Chapter 131
Chapter 131:
Gabriela found her eyes drawn to Wesley again and again. A stray lock of hair fell forward, shadowing his eyes and making his expression unreadable, lending him an unexpected air of mystery. For all his reputation, her boss was capable of surprising gentleness.
The tension in the room gradually melted into something softer, warmer. Wesley lifted his head without warning, his voice low but intent. “Is it starting to feel any better p>
In that moment, the clean lines of his face caught the light—refined features framed by a strong jaw, his calm composure offset by a quiet magnetism that was impossible to ignore. Even in a crouch, he carried himself with an effortless nobility, the kind that made the air around him feel sharper and cooler.
Gabriela’s gaze darted away, heat blooming in her cheeks as her heart thudded—this was the first time she’d ever seen the CEO’s face so close. Handsome didn’t even begin to cover it.
Snapping back to reality, she realized he’d only asked if she felt better, yet she’d frozen like an idiot and looked away.
To cover her awkwardness, her eyes drifted toward the carved wooden chess set on the side table, and she forced a too-bright smile. “Mr. Moss, is this cedar? It’s gorgeous p>
Wesley’s answer was nothing more than a clipped word. “No p>
His tone was curt, the word wrapped in a cool detachment that made it clear he wasn’t interested in small talk. Gabriela, still unsure of the wood’s type, felt heat creep up her neck.
“It’s walnut, not cedar,” Miriam corrected warmly, her smile bright as she stepped closer. “Are all the injuries taken care of? I just made soup—come warm up with a bowl p>
Wesley rose at once, his movement brisk, a faint stiffness in his posture. “I’m not hungry,” he said, his voice low but final. He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got a quick meeting to handle. Make sure she’s settled in somewhere comfortable p>
Miriam promised him she’d handle everything. Without lingering, Wesley strode toward the study, his steps measured and unhurried, while Gabriela swallowed the urge to protest staying here—she could already imagine him scolding her again.
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯
Miriam turned back with an easy smile. “Come on, Gabriela. Have some soup while it’s hot p>
Gabriela accepted the bowl with both hands, her gratitude genuine. “Thanks p>
Once she finished the hearty soup, Miriam guided her upstairs. Balancing on one foot, Gabriela hopped after her like an awkward, fluffy rabbit. Miriam’s fondness for Gabriela only deepened with each passing glance. After a brief moment of thought, she led Gabriela into one of the manor’s more generous guest rooms.
The instant Gabriela stepped inside, her breath caught. Wesley’s wealth was unmistakable—even a guest room sprawled out like a luxury suite. The cool, muted tones of the walls and drapes exuded a quiet elegance, while the tasteful, modern furnishings radiated understated sophistication.
Miriam soon returned with an armful of necessities—freshly laundered towels, a neatly boxed toothbrush, and a set of sleepwear.
Yet “sleepwear” was hardly the right word; what Miriam laid on the bed was a silky light-blue slip dress, its delicate spaghetti straps and fluid fabric whispering of indulgence rather than rest.