Chapter 214
Chapter 214:
Loretta had already paid her for the temporary work, and now Gabriela was returning to live under the same roof again. The arrangement felt awkward, even improper.
Her unease only deepened when they stepped into Moss Manor’s grand hall and found Fiona settled comfortably in the living room.
Given the Dewitt family’s influence—nearly equal to that of the Moss family—Loretta had no choice but to extend courtesy, even if the fondness she once had for Fiona had diminished.
A few servants busied themselves around Fiona, setting out tea and carefully arranged plates of fruit.
Fiona leaned forward with a gracious smile. “Mrs. Larson, please don’t be so formal with me p>
𝖬𝗈𝗌t 𝘳𝗲a𝗱 𝗍h𝗶𝘀 𝗐ее𝗸 𝘰𝗇
Loretta’s lips curved faintly. Since Fiona had failed to win Wesley’s affection and resorted to bullying Gabriela, she could no longer treat her with the same warmth.
Miriam stepped in with a warm smile. “Ms. Dewitt, will you be joining us for dinner? I’ll ask the kitchen to prepare a few of your favorite dishes p>
Fiona’s expression tightened with faint irritation. Wasn’t Miriam supposed to be the type who read the room? She was in the middle of a conversation with Loretta. What business did a mere housekeeper have butting in?
“I’m not hungry yet. I’ll wait until Wesley comes back before I eat,” Fiona replied coolly, her tone edged with condescension.
No sooner had the words left her lips than the sound of steady footsteps echoed across the marble floor.
Fiona turned instinctively, her smile only half-formed before it collapsed altogether.
Gabriela had the audacity to follow Wesley home. This was beyond absurd.
Gabriela herself felt a flicker of awkwardness. She had bid Loretta a proper farewell that very morning, only to show up again in the evening with Wesley, as if she were desperately clinging to him. But when she caught the glint of scorn and resentment in Fiona’s gaze, her unease hardened into quiet resolve.
Her connection with Wesley was perfectly proper—what right did Fiona have to sneer at her?
Her eyes shifted toward Wesley just as he shrugged off his suit jacket, the gesture casual yet commanding. Without hesitation, Gabriela stepped forward and offered her hands.
The simple act carried a natural grace, almost instinctive in its attentiveness. Wesley paused, faintly surprised, before letting an amused smile curve his lips as he placed the jacket into her waiting arms.
Gabriela clutched his jacket, the lingering warmth seeping into her hands and bringing a faint flush to her cheeks. Catching Fiona’s venomous glare, she straightened her shoulders and tightened her grip, strolling past at an unhurried pace as though parading triumph before a powerless challenger.
Her air carried the smug composure of a woman guarding what another could only covet.
The sight tugged at Wesley’s lips until they curved into a faint smile.
So… Gabriela did care about him after all.
For Fiona, however, the humiliation cut deep. When had she ever endured such a look? And from someone as insignificant as a secretary?
Her nails dug into her palm to steady her fury before she forced a smile and asked sweetly, “Wesley, why has your secretary followed you home p>
Wesley remarked in an even tone, “I have tasks for her, so she’ll remain at Moss Manor for a while p>
Loretta’s and Miriam’s faces instantly lit with delight, clearly pleased by his words. Only Fiona’s expression twisted, fury rising beneath her carefully painted smile.
A secretary like Gabriela—what urgent responsibilities could she possibly have at night? If it were truly important business, wasn’t Billy the one expected to deal with it?
Suddenly, Fiona’s mind flashed with a shameful suspicion, her complexion growing visibly colder. That faintly. “She’s the one whose presence is questionable p>
Loretta’s expression tightened, her tone cooling. “Gabriela is here for work.” She crossed the room to stand protectively by Gabriela’s side, her hand brushing the girl’s arm with grandmotherly affection. “Besides, I treat her like my own granddaughter. There’s nothing improper about her staying here p>
Actually, Loretta secretly hoped for whispers to spread; a little gossip could only add fuel to her quiet wish of seeing Wesley marry Gabriela sooner rather than later.
Fiona prided herself on her impeccable standards; she had always dismissed other men as unworthy. Wesley was the rare gem she had discovered after so much careful judgment. How dare a mere secretary presume to compete for him?
No. Absolutely not.
Fiona’s fingers curled into her palm. She needed to find a way to stay at Moss Manor.