Chapter 16 Leonardo had a very long , long dream . In the dream , there was no car accident , and Gabrielle was not blind . They were always loving , with two adorable children who were both well - behaved and sensible . Yet , even in the dream , he couldn't feel any happiness ; he knew that none of it was real . Gabrielle's accident had hit him so hard that even his brain's instinct to protect him was completely ineffective . Just as Leonardo's will to survive was about to be extinguished , he heard Alaina's voice . In that instant , all his memories came rushing back Shock and fury swallowed him whole . The innocent - looking " Alaina " in his eyes was now rummaging through his belongings for anything valuable . Her tone and words were filled with greed and malice . So ... That " accidental " car crash . That " accidental " Alaina who ended up in his bed . That " accidental " face , so strikingly similar to Gabrielle's , and even 28 Vouchers Chapter 16 Alaina's habits , way of speaking , and preferences were uncannily identical to Gabrielle's . But could there really be such coincidences in the world ? And what was Wyatt's relationship with her ? Who was the man on the phone ? No , he couldn't die yet , absolutely not ! A flush of color suddenly spread across Leonardo's pale face . He struggled to open his eyes , a deep , inky darkness flickering in his gaze . He had to uncover the truth . If all of this had been planned from the start ... Then someone would have to pay the price ! And when everything was over , he would go to Gabby and confess his sins . Leonardo dialed the phone . " Arnold , use your network and help me investigate someone . " When Alaina first appeared by his side , he had already looked into her background and found nothing wrong . That left only one possibility- Part of his information network had been blocked . Arnold Anderson was a top hacker he met in South Africa , as long as Arnold took action , there was no information he couldn't find . This time , he was determined to learn the whole truth . Chapter 16 288 Vouchers If Gabby's accident was someone's scheme , then he wouldn't hesitate to be ruthless . *** Northern Europe , manor . The sound of the piano drifted through the lush , blooming tulips , swirling gently in the air . Amid the flowers , a graceful young girl rose onto her toes , her movements both elegant and powerful , without a hint of hesitation . The piano grew more passionate , and Gabrielle gradually spun faster , like a dancing sprite . But gradually , her movements slowed a little , and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead . Sensing her struggle , the piano began to slow and soften . " Nicholas , keep going , I can do it ! " Gabrielle gritted her teeth . Hearing this , the man behind the piano didn't hesitate at all and immediately quickened the tempo . Nicholas trusted Gabrielle completely . He loved her , and more than her radiant beauty , he was drawn to her indomitable spirit . She was not a delicate flower sheltered in a greenhouse . As long as it didn't harm her body , he would do everything he could to support her and fulfill her every need . Sure enough , Gabrielle's movements stayed perfectly in time with the Chapter 16 music , and she finished the dance exactly as the original rhythm demanded . When the dance ended , she held her final pose , her chest rising and falling as she breathed out in quick , light bursts . The amazement in Nicholas's eyes lingered , his gaze fixed on her , unwilling to look away . Gabrielle waved her hand in front of his eyes . " Hey , mister . " Nicholas snapped back to reality and took her fingertips in his hand . " Beautiful , you danced wonderfully . Far better than I expected . " 1239 Vouchers He was telling the truth ; Gabby's skill was nothing like someone who hadn't performed on stage in five years . She must have practiced diligently in private . But for the past five years , she couldn't see . Who knows how many times she fell , how many times she broke down and despaired , before she could dance like this . " Gabby , wait here for me , I'll get you some slippers . " As Nicholas got up to leave , Gabrielle saw the tenderness in his eyes that he couldn't hide , and the softest part of her heart was gently touched . He was always like this , able to see through her strong exterior to the vulnerable side within . " He's still just as attentive as he was five years ago , " she murmured softly . Vito stood behind Gabrielle , his head lowered even further . " Mr. Harlan ה ה Chapter 16 is only like this when he's with you . " At other times , he was the ruthless Mafia boss , even somewhat brutal . 288 Vouchers She was lost in thought at those words , not noticing the man had returned and was now kneeling to change her shoes himself . His warm palm covered the arch of her foot , and a blush spread across Gabrielle's cheeks . " Nicholas ! " Chapter 17 In "A Lady Hard to Please" by CrushReels, a single mother makes a poignant return to the city she fled seven years ago. Her mission: to secure treatment for her son's leukemia, setting the stage for an emotional journey of love and resilience amidst past heartbreak. As her ex-lover reenters her life upon hearing of her return, old wounds resurface, sparking a complex web of emotions and decisions that delve deep into themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the enduring power of love. This modern romance novel stands out for its raw portrayal of familial bonds tested by adversity, offering readers a compelling exploration of human strength and vulnerability. With a captivating blend of heart-wrenching moments and tender revelations, "A Lady Hard to Please" promises a captivating read that lingers in the heart long after the final page. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a tale that transcends boundaries and speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.