Chapter 149

Chapter 149:

Miriam’s gaze brightened the moment she caught Gabriela’s hesitation.

Everyone had an Achilles’ heel.

Gabriela had always seemed untouchable, flawless in poise and charm, and Miriam had been racking her brain for a way to keep her close. Inviting her to help pack gifts had been nothing more than a delaying tactic.

So, Gabriela had a soft spot for lavish gifts? Excellent. A refreshingly uncomplicated desire.

Her eyes gleaming, Miriam cleared her throat. “These here are just Mr. Moss’s gifts for the staff. Loretta’s here for New Year’s, so she’ll be giving out gifts too,” she said casually.

Noticing Gabriela’s ears practically perk up, Miriam pressed on. “I’ll hand out mine too p>

Gabriela could hardly contain her delight—the three of them would distribute gifts separately.

How could she not love that?

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝗍𝗁𝘦 𝗅a𝗍еs𝗍 𝘁𝘳eո𝖽ѕ 𝗈ո ѕ.𝖼𝘰𝘮

Loretta wasn’t slow on the uptake. She chimed in at once, “Exactly. My gifts are reserved for those who spend New Year’s here p>

Gabriela’s pulse quickened, her chest alight with giddy anticipation.

This family was obscenely rich.

One glance at Gabriela’s spark-filled eyes, and Miriam was already hatching a fresh scheme to keep her anchored here.

While Gabriela busied herself packing those gifts, Miriam leaned toward Loretta, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur.

After last night’s failed scheme, Loretta’s expression was wary. “You really think this will work?” she asked.

“Of course it will!” Miriam said with confidence. “Gabriela’s got real feelings for Wesley. You just jumped the gun yesterday, and it spooked her into thinking she should leave p>

Loretta discreetly rolled her eyes. That ridiculous stunt had been Miriam’s brainchild, yet here she was, pinning the blame elsewhere.

“Just follow my lead,” Miriam said. “This time, we make sure she stays. Feelings need time to grow. Push too hard and they wilt p>

Loretta held her tongue. Right now, getting Wesley to open his heart mattered more than picking a fight.

“Fine,” she said at last. “But this is the last time I’m trusting you p>

Before long, Gabriela had neatly finished packing every last gift.

Loretta glanced at the grand clock dominating the wall, then clapped her hands in feigned surprise. “Is it that late already? I’ll cook today. Gabriela, stay and have lunch before you leave p>

Gabriela followed her gaze to the clock.

Ten o’clock sharp. Lunch? Now?

“Well—” She opened her mouth, then hesitated.

Those gifts were tempting, but another day here might only push Wesley’s patience further. Her well-paying job was worth far more in the long run than any lavish gift.

“After lunch, can I head straight back?” Gabriela asked.

“Of course,” Miriam replied at once, her tone smooth. “Once you’re done eating, Mr. Moss’s driver will take you home p>

Soon, Loretta set the last dish on the table, and lunch was ready.

When Wesley stepped out of his study and spotted Gabriela still lingering at the estate, his brows lifted in mild surprise, then curved in faint amusement. Whatever scheme Loretta and Miriam were brewing this time, he was almost curious enough to play along.

But the moment he sat down, his expression shifted.

The spread before him was a parade of everything he disliked.

Front and center: a daunting platter of onion purée—easily six onions pulverized into a single mound. To his left: celery stir-fried with beef. To his right: steamed fish blanketed in cilantro. Braised ribs, the one dish he actually enjoyed, had been banished to the far end of the table, drowning under a tide of fiery chili peppers. Even the tomato soup had not escaped; it, too, swam with onions.

Wesley’s brow furrowed. “Did we change chefs today, Miriam p>

She gave a breezy laugh. “The chefs went home for the New Year. Your grandmother decided she’d do the cooking p>

Loretta ignored his reaction, deftly lifting a rib and setting it on his plate. “Please, try some of my cooking p>

Miriam’s eyes, however, were fixed on Gabriela.

And right on cue, Gabriela spoke up before Wesley could. “Mr. Moss has a weak heart. He shouldn’t eat anything that spicy p>

Loretta silently retrieved the rib from his plate, replacing it with onions and meat instead. “Then eat this,” she said matter-of-factly. “Onions are good for the heart p>

Wesley was at a loss for words.

Loretta knew his tastes by heart, so why was there not a single dish on the table he actually enjoyed?