Chapter 136

Chapter 136:

Wesley sat in his study, the rustle of turning pages the only sound as he immersed himself in his book. When the think tank members arrived with Billy in tow, he barely looked up, only instructing them to keep things concise—this was, after all, their final meeting before everyone scattered for the New Year holiday.

In meetings, Wesley’s presence carried a natural weight. His cold, unreadable stare was enough to make people drop their gaze, and he usually steered discussions with effortless control. Yet today, Billy’s sidelong glances kept breaking the rhythm. Wesley’s brow tightened. Was Billy still sour about being left to wait in the rain at the beach last night?

Despite the undercurrent of distractions, the agenda moved briskly, each point settled with Wesley’s usual precision. The meeting wrapped up, and, as was customary, Wesley distributed year-end bonuses to the team.

This time, though, he went further—Billy received not only the bonus but also a sleek black Cayenne from his garage, a car so pristine it might as well have just rolled out of the showroom.

“The company’s had a great year. I appreciate your hard work, Billy,” Wesley said, his tone calm but firm.

Though their own bonuses were nothing to scoff at, the think tank members couldn’t help a flicker of envy at the lavish gift. Billy, on the other hand, stood frozen, staring at the car keys, trying to gauge whether this was pure generosity… or Wesley’s way of buying his silence. After all, he knew more than anyone else about what was going on between Wesley and Gabriela.

Still, who could turn down the temptation of a gleaming luxury car?

Billy wasted no time snatching up the keys, flashing a grin. “Relax, Mr. Moss. Last night stays between us p>

Wesley could only stare at him in silence. Half an hour in a light drizzle and Billy was acting like a martyr?

𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯

The car was supposed to be a bonus, not some consolation prize for getting wet. If Billy wanted to spin it that way, Wesley wasn’t about to correct him.

As Billy and the think tank filed out of the study, the team couldn’t help but shoot envious glances his way over the prize Wesley had given him.

“I’ve seen Mr. Moss take that Cayenne for a spin—it’s a stunner p>

“Now I’m tempted to trade my car in for something flashier p>

Passing through the living room, Billy waved the others on and drifted toward Gabriela. With a clenched fist for emphasis, he murmured, “If you run into trouble, just come find me. I’ve got your back p>

Gabriela blinked in mild confusion. It seemed Billy’s recent triumph in winning over his girlfriend had put him in such a generous mood that even she—a lowly secretary—was swept up in it. A pang of guilt pricked at her as she remembered how Billy had been left standing in the rain while she stayed warm and dry beneath an umbrella, quietly watching everything unfold.

Feeling a flicker of embarrassment, she gave him a small nod. “Thanks, Mr. Clarke p>

Noticing the shadow in her eyes, Billy offered a reassuring pat on her shoulder. “Come on, cheer up—you’re amazing.” With that, he pocketed the car keys, straightened his tie, and strode off toward his new car, his steps practically humming with excitement.

Gabriela watched his buoyant energy and couldn’t help murmuring, “Love really is a beautiful thing p>

Miriam wasted no time in chiming back. “Your turn will come soon enough p>

By then, she had already spotted the freshly knitted mitten in Gabriela’s lap. She accepted the knitting from Gabriela with a warm smile. “Your hands are so nimble, Gabriela. Every stitch is perfectly even—absolutely lovely p>

Gabriela’s cheeks warmed under the praise. “That’s only because you taught me so well p>

With a playful glint in her eyes, Miriam reached for a bundle of soft, pale yarn. “Come on, I’ll show you how to knit a scarf p>

Gabriela’s face lit up. “I’d love to p>

As they worked, Miriam’s natural gift for chatter spilled out—she wandered from talking about the vases and coffee sets around the house, to Wesley’s preferred coffee blend, and even the blooms in the backyard. Even if Gabriela merely listened and nodded, Miriam kept the conversation flowing.

…listened, Miriam could fill the room with easy conversation for hours.