Chapter 309
Chapter 309:
Noticing that “NotASaunders” had gone silent, Gabriela exhaled softly, a wave of relief washing over her. Yet her frustration lingered. Brenden’s sudden transfer to headquarters and his constant presence around her made dodging him increasingly challenging. What was she supposed to do?
Just as despair began to creep in, her phone rang — Josh was calling.
“Gabriela,” he began, then paused, his voice heavy with silence.
Gabriela reflected on the genuine care Josh had shown her over the years. Yet, due to Marie’s actions, she worried she could never share the same bond with Josh as they once had. A quiet sorrow tugged at her heart. In a soft voice, she asked, “Uncle Josh, is something wrong p>
“I’ve taken Marie to surrender to the authorities,” Josh replied. “Since she is paralyzed, she is being kept in the medical ward for now p>
𝖱o𝗆𝖺𝗻𝗰е 𝘢n𝘥 𝗉𝘢ѕ𝘀i𝘰𝗇 𝘰ո
Gabriela heard the weariness and grief in his tone and murmured, “I’m so sorry. I never wanted it to end like this p>
She had considered letting Marie off, but without the video evidence, Marie would never have confessed to her wrongdoings.
Josh quickly gathered his spirits, forcing a lighter tone. “Marie has done too much harm over the years. This is the consequence she has to face. This isn’t your fault.” After a brief pause, he added, “Dustin has been charged with inciting suicide and attempted murder, but he has fled. The police haven’t tracked him down yet. He’s dangerous, Gabriela. Who knows what he’s plotting? Stay vigilant p>
A chill settled in Gabriela’s chest. “I understand. Thank you, Uncle Josh p>
After a few more cautious warnings, Josh ended the call.
Knowing Josh, a teacher with a modest income, was likely struggling, Gabriela discreetly transferred money to his account.
All day, she maneuvered to avoid Brenden, barely surviving until the workday’s end, when she bolted the moment the clock struck. By chance, as she waited for the elevator, she spotted Wesley inside.
Puzzled, she wondered why he wasn’t using his private elevator today. Wesley shot her a cool glance. “Aren’t you coming in? How long do you plan to keep me waiting p>
Not daring to delay her boss, Gabriela stepped inside reluctantly.
Just then, Brenden hurried over, squeezing into the elevator with them. Despite there only being three of them, the space felt suffocating to Gabriela.
Wesley’s expression remained icy, not sparing her a look. Brenden, however, wouldn’t remain silent. “Gabriela, I haven’t seen you in a while, and you’ve really lost weight. You look so pale, like you’re drained. Is work too much? Why not take a few days off p>
“No need, Mr. Saunders. I’m fine, thank you,” Gabriela replied quickly.
“Are you sure? I’m worried about you,” Brenden pressed.
“I can manage. No need to worry p>
The elevator ride, barely a minute, felt like an eternity to Gabriela. The moment the doors opened, she fled without a goodbye.
“Gabriela, why the rush? Wait for me. I’ll drive you home!” Brenden called after her.
To Gabriela’s relief, Wesley summoned Brenden back, stopping him from chasing her.
Once she got home, Gabriela collapsed onto her sofa, exhausted. The thought of facing Brenden at work every day filled her with frustration. Encountering both him and Wesley today felt like a waking nightmare.
For a moment, she even contemplated resigning.
That thought led her to check her savings. She had amassed a decent sum, and even after repaying the ten years’ salary Wesley had paid her in advance, she would remain comfortable. Recently, she had sold the handbag and bracelet Brenden had mistakenly given her, netting over a million. Additionally, she had not yet received the commission for securing the billion-dollar contract. Even after dividing it with Aubrey and Nina, she would likely pocket at least three hundred thousand.
With careful budgeting, she could support herself and her baby comfortably for years, even without a job.
As she calculated future costs, Farley approached, buzzing with excitement. “Gabriela, an important guest is coming for dinner. You need to get ready p>