Chapter 485
Chapter 485:
Utterly perplexed, Gabriela turned toward Tessa and Aubrey, searching their faces for an explanation. But they could only shrug, quickly diving back into whispers about Wesley’s imploding engagement, their voices low and urgent, as though sharing forbidden secrets.
Meanwhile, Brenden had already returned to his place with Fiona, peeling himself out of the ridiculous gown. The zipper at the back refused to budge, and after a few futile attempts, he sighed in defeat and asked Fiona to give him a hand.
She burst out laughing the moment she saw him, nearly doubling over, before flashing him an exaggerated thumbs-up.
“Brenden, I got to hand it to you,” she said between chuckles. “Turns out if you’re shameless enough, even the most venomous woman will choke on her own words p>
His glare was sharp enough to cut glass. “Shut it. Stop laughing p>
But Fiona, of course, wasn’t done. She leaned in, close enough to make him flinch, and inhaled with mock appreciation.
“This scent actually suits you,” she said, grinning.
It was a creamy sweetness that lingered softly in the air — she had hunted for weeks before finding one that matched Gabriela’s scent exactly.
Brenden’s expression darkened. “Get lost p>
𝖣𝗈𝗐𝗇𝗅𝗈𝖺𝖽𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝖯𝖣𝖥𝗌 𝗈𝗇
The edge in his voice finally made her ease up, though a mischievous smile still danced on her lips. Then, unable to resist, she muttered, “I have to say, Gabriela is really cunning. Looking all innocent while wearing something like that? It’s quite tempting for men p>
Brenden snapped his head up, eyes flashing. “Don’t talk rubbish. The scent she’s wearing isn’t like any perfume at all p>
Fiona rolled her eyes, a sly grin tugging at her mouth. “In your world, Gabriela’s perfect. I know that p>
Brenden had barely changed out of the gown when the door slammed open, the sharp sound ricocheting through the living room.
A tall, imposing figure stepped inside.
It was Casper, Brenden’s father.
Casper’s expression was a mask of restrained fury, his jaw tight, eyes blazing like storm clouds. In a voice controlled but edged with steel, he said, “Ms. Dewitt, this is a family matter. Leave p>
Fiona’s gaze flicked to his hand and froze. A whip, coiled and ready. Her stomach knotted, but she forced a nervous smile. “Casper, about what happened today p>
Before she could finish, Hanley appeared in the doorway. “Fiona, come on, we’re going home. Now p>
She blinked, stunned. Of course word had traveled fast. Her father must have raced over the moment the news broke, ready to drag his wayward daughter home by force if he had to.
Still, Fiona squared her shoulders. “Casper, this wasn’t Brenden’s fault. He p>
“Fiona!” Hanley’s roar cut through the room like a blade. “I said now p>
For a moment, she hesitated, torn between loyalty and fear.
Then Brenden spoke, his voice quiet, almost detached. “Go. It’s fine. I’ll handle this p>
His calmness, that strange air of indifference, left her with no choice. Biting back her protest, Fiona allowed Hanley to pull her toward the door.