Chapter 616
Chapter 616:
Gabriela smiled lightly. “It won’t. I drank it myself this morning—it just upset my stomach a little p>
After the coffee she’d had earlier, she felt a brief rumble, then was fine.
That was why she’d confidently had it served to Lauren and Cindy.
The perfectly timed restroom maintenance presented an opportunity she couldn’t ignore—a chance to teach them a lesson.
Haynes Group could be small, but it wasn’t to be trifled with.
Lauren, humiliated beyond measure, left for home right after the restroom ordeal.
Her anger smoldered, unquenched.
𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗻
Cindy said angrily, “Aunt Lauren, you, Brenden, and I all drank that coffee and got sick. Something’s wrong with it p>
Lauren knew it, but that wasn’t what upset her the most.
It was the mortifying restroom fiasco.
Ena, notorious for gossip, was surely broadcasting her restroom ordeal by now.
For Lauren, who was accustomed to dignity and supremacy, such a crude embarrassment was unbearable.
Lauren beckoned Cindy closer, whispering sharp instructions.
Cindy, gleeful, assured her, “Leave it to me. I’ll handle it flawlessly p>
She was a master at spreading rumors, a skill she wielded with particular zeal against Gabriela.
Whispers soon swept through Okburg’s elite circles: Gabriela had shamelessly seduced Matthew and become his mistress.
They even reached Wesley.
He didn’t believe Gabriela would do such a thing.
Yet Matthew’s frequent visits to her home and company, laden with gifts, raised questions.
Wesley tasked Billy with digging deeper. “Find out Matthew’s motives, quickly p>
“Yes, sir,” Billy replied.
While the rumors swirled, no one dared gossip in Matthew’s presence. He remained oblivious.
The next afternoon, he appeared outside Rosemont Gardens, eagerly trailing Gabriela into her villa the moment she appeared.
In the living room, Truett’s joyful laughter rang out.
Spotting his mother, he stretched out his arms for a hug.
Gabriela scooped him up, planting a kiss on his cheek as he nuzzled into her, giggling affectionately.
Matthew watched, consumed with envy.
He approached her. “Gabriela, may I hold him for a bit p>
Farley interjected sharply, “No p>
The last time Matthew touched Truett’s head, the boy wailed for over an hour.
Farley wasn’t risking it again.
He quickly gathered Truett into his arms. “Gabriela, why don’t you keep Mr. Howard company? I’ll take Truett for his bath p>
Truett, nestled against Farley, chuckled.
Farley teased him, “Sweetheart, I’m taking you for a bath! Are you looking forward to it p>
Truett clapped his hands with delight.
Matthew’s eyes lingered, brimming with longing.
This was his grandson, yet he hadn’t held him even once.
What did Farley think he was, bonding so closely with Truett?
He stood, drawn to watch Truett’s bath.
“Mr. Howard!” Gabriela called out. “What brings you here? Is there something you need p>
All Matthew wanted was to see how his daughter and grandson were doing.
He smiled softly. “No. I just came to see you p>
“If you don’t have any specific business, perhaps you should save your valuable time and not visit me,” Gabriela said firmly.
She wanted nothing to do with Matthew.
His visits to her company had already stirred enough trouble. That day, Addie from GD Fashion had subtly probed about the rumors, urging her to protect her image.
If the gossip persisted, it could threaten her partnership with them.
Gabriela knew Matthew meant no harm, but for her company’s sake, she had to set boundaries today.
Matthew paused, his tone cautious. “Gabriela, have I caused you any trouble p>