Chapter 160
Chapter 160:
Billy and Gabriela stepped out of the study together. Gabriela exchanged a few quick words with Miriam and Loretta before slipping into Billy’s sleek black Porsche and leaving the manor. As the scenery blurred past the window, a surge of emotions swelled within her. Sixteen years had passed. Could she really reclaim what her mother had left behind this time? If she failed, who knew how many more years she’d have to wait.
Noticing her downcast gaze, Billy offered gentle reassurance. “Don’t let it get to you. People online don’t know the truth, so they hurl those cruel words at you. Mr. Moss has already wiped all related topics. Soon, no one will even remember p>
“Thank you, Mr. Clarke,” Gabriela replied with a small smile. “I’m not upset… actually, I’m quite happy p>
Her plan had always been long-term: spend years building workplace connections, saving money, and gradually turning the tables on Marie. She had never imagined Phyllis would hand her such a golden opportunity. With Wesley supporting her, she felt she already had the strongest ally she could ask for.
Following Gabriela’s directions, Billy drove nearly halfway across Okburg. Two hours later, they arrived at their destination.
𝗪е𝘦𝗸l𝘆 𝗋e𝗹𝘦𝘢ѕe𝘀 𝗼𝘯 ѕ.𝖼𝗼𝘮
“Miss Haynes, is this the place? Would you like me to accompany you inside?” Billy offered.
“No, thank you, Mr. Clarke. I can manage on my own p>
They had reached one of Okburg’s old districts. The alley ahead was too narrow for a car, so Gabriela stepped out and continued on foot. She stopped before a weathered wooden door and knocked. Moments later, it creaked open, revealing an older man. He wasn’t yet sixty, but gray streaked through his temples, and his eyes carried the weight of years.
Gabriela’s eyes glimmered with unshed tears. Softly, she whispered, “Farley p>
“Miss Haynes?” Farley Moreno’s face lit up in recognition.
He had once served as right-hand man to Alanna Haynes, Gabriela’s late mother. Though she’d insisted countless times that he use her first name, he never wavered. He addressed her formally as “Miss Haynes,” a mark of both respect and enduring loyalty.
“Please, come in and have a seat, Miss Haynes p>
The last time Farley had seen her was before her college entrance exams. Her arm had been scalded by Phyllis with boiling water, and she’d battled a high fever for days. Gabriela had asked Farley to take photos as evidence of the incident. Afterward, she had secretly left half of her hard-earned savings with him, promising to return only when the time came to reclaim her mother’s belongings.
Six years had passed in the blink of an eye.
Gabriela sat down and briefly outlined her plan. Farley’s eyes lit up. “Miss Haynes, you’re finally taking action p>
Gabriela nodded solemnly, a trace of concern in her voice. “Farley, I’m sorry, but after this, there’s no going back. Life’s going to get more complicated from here on p>
“It’s fine,” he said firmly, unwavering. “I’ve waited for this day every single day. As long as I can help you make things right, I’ll do whatever it takes p>
Gabriela chuckled softly. “For now, I just need you to bring out my mother’s will. I will let everyone see it p>
“Right away, Miss Haynes p>
With that, Farley rose immediately and went to unlock the safe. Gabriela spent the next hour at Farley’s side, carefully sorting through documents.
As she prepared to leave, she paused—her eyes tracing the dilapidated house, then dropping to Farley’s crippled foot. Her voice softened. “Farley, once the house is mine, would you like to move in and live with me p>
Farley shook his head firmly, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips. “I’ve lived here for years. This place is my home now. I don’t want to go anywhere else. But you have my word: I’ll always be here, and if you ever need me, I’ll be ready—no questions asked p>
Gabriela nodded, understanding.
Some things couldn’t be rushed. She would revisit the idea once the house was truly hers.
After bidding farewell to Farley, she returned to Billy. “Sorry to keep you waiting p>
“It’s nothing,” he replied quickly. “Where to next, Miss Haynes p>
Gabriela’s lips curved into a wistful smile, her eyes glimmering with a touch of nostalgia. “To a bar called Midnight Oasis p>