Chapter 689
Chapter 689:
Matthew’s arm, still gravely injured, ached with every word, and by the time he finished, his lungs burned, sending him into a fit of harsh coughing.
Beverley’s face tightened at her son’s rebuke, her temper flaring dangerously.
Even when she had once agreed to allow Gabriela back into the Howard family, it was always with the demand that Gabriela act meek and compliant.
But Gabriela’s defiance was feral. To her, such a woman could only be tamed by breaking her spirit.
Yet seeing Matthew gasping, his body wracked by pain, her anger faltered for a fleeting moment.
The marriage alliance between the Howard and McCoy families had left her son with the deepest scars, wounds that had never healed.
At last, Beverley forced herself into what she believed was graceful concession.
T𝗁𝗼u𝗌𝘢𝘯𝗱ѕ o𝘧 𝗿𝖾a𝗱𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝘰𝘯 g𝗮𝗅ո𝗼𝘃elѕ.𝖼о𝘮
With a lofty air, she said, “There’s no need to lose your composure over this. I won’t meddle in this matter again. Will that satisfy you p>
Matthew shut his eyes, weary and disheartened. “Mom, I’m exhausted. Please… go home p>
Beverley gathered herself, swallowing her fury behind a mask of dignity, and swept out of the hospital room.
Gabriela had no idea that Matthew had clashed bitterly with Beverley on her account.
She worked straight through the day, her focus unbroken. Even when a knock sounded at the door, she kept her fingers flying across the keyboard and said without looking up, “Come in p>
The door swung open, carrying with it the faint scent of something crisp and refreshing. A tall, lean figure stepped inside.
The rhythm of the footsteps told her everything—Gabriela lifted her head, a smile instantly lighting her face. “Wesley! What brings you here p>
He stood with his suit jacket draped over one arm, his eyes warm as he looked at her. “I wrapped up all my work for the day at the office and thought I’d come pick you up,” he said, extending a bouquet of roses. “These are for you p>
He knew that Stewart had once overwhelmed Gabriela with flowers for nearly a month and was determined not only to match that gesture but to surpass it.
“Thank you,” Gabriela murmured, accepting the bouquet. She brought the roses close, breathing in their fragrance with quiet delight. “They smell lovely p>
Wesley’s smile deepened as he offered his arm. “Come on. Let’s go home p>
With the flowers cradled in one hand and her other hand resting lightly on his arm, Gabriela walked out of the office by his side.
The staff stationed outside paused at the sight before them, exchanging glances filled with equal parts surprise and admiration. Straightening instinctively, they greeted with quiet respect. “Mr. Moss. Ms. Haynes p>
Gabriela inclined her head with a gentle smile. “You’ve all worked hard today. Go home and rest. We’ll continue tomorrow p>
Only a handful remained behind—the ones who had stood by her unwaveringly. Unless the circumstances were dire, Gabriela never asked them to work late.
“Thank you, Ms. Haynes,” they replied in unison, their voices tinged with loyalty.
As Gabriela and Wesley exited together, a cluster of employees huddled in hushed whispers, curiosity bubbling over.
“So it’s true, then. Ms. Haynes is dating Mr. Moss p>
“That explains why Miss Howard lost her mind and came wrecking the place. She probably realized she didn’t stand a chance p>
“Stand a chance? Please. Miss Howard’s all noise and temper. Ms. Haynes? She’s got class, looks, brains, the whole package. If I were a man, I’d pick her ten times over before I’d look twice at Miss Howard p>
Someone leaned in, lowering their voice with dramatic weight. “You don’t know the half of it. Word is that Ms. Haynes might actually be a Howard p>
“No way! Ms. Haynes grew up an orphan p>
“Then how do you explain why Mr. Howard treated her so well? New air conditioners, an expensive bracelet, constant visits p>
“I’m starting to think it’s true—Ms. Haynes might really be a Howard p>