Chapter 487
Chapter 487:
“Come on, cheer up,” Brenden encouraged softly, his voice warm with patience. “I know you and Gabriela never see eye to eye, but you’re not cruel. You wouldn’t really make her suffer p>
If Fiona had truly meant harm, her tricks would’ve gone far beyond swapping hotel rooms or handing out luxury bags and jewelry.
Fiona gave a sharp scoff. “Spare me the flattery p>
The thought still flitted across her mind — she’d find another chance to make Gabriela’s life miserable.
“I’m not flattering you. I mean it,” Brenden pressed, his expression earnest. “You and Gabriela don’t have a deep grudge against each other. The only thing standing between you two is Wesley, so in the end, it all comes back to Wesley.” With a sharp finality, Brenden declared, “You only let yourself get swept away by his charm and ended up doing something reckless p>
Watching the calm ease in his face made Fiona’s chest tighten with unease.
This fool — battered and bleeding — was still worrying about Gabriela.
Her voice slipped out, curious and almost guilty. “Brenden… since the whole scheme was mine, why didn’t you just expose me p>
If he had dragged her down with him yesterday, the punishment would never have been so brutal.
𝘉𝘦 pа𝘳𝗍 𝘰𝘧 𝗼𝘶𝗋 сom𝗺𝘂𝘯𝗶𝘁у 𝗼𝗻
Now his entire back was torn raw, a lash had split the skin across his cheek, and his arms bore angry welts from the beating.
It was a heartbreaking sight.
Brenden stayed unruffled, his tone almost casual. “How could I throw you under the bus? Besides, I don’t earn a living off my face, so a few scars mean nothing. But you’re different — so delicate, so lovely. One slap might leave you bruised for days p>
Fiona’s throat tightened, and she shot him a teary glare. “Brave words, but your body gave you away — you’re scarred now, aren’t you p>
He gave a crooked smile. “It’s fine. Don’t cry, alright? Watching women cry makes me feel like my chest is splitting too p>
Fiona turned her head, quickly brushing at her damp lashes before reaching for the ointment on the table. “It’s about time your dressing was changed. Let me handle it p>
His expression shifted, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. “Do we really have to? Wouldn’t it be safer if a doctor did it p>
She shot him a sharp glare, her voice laced with irritation. “So you’re saying I’ve got clumsy hands? I haven’t even complained about how revolting those bloody wounds of yours look p>
Brenden rushed to explain, his voice eager. “How could I dare complain? I’m just thankful you’re willing to help with the medicine p>
“Then keep still and quit fidgeting!” Fiona snapped.
She dabbed the ointment onto his battered skin, and his wails filled the room, sharp and dramatic.
“You didn’t even flinch when your father thrashed you yesterday,” she scolded, brows furrowing, “so why are you making a fuss now p>
Brenden pulled a pained face. “To me, my dad feels like a stranger. I can’t let myself look weak in front of him p>
For a heartbeat, Fiona just stared at him, her thoughts scattering in a daze.
Did he really mean… that he saw her as someone close?
The idea flickered through Fiona’s mind, but she quickly brushed it aside. Since Brenden seemed genuinely grateful, she decided she could indulge him with a little more care.
After tending to his wounds, she ordered a meal delivery, then stepped onto the balcony with her phone in hand.