Chapter 162
Chapter 162:
Billy kept his reaction to himself, though inside he marveled that Gabriela had such a capable friend.
A thought crossed his mind—was Wesley meant to hear about this, given his possessive streak?
Before long, Tyler had filled the table with steaming, fragrant dishes and threw down a challenge for Billy to drink against him.
Gabriela leaned in, her voice light but resolute. “Not happening. He’s the one behind the wheel later p>
Respecting the reminder, Tyler simply chuckled and poured himself a few cups instead.
When the last plate was cleared, Billy found Tyler surprisingly likable, the kind of man he could trust. Tyler, feeling the same, treated Billy as though they’d already shared years of friendship. “Swing by whenever you’ve got time, man. I know a guy like you might think we’re a bit rough around the edges, but I stick by my friends. I’ve got plenty of people I can call on, and if you ever run into trouble, I’ll back you up without a second thought. Gabriela’s had a hard road—do me a favor and keep an eye out for her. I owe you one p>
As they stepped out of the bar, Billy remarked with a hint of amusement, “Your friend’s got quite the passionate streak, Miss Haynes p>
Gabriela’s smile warmed. “Tyler really is a wonderful person p>
𝗥𝘦𝖺𝗱 𝗈𝘯 аn𝘺 𝖽𝖾𝗏iс𝘦 𝘰𝗻 g𝘢𝘭ոo𝗏еls.𝗰оm
Billy gave a slight jolt, as if her words had caught him off guard. Wesley could never know about this.
On their way back to Moss Manor, the place was already buzzing with activity.
With Gabriela absent, lunch duties fell to Loretta and Miriam, who laid out braised ribs, steamed fish, stir-fried beef, and a few simple side dishes. They avoided onions and celery, which Wesley couldn’t stand, and left out any trace of chili.
Yet for all their effort, the spread lacked the warmth of Gabriela’s cooking. Loretta had been feeding Wesley for more than ten years, but today every bite tasted flat, as if the flavor had been drained away.
He toyed with his fork but barely ate a bite.
Brenden leaned over with a mischievous grin. “How come Gabriela’s not in the kitchen today? I’ve been dreaming about those BBQ ribs she makes p>
A cold shadow crossed Wesley’s face.
Loretta cut Brenden a sharp look before setting down a plate of fish. “What, you think she works here just to feed you? Eat your fish p>
Gabriela’s hefty daily rate was meant to coax Wesley into opening his heart—not to give Brenden someone to boss around in the dining room.
Brenden sat frozen in disbelief. No mouthwatering dishes from Gabriela today—and now this dreadful, overcooked fish? The day was ruined.
Meanwhile, Gabriela had no idea Wesley was quietly pining for her cooking. She was absorbed in messaging Aubrey.
Although Wesley had already wiped every trace of the scandal from trending topics, the netizens hadn’t forgotten. Comments still seethed with anger, accusing Gabriela of throwing her weight around and lashing back because she had something to hide.
Though the trending topics about her had disappeared, public anger still simmered. Relentless critics drifted to other popular platforms, publishing long tirades that dragged Gabriela into even larger conversations. Before long, the scandal reached people who neither followed celebrity gossip nor touched Instagram.
Some influential figures insisted Gabriela had no moral compass and was nothing but an ingrate. Their words ignited another wave of outrage, with uninformed netizens piling on and hurling ugly insults her way.
By the end of the day, Gabriela’s name was dirt—her reputation seemed beyond repair. Aubrey fumed at her phone, locked in an endless online brawl, trading blow after blow with strangers in Gabriela’s defense. She sent Gabriela a furious message: “Have Mr. Moss handle these fools and get their accounts wiped out p>
In her eyes, these nobodies had no right to hurl such vile insults at Gabriela. Gabriela offered reassurance. “I’ve already thought of a way to handle it. Just breathe, Aubrey. Don’t lower yourself to their level.” But Aubrey’s temper refused to cool.
The online attacks were vicious—too vicious. If the truth wasn’t cleared up soon, when work resumed her colleagues would inevitably regard Gabriela with contempt.