Chapter 208
Chapter 208:
Her gaze slid sharply toward Wesley, her disapproval practically searing through him. He blinked back, puzzled by the silent accusation.
Meanwhile, Brenden, amused by Gabriela’s joy, drawled, “Wesley, you probably won’t touch any of these. Why don’t you just let Gabriela take them all home p>
Gabriela looked startled. All of it? How could she possibly finish so much on her own?
Wesley’s expression hardened, his voice clipped and cold. “Gabriela, these kinds of sweets cause acne. Eat them sparingly. If you come to work with a face full of pimples, it will damage the company’s image p>
Gabriela bit back the urge to roll her eyes so hard they might get stuck. She couldn’t shake the suspicion that Brenden and Wesley were deliberately teaming up to tease her.
Still, as much as she adored the snacks, a girl had to think of her skin. Vanity won out over appetite, and she didn’t dare take too many. She offered a courteous smile and sidestepped the comment with ease.
𝘋i𝗌𝘤оvе𝗿 𝗁id𝗱e𝘯 𝗀𝖾m𝘴 𝗼𝗻 gаln𝘰𝘃еlѕ.𝖼o𝗺
“Saunders, maybe you should try a few more p>
Brenden’s face brightened instantly. “Then how about we share them p>
Wesley’s expression, by contrast, darkened immediately.
Loretta, either oblivious or intentionally ignoring the tension, chimed in with a chirp of cheerfulness, “You two enjoy! I’ll fix some honey lemon water; that will get rid of the acne worries p>
Wesley’s only reply was a sharp, frosty snort before he strode off toward the study.
Lately, he had been prickly—temperamental, even. Gabriela navigated each interaction like walking on glass, taking the farthest seat at the table just to avoid his ire. And yet, the harder she tried to tread lightly, the more his displeasure seemed to grow.
To her relief, her time working part-time was nearing conclusion.
Gabriela’s brief stint at the manor had quietly stretched to thirteen days. When Loretta pressed her wages into Gabriela’s hands, the sudden sting of gratitude brought unexpected tears to her eyes.
She had assumed Wesley had already advanced her ten years’ wages, so this time she was just cooking for free as promised, not daring to expect any payment for her part-time work.
To her surprise, Loretta handed her every last penny and even slipped a small gift into her hand.
“Gabriela, next time you’re on break, you absolutely must come back for part-time work. Honestly, having you cook for Wesley has done wonders; he’s gained a few extra pounds p>
Gabriela beamed. “No problem p>
Loretta waved a hand toward Wesley, a teasing sparkle in her eyes. “See for yourself, Gabriela! His cheeks aren’t so sharp anymore p>
Wesley stiffened, a flash of irritation crossing his face. Compliments should have pleased him, so why did they sting? Because he had always taken care of his physique. All this drivel about adding on a few pounds was just unnecessary.
Brenden grinned and nudged him. “Oh, come on, Wesley. Are you actually gaining weight? I’ve been eating Gabriela’s food too, yet somehow I’m still perfectly slim p>
Wesley’s eyes darkened, his temper shadowing the room.
Feeling the sudden chill, Brenden’s knees threatened to buckle, and he bowed his head so fast it was almost comical.
Gabriela, clutching her wages, had intended to leave immediately—but Loretta had other plans.
“Wesley’s got work tomorrow. You’ll ride back to the company with him,” she declared, almost playfully commanding.
Gabriela paused, hesitation flickering across her expression.
Wesley spoke casually, his tone even. “If you leave tonight, my driver would have to make a special trip to take you back. Just stay tonight and we can head to the company together tomorrow p>
Not wanting to trouble his driver, Gabriela nodded. She might as well stay another night.
After dinner, she wandered into the back garden for a breath of fresh air. To her surprise, she spotted Wesley jogging under the dim glow of the garden lamps.
“Mr. Moss? Why are you running at this hour?” she asked, curiosity in her voice.
He shot her a cool, detached glance. “Your cooking is too good. I’ve gained a few pounds, so I’m working it off p>
Gabriela blinked, never imagining that excelling in the kitchen could provoke dissatisfaction. Carefully, she added, “Perhaps you shouldn’t push yourself too hard. Your heart isn’t in the best condition right now p>
He slowed slightly, conceding, “You’re right. I’ll take it easier. But jogging doesn’t burn many calories, so I need to double the time. And running alone is boring. Why don’t you come along p>
Gabriela froze, stunned.
Yet soon she found herself jogging beside him, trying to keep pace. She couldn’t quite wrap her head around how her gentle concern for his health had led to her becoming his jogging partner.