Chapter 123

Chapter 123:

Phyllis wasn’t the only one with a sour expression.

Vivian, in particular, lost all color in an instant.

Wesley was Gabriela’s boyfriend? The thought made her stomach drop. How could that even be true? Yet the memory of those suffocating three days in detention crept back in, and suddenly it all fit together. If there’d been nothing between them, why else would Wesley have gone out of his way to shield a mere employee?

Her pulse kicked up, unease tightening in her chest. If her brother caught wind of today’s events, she was bound to get another scolding.

Around her, her friends were buzzing with barely contained astonishment. “That’s really Wesley Moss, isn’t it? I’ve only seen him in interviews—he’s even better-looking in person p>

“Come on—him and Gabriela? No way. They have to be faking this p>

“No way! He’s all about staying low-key and keeps his distance from women. What kind of pull could Gabriela possibly have to get him to play along p>

“We were just circling Gabriela, mocking her and trying to humiliate her. Damn, we’re in trouble p>

One by one, their bravado cracked. Each replayed the snide remarks they’d tossed out, wondering if they’d gone too far—and whether Gabriela might decide to make them pay for it. A few attributed the slight toward Gabriela to Vivian’s influence. If it hadn’t been for helping her seek retribution, none of them would’ve gone after Gabriela in the first place.

𝖰𝘶𝗮𝘭i𝘵𝘆 𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗇𝘴𝘭a𝗍і𝘰𝘯𝘴 оn

Vivian’s chest tightened with a mix of fear and loathing. Her brother had once told her that the Crownridge Group—owned by the Moss family—was a multinational powerhouse, holding the number two spot in global revenue for nine consecutive years. The Moss family’s fortune was vast beyond measure, but its family tree was a snarl of rivalries, the infighting cutthroat.

Wesley had steered clear of that mess, refusing to be pulled into the feud. Instead, he’d built his own empire from the ground up, and in just a few short years, he had carved out a place among the elite. He even had an office tower bearing his company’s name.

Plenty of young blood in the Moss family had brains and ambition, but Wesley was the only one his grandfather had openly acknowledged as the future heir. If nothing went wrong, he would become the head of the Moss family.

The more Vivian dwelled on it, the sharper her envy became. Out of everyone in the world, it had to be Gabriela who caught Wesley’s attention? The whole thing was downright insane.

Soon, the banquet started. Josh was the only one the bodyguards didn’t turn away. With his usual cheer, he remarked, “Mr. Moss, Gabriela, don’t just hover there—sit down, have a bite, and let’s talk p>

The sight of the guests penned in behind a wall of black suits wasn’t exactly flattering. For Josh’s sake, Gabriela gave Wesley’s sleeve a light, almost pleading tug. Seeing that she was wearing the bracelet he had given her, he let a faint softness creep into his expression. A silent look passed from him to Billy.

Billy replied with a subtle nod and signaled for the bodyguards to ease back.

Across the room, Vivian’s fingers shook even harder. Gabriela held this much sway? If she complained to Wesley, Vivian suspected her brother wouldn’t just scold her—he might keep her locked at home for half a year.

Spotting an opening, Marie swept in with a bright, obsequious smile, angling to guide Wesley toward the head table. But he dismissed her smoothly, his voice even. “I’ve got an urgent issue to handle, so I won’t be joining you at the table p>

The edges of Marie’s smile stiffened, threatening to crack. He’d clearly come solely for Gabriela—and now he was about to walk right back out without even bothering to wait for the wedding ceremony to finish. It was as good as slapping Phyllis in the face in front of all the guests.

If Phyllis became the object of mockery, how would she salvage her reputation, let alone conduct business later?

Marie flicked several meaningful glances at Josh, silently urging him to pressure Gabriela into doing something.

But Josh, oblivious as ever, squinted at her instead. “What’s with your eyes, Marie? Haven’t been sleeping enough these last two days p>