Chapter 139
Chapter 139:
“Please be reasonable, Grandma,” Wesley responded evenly. “She’s injured—she can’t stand for long stretches p>
Loretta’s expression darkened as she continued, “Are you saying I’m being unreasonable? Fine then, I’ll go. I won’t bother coming here again p>
She had never been fond of lingering at the estate, and even during New Year celebrations, her visits were scarce. This time, Miriam’s casual mention that Wesley had brought home a girlfriend had piqued her curiosity enough to come and see for herself. She intended to gauge Gabriela’s grit—yet the girl hadn’t even broken a sweat before Wesley began hovering protectively over her.
Loretta began bundling the scallions, acting as if she were on her way out. Wesley, well-versed in her little performances, let out a quiet sigh but still stepped forward. “Here, let me give you a hand p>
“How could I trouble a big shot like you?” she muttered, arching a brow at him.
“I’m just sitting in the study reading,” he replied mildly. “Not exactly swamped with work p>
Scooping up a small bundle, Loretta peeled away a few wilted yellow leaves with deft fingers. “Even the finest things need a bit of trimming now and then. Don’t you think?” she remarked.
Wesley caught the implication in her words and answered in a flat tone, “You’re right p>
Gabriela stayed silent. The sight of Loretta chiding Wesley while he responded with the calm indulgence one might show a stubborn child was startling. For the first time, the man she’d always known as cool and distant seemed warmer—human, even—someone she could almost imagine speaking to without feeling intimidated.
“I’m just helping you put your secretary to the test,” Loretta remarked sharply.
𝘓𝗮𝗍𝗲st chaрt𝘦r𝘀 оո 𝘨a𝗹ո𝗼𝘃е𝗅𝘀.c𝘰𝗺
Wesley pressed his fingers to his brow with a muted sigh before turning to Miriam. “Miriam, would you bring me some dried scallions p>
Loretta had always sent her home-grown ones to the estate, carefully cured in the sun until they were ready. Miriam returned in moments, a small handful resting in her palm.
Wesley plucked one and held it out for Loretta to see. “Notice how this one’s wrapped in more withered leaves, the outer layers tinged red? Sometimes even the loveliest things need layers that seem needless, just to keep them safe.” With deliberate care, he peeled the skins away, one after another, until the tender white heart was revealed. “If not for those red layers, the fresh core wouldn’t stay crisp for months—sometimes even half a year p>
Loretta knew he was making a point, but still muttered under her breath, “You’re shielding her like this… do you have feelings for her p>
A quiet sigh escaped Wesley as he responded, “She’s just a guest, for now p>
“I just think it’s inappropriate—she hasn’t even married you, yet here she is at your home,” Loretta said, her frown deepening.
Wesley cut in gently, guiding her a few steps aside. “Gabriela’s an orphan. Her cousin got married yesterday and locked her out late at night, leaving her nowhere to stay. She was going to check into a hotel, but she twisted her ankle and couldn’t walk, so I brought her here. She works for my company, after all. I couldn’t just abandon her p>
At that, a glimmer of sympathy softened Loretta’s expression. “She’s such a bright, lively girl. How could she p>
Her voice trailed off, the unspoken misfortune hanging between them.
“She’s upbeat, compassionate, and competent at her work,” Wesley said, calm but resolute. “That’s why I respect her—and why I chose her as my secretary p>