Chapter 141
Chapter 141:
Loretta’s vision dimmed, and for a moment she thought she might collapse. The rumor was absurd—utterly impossible.
“These people are talking rubbish!” she burst out.
Miriam, spotting her agitation, leaned in with calculated gravity. “Do you remember that fortune-teller you brought in last time? The one who warned something bad would happen to Mr. Moss before year’s end p>
Loretta nodded. “Oh, yes—it sounded dreadful! Thank goodness I paid for those protective rites p>
“If you ask me, Gabriela is the one who warded it off,” Miriam continued, each word deliberate. “When she arrived last night, she was so badly hurt she couldn’t even stand. Mr. Moss carried her all the way inside himself p>
Could a delicate young woman like Gabriela truly shield Wesley from ill fortune? The thought hovered in Loretta’s mind, impossible yet strangely compelling.
𝗔𝗱𝘥𝘪𝗰𝗍𝘪𝗏𝖾 s𝘵𝗼𝘳𝗶𝗲𝗌 𝗼𝗻.со𝘮
Miriam carried on weaving her story. “See how her cheekbones slope gently instead of jutting out? That softness means good fortune. And the radiant, joyful energy that follows her? Every sign points to a woman born under a lucky star p>
Loretta drew in a quick breath. “I was so taken with her beauty, I didn’t even notice these p>
“Believe me, any man who wins her hand would be walking away with the prize of a lifetime,” Miriam said firmly.
“I judged her wrong,” Loretta admitted at last.
“It’s fine. There are still ways we can… encourage developments between Mr. Moss and her,” Miriam said, her tone softening. Leaning closer, she murmured a scheme into Loretta’s ear. “When he turns in tonight, we’ll do this p>
“Are you sure that will work?” Loretta faltered.
She had always enjoyed her conversations with Miriam, trusting the housekeeper without question—perhaps because of those warm, kind eyes and her steady, gentle manner. But Gabriela was another matter entirely, and Loretta’s unfamiliarity bred caution.
“For now, we need to keep Gabriela here,” Miriam pressed on. “Mr. Moss upset Gabriela last night, and the thought of staying another night likely unsettles her p>
Loretta gave a small nod. “Alright, we’ll do as you say. I’ll figure out a way to make her stay p>
Gabriela, despite her injured foot, had carried out her tasks with quiet patience, never once complaining. That gentle, agreeable nature had won Loretta’s favor. Now she far preferred Gabriela to Fiona, whose spoiled delicacy grated in comparison.
When their private discussion ended, Loretta and Miriam returned to the living room, where Gabriela sat waiting with calm composure.
“My foot’s feeling much better. My uncle called earlier and asked me to come home p>
At that, whatever hesitation Loretta still harbored vanished in an instant. She leaned forward, her tone almost urgent. “Leaving already? Is something bothering you here p>
Gabriela, puzzled by the sudden warmth in Loretta’s manner, answered politely, “Mr. Moss was kind enough to take me in last night, and I’d hate to impose any further p>
Miriam leaned in with a warm smile. “It’s no trouble at all. The manor’s big enough to spare a room for you p>
Gabriela gave an awkward smile. But the room they meant was Wesley’s own bedroom.
Catching the flicker of hesitation in her eyes, Loretta felt a pang of shame. Only last night she’d been convinced Gabriela had no self-respect, that she was chasing after money and would latch onto her grandson without a shred of dignity.
“Gabriela, are you angry at me for giving you a hard time earlier?” she asked gently.
Gabriela shook her head quickly. “Not at all. My uncle’s asking me to come home p>