Chapter 394
Chapter 394:
The fish lay garnished with fresh scallions and cilantro, and Wesley’s expression remained carved from stone. “I have a fish allergy p>
Rebecca’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I’ve known you all this time, yet I never realized you couldn’t eat fish p>
“No harm done. Please, enjoy your meal p>
Their conversation limped along in sporadic bursts, Rebecca carrying most of the dialogue while Wesley offered occasional, perfunctory responses.
The atmosphere hung heavy with suffocating tedium.
After dinner concluded, Wesley instructed Billy to escort Rebecca home.
Before sliding into the car, Rebecca turned with hopeful eyes. “Wesley, may I begin working at your company tomorrow p>
𝘞𝘩𝖺t e𝘃𝗲𝘳yo𝗇𝖾 𝘪s 𝗋𝖾𝘢𝗱і𝘯𝗀 𝘰𝘯.с𝗼m
Wesley offered a nod.
Rebecca’s face lit up with pure delight. “I’ll see you tomorrow then p>
Billy, meanwhile, seethed with quiet irritation.
Where had this Rebecca emerged from? Why was he suddenly demoted to personal chauffeur duty?
He served as a top-tier assistant, not some common driver.
As Billy navigated through traffic, Rebecca attempted to bridge the silence with conversation.
“You’re Billy Clarke, aren’t you? My cousin speaks of you constantly. He insists you’re extraordinarily capable and well-regarded throughout the industry. If he weren’t terrified of crossing Wesley, he’d steal you away as his own assistant p>
Tonight, Billy embraced the role of stoic driver with unwavering commitment. Regardless of Rebecca’s chatter, he maintained his composure, responding with mechanical politeness, “You’re too kind p>
Rebecca pressed further. “What foods does Wesley actually enjoy? I noticed he barely lifted his fork tonight — perhaps the restaurant’s cuisine didn’t suit his palate p>
Wesley’s refined tastes had been thoroughly shaped by Gabriela’s cooking. Did Rebecca honestly believe some mediocre restaurant fare could possibly satisfy him now?
Billy delivered his response with practiced professionalism. “My apologies, but I’m merely an assistant. Mr. Moss’s culinary preferences fall outside my area of expertise p>
Rebecca launched several more inquiries, but Billy deflected each attempt with skillful evasion. Eventually, she abandoned her questioning and turned her attention to the passing cityscape beyond the window.
Around 9:30, Wesley finally made his way to Golden Honey Café.
Gabriela remained exactly where she’d promised to be.
She occupied the window-side couch, fidgeting with childlike restlessness — leaning forward, then back, her feet swinging in nervous rhythm.
Impatience radiated from her posture, yet she’d maintained her lonely vigil for hours.
Wesley pushed through the entrance with purposeful strides.
The café stood empty of other patrons, and Gabriela spotted him the instant he appeared. “Mr. Moss, you came p>
Her smile bloomed across her features, her eyes transforming into delighted crescents.
How could she radiate such joy after waiting for hours?
Wesley ignored her enthusiasm entirely, settling beside her with glacial detachment. “Speak quickly. My time is limited p>
Gabriela’s expression faltered, her voice dropping to an uncertain whisper. “What’s troubling you? Has something happened p>
Wesley yanked at his collar with visible agitation. “You have ten minutes. Not a second longer p>
His suit jacket hung open, the top two buttons of his crisp white shirt undone. His eyes burned with dark intensity — upon closer inspection, they appeared distinctly bloodshot.
This arctic, menacing demeanor sent waves of unease through Gabriela’s entire being.
She drew a steadying breath, forcing her lips into what she hoped resembled a reassuring smile. “Regarding my comment about Allan the other day — I never intended for it to sound so p>
“I’ve already received your apology.” Wesley severed her words with a blade of cold amusement, his gaze cutting through her like sharpened ice. “Repeating hollow platitudes serves no purpose p>
His overwhelming presence crushed her attempted smile into extinction.
“I need you to understand that my actions that day weren’t deliberate. I truly p>
Under Wesley’s polar stare, Gabriela summoned every ounce of courage and said, “I have feelings for you as well. I said those p>
“You feared for my heart condition, but not because of my well-being — I comprehend perfectly.” Wesley’s interruption dripped with acidic mockery. “Gabriela, you’re nothing if not a hopeless romantic. Should I commission a trophy in your honor p>
Gabriela sat frozen in complete bewilderment. “What are you even saying p>