Chapter 699
Chapter 699:
Under the guests’ collective scrutiny, Gabriela had no alternative but to comply, silently promising to present Lilian with something finer later.
The sight of two distinguished ladies showering Gabriela with gifts stirred both envy and amazement among the observers, ensuring her memorable impression would linger.
When the banquet drew to its close, Presley assisted her mother in bidding their guests farewell.
Gabriela remained behind with several staff members to restore order.
The manor returned to its peaceful state, and Gabriela prepared to depart when Presley requested her lingering presence.
“Something important requires our discussion p>
Presley unveiled her newest handbag creation. The design featured an embroidered tableau of two birds preparing for flight from a blossoming branch.
The masterful needlework breathed such life into the scene that the birds seemed poised to burst from their fabric prison into freedom.
“Gabriela, examine this carefully. Do you notice any color discord within this design?” Presley inquired.
𝖠dd𝗂𝘤𝘁𝘪v𝖾 ѕ𝘵o𝗋ies o𝗇.сom
The memory of her unguarded critiques at Moss Manor, delivered before she knew Presley’s true identity, sent heat creeping up Gabriela’s neck. “Ms. Crawford, your bag’s design achieves beautiful harmony between concept and execution p>
Presley’s smile carried knowing warmth. “No need for diplomacy. Simply recreate this design on paper and breathe your own color vision into it p>
As Gabriela gathered the paper, pen, and watercolors, bewilderment clouded her thoughts. How had she, the banquet’s orchestrator, found herself transformed into an impromptu artist?
Years had passed since that missed high school competition, and her painting skills felt cobwebbed with neglect.
Yet this task demanded mere replication with personal color innovation, and Gabriela’s hands soon found their forgotten rhythm, completing the piece with renewed confidence.
Presley’s delighted applause filled the space.
Her original design had concentrated color drama solely upon the birds, relegating flowers and leaves to muted background roles, an approach that created visual tension rather than harmony.
Gabriela’s subtle adjustments had transformed the entire composition, weaving colors into a symphony that whispered of tranquil joy to anyone who gazed upon it.
Wonder kindled in Presley’s eyes. “Gabriela, you possess an extraordinary gift for color relationships p>
Even Lilian reached for her reading glasses, studying the artwork with intense scrutiny.
This young woman claimed years of artistic dormancy, yet produced work of startling sophistication.
With proper mentorship, her potential seemed boundless. Lilian suddenly questioned her decision to let her daughter guide Gabriela instead of guiding her herself.
Just as doubt prepared to reshape her resolve, Gabriela’s phone shattered the moment’s contemplation.
After a brief conversation, she addressed both women. “My boyfriend has arrived to collect me. I should return home now p>
Lilian swallowed her emerging words.
Presley accompanied Gabriela through the manor’s corridors, their footsteps echoing against polished floors. “Visit my estate in a few days’ time. Something significant awaits our discussion p>
Curiosity sparked within Gabriela’s mind. What weighty matter could someone of Presley’s stature wish to explore with her?
Perhaps another elaborate celebration required planning.
She offered her agreement with a gentle nod. “Certainly p>
Beyond the manor’s gates, Wesley’s vehicle waited in patient attendance. He stood beside it, tall, composed, unwavering in his vigil.
Presley’s voice carried playful undertones. “Mr. Moss, your affection for Gabriela was transparent even last year. My congratulations on your romantic success p>
Wesley’s smile conveyed genuine appreciation. “Thank you, Ms. Crawford. When marriage beckons, you’ll certainly receive our invitation p>
After exchanging final pleasantries, Gabriela and Wesley settled into the car’s luxurious interior.
He observed exhaustion painting shadows beneath Gabriela’s eyes and drew her into his protective embrace. “The day has drained you p>
Gabriela’s nod carried weary honesty. “Somewhat p>
She had faced Beverley’s threat and managed to overcome the challenges entirely on her own.
Wesley captured her hand, his thumb tracing soothing circles across her palm, a gesture suggesting unspoken words gathering weight within him.
His gaze held depths touched with weariness, as if important revelations pressed against his silence.