she turned the book over. The leather was brittle, and the ink on the first almost had vanished.


    "How did this book even end up here? It’s too old... and the publication date is barely legible," she murmured with a trace of unease in her voice.


    "It is," Carlos agreed simply, his eyes fixed on the volume.


    "Just take it free of cost," the olddy replied, sliding it back toward him. "I don’t even know what to charge for something in this condition. It’s torn, and I didn’t even know it was in my inventory."


    Carlos shook his head firmly. "That wouldn’t be right, Madam."


    He reached into his vest and pulled out a heavy leather pouch, and he ced it on the wooden countertop. "Here. I’m leaving these for you. Thank you for your patience and for allowing me to search these shelves for thest three days."


    Before she could protest, he tucked the ancient book securely into his bag, pulling the p shut. He gave a respectful nod and walked out, clutching the strap of his bag.


    Entering his parked car, he ced the bag on the seat next to him. Pulling out his phone from the inner pocket of his coat, he dialed Amelie’s number. The ring went but call wasn’t answered, making him realize she must be busy. He had read herst text where she mentioned that she returned to San Ravendale with Gabriel and Noah.


    "Time to fly back there," he murmured to himself and drove off to his house.