Chapter 207
Chapter 207:
Gabriela froze, baffled, her lips parting as she was about to ask Brenden what on earth he was thanking her for.
But then she noticed the strange gleam in his eyes and the twisted curve of his expression, which reminded her of his schizophrenia. Was he hallucinating—imagining she had done something for him?
A chill rippled through her. Not another episode. Not again.
Who knew what bizarre request he might spring on her this time?
She forced a polite smile. “You’re welcome, Mr. Saunders. It’s late, and I’m really exhausted. If there’s nothing else, I’ll just head to my room and get some sleep p>
Brenden inclined his head with unusual calm. “Good night p>
He watched with growing fascination as Gabriela practically fled, disappearing down the hall.
𝗔𝖽𝗱𝗂c𝗍𝗶𝘃𝖾 𝗻ov𝘦𝘭ѕ 𝘰ո
How interesting. The women before her had always leapt at the faintest hint of his attention, practically draping themselves over him. Yet Gabriela, madly infatuated as she was, ran away the moment he opened the door for something more.
He found her shyness even more intriguing.
Gabriela had braced herself for battle, convinced that “NotASaunders” would send some infuriating message to ruin her night.
But as the clock crept past midnight and her phone stayed stubbornly silent, her tension unraveled, and sleep claimed her.
When she stirred the next morning, sunlight spilled across the room.
First thing, she checked her phone. There were no messages from “NotASaunders,” but a string of texts from Aubrey popped up.
Gabriela discovered that several luxury brands—once loyal partners to Claire—had publicly announced the termination of their contracts.
And to top it off, the production team of a hit romance drama dropped a bombshell on Twitter: Claire, once their leading lady, had been replaced—swapped out for a fresh-faced actress with more talent, if not fame.
Aubrey followed the news with a row of laughing emojis, practically gleeful.
Gabriela typed back a crisp reply. “Serves her right p>
Aubrey wasted no time delivering her theory. “Why did Claire suddenly get blacklisted? Gabriela, this might actually have something to do with you p>
Gabriela blinked. “Huh? Why would that have anything to do with me p>
Aubrey’s reply was swift. “Claire’s been quiet lately. The only thing she’s posted was a couple of updates supporting Phyllis. You know exactly who’s orchestrating Claire’s downfall. This has your protector’s signature all over it. Clearly, this has to be an act of love. But if you still can’t see that, maybe it’s time you open your eyes and figure that part out p>
Her protector?
Yes, Wesley treated her differently from how he treated others at the company. But it had to be something else. Maybe he enjoyed her cooking. Or perhaps Loretta and Miriam favored her, leading him to extend a bit more courtesy toward her.
An act of love? Absolutely not.
Gabriela shook her head vigorously, as if to banish the very idea. Loretta wouldn’t throw around wild claims about her grandson not being interested in women. And really, if Wesley had harbored any romantic feelings for her, that night would have revealed it. The atmosphere had been intimate enough, yet he had restrained himself completely.
Wesley’s kindness wasn’t personal. It was just who he was. He went out of his way to help her because he was a decent person. And for that, she should find some way to repay him properly in the future.
Gabriela gave herself a sharp mental warning about entertaining ridiculous ideas. She even patted her cheeks briskly, snapping herself back to reality, before scrolling through her unread WhatsApp messages.
Aubrey wasn’t the only one flooding her inbox. Phyllis had sent a barrage of messages too.
“Gabriela, everyone insults me now. Vivian won’t even talk to me. You’ve left me with no friends. You must be thrilled p>
“Don’t get too cocky! I won’t let this slide p>
“Gabriela, you bitch, I’ll make your life miserable p>
Phyllis’s texts had spiraled, over a dozen messages brimming with curses, as if she’d completely lost her grip. Eventually, when Gabriela still hadn’t replied, the tirade sputtered out.
Gabriela skimmed the rants, too disinterested to even roll her eyes. Without bothering to retort, she simply blocked her.
Then, stretching a little, she rose and swept the curtains open, letting the daylight pour in. Outside, a soft rain whispered against the windows, ushering in the first real breath of spring.
Loretta returned from the countryside with two oversized boxes stuffed with local specialties her relatives had pressed on her: creamy artisanal cheeses, jewel-bright jars of jam, and delicate handcrafted chocolates.
Gabriela sampled a few, and her delight was instantaneous. Eyes sparkling, smile blooming, she looked for all the world like a child set loose in a candy shop. Loretta’s heart warmed at the sight, though a pang of frustration followed close behind.
The more she liked this girl, the more it stung that Wesley was such a disappointment. How could he not appreciate such a treasure? How would he ever find someone worthy if he couldn’t recognize what was right in front of him?