Chapter 705
Chapter 705:
Herman’s operatives lacked access to Presley’s estate, leaving them with a single option: maintain relentless surveillance from the shadows.
“Whatever decision Presley reaches, I must know the instant it happens,” he instructed.
“Understood, sir,” his man replied.
The invitation to visit Presley’s estate caught Gabriela completely off guard.
She stepped through the entrance to discover the living room filled with guests, predominantly older figures who carried themselves with unmistakable authority.
Their penetrating gazes and composed bearing commanded immediate respect—hallmarks of those who wielded true power.
Matthew’s presence among them surprised her most of all.
Beyond Matthew and Mason, however, she recognized virtually no one, and even those familiar faces were nothing more than passing acquaintances.
A𝖽𝗱𝗶𝘤tіv𝘦 𝘯o𝘷𝖾l𝗌 о𝗻 ѕ.𝖼𝗈𝗆
She approached Presley with careful politeness.
“I’m curious why you asked me here today, Mrs. Crawford p>
“Gabriela, you made it!” Presley rose gracefully, guiding her around the room for introductions to each guest. “Meet Mr. Williams, and here we have Mr. Dewitt p>
The introductions revealed a startling truth—aside from Roger, Okburg’s entire elite had assembled under one roof.
Gabriela did not understand what scheme Presley was orchestrating. The other guests harbored the same bewilderment.
Wesley’s influence ensured they all knew Gabriela as the woman destined to become Wesley’s wife.
Given Presley’s formidable reputation, they treated Gabriela with calculated courtesy.
Once the introductions concluded, Presley settled into the head chair and addressed Gabriela with surprising gentleness.
“My mother and I spent considerable time discussing this over recent days, and we’ve decided I should take you as my protégé. Does this interest you p>
Her tone carried such casual warmth.
Several heartbeats later, those words detonated like a carefully placed explosive in everyone’s consciousness. Absolute silence claimed the room.
Gabriela, utterly blindsided, managed only a hollow echo. “Protégé p>
Presley’s smile widened. “Precisely. You’ll study design under my guidance from this moment forward. I intend to share every technique I’ve mastered p>
Disbelief colored Gabriela’s stammered response. “But why p>
Okburg teemed with young people who possessed sharper intellects than hers, and countless others boasted far superior connections. What had driven Presley to select her?
“Simple enough,” Presley replied, her smile never wavering. “I choose you because intelligence radiates from you—and because you’ve captured my affection p>
She chuckled softly. “Stop standing there like a statue. If you agree, let’s make this official p>
Every person in the room sat frozen in stunned silence.
Presley had always remained an enigma within high society circles. Most people failed to truly understand her nature, yet all approached her with extreme caution.
Throughout the years, several ambitious young talents had pursued her mentorship, convinced their abilities warranted her attention. She had dismissed every single one without ceremony.
No one had anticipated she would act so decisively today.
Judging by the shock painted across Gabriela’s features, this ceremony hadn’t been prearranged.
Presley simply embodied that level of spontaneity.
After mere seconds of hesitation, Gabriela moved closer to Presley. She accepted the elaborate bouquet the butler had prepared and presented it with both hands, offering it to Presley with solemn reverence.
Presley received it with an expression of pure delight. Gabriela then spoke with crystal clarity.
“Being chosen as your protégé brings me tremendous honor p>
Years of enduring pressure from Marie and Phyllis had taught Gabriela the invaluable importance of powerful allies. Presley represented not only influence but also warmth and accessibility as a mentor.
Since Gabriela had always found joy in creative work and design, becoming Presley’s student felt like destiny aligning perfectly.
Presley then placed a small pair of golden scissors in Gabriela’s hands and announced with radiant satisfaction, “From this day forward, you stand as my one and only protégé p>
Gabriela accepted the scissors with both hands, in profound gratitude. “Thank you with all my heart, Mrs. Crawford p>
The initiation reached its completion in that simple exchange.
The entire ceremony had consumed less than thirty minutes.