Chapter 212
Chapter 212:
“Billy,” Wesley cut in, his command brisk. “Look into the details and arrange for Ms. Dewitt to meet the right project manager p>
Without another glance, he strode into his office. Over his shoulder, he added, “Ms. Haynes, follow me p>
Gabriela hurried after him.
After him, slipping inside before quietly pulling the door shut. Wesley studied her carefully, realizing she showed neither frustration nor the slightest hint of jealousy. He couldn’t decide whether that left him reassured or oddly disappointed.
“If Fiona shows up again, call security right away,” he instructed curtly.
𝗥е𝗮𝗱 t𝗁𝖾 l𝖺𝗍𝘦𝘀t t𝗿е𝘯𝗱𝘴 𝗈n ѕ.𝗰о𝘮
Gabriela tilted her head with a bright smile. “And then have them throw her out p>
Honestly, Fiona’s behavior and words had been quite disrespectful and arrogant.
After a pause, Wesley let out a quiet sigh. “The Dewitt family is not to be taken lightly. Don’t go up against her directly, alright p>
It wasn’t that he feared the Dewitts. What gnawed at him was the thought of Fiona holding a grudge and targeting Gabriela. He couldn’t keep watch over Gabriela every second of the day.
“Understood.” Gabriela tilted her head in a brief nod. “Mr. Moss, would you like me to make you a cup of coffee p>
Wesley gave a quick nod. “Go on p>
Slipping back into her routine, Gabriela soon buried herself in paperwork.
Meanwhile, Brenden drifted back to his usual antics. By mid-afternoon, he slipped away from the office and went straight for his girlfriend.
The woman on his arm turned out to be Renee—the same one Gabriela had glimpsed at Phyllis’s wedding.
The moment she spotted Brenden, Renee latched onto him with theatrical affection, her voice syrupy sweet. “Baby, how could you stay hidden throughout the New Year holiday? I’ve been dying to see you p>
The heavy cloud of perfume around her hit like a wave, clinging to the air as she nestled closer against him.
Brenden’s expression tightened, the once-familiar perfume now cloying and oppressive. With a casual shrug, he slipped his arm free and muttered, “Loretta is visiting the estate this year. I have to spend my time with her p>
Renee clung tighter, lips pouting. “But you’ve ignored me for a long time! You owe me—and I’m cashing in with a full shopping day p>
He gave her the easy grin he always reserved for pretty faces. “Fine. I’ll keep you company the whole day p>
Together, they strolled into an upscale boutique.
Renee, with the staff hovering attentively at her side, plucked out a bag tagged at eighty thousand, batting her lashes as she pressed Brenden to buy it for her. The handbag was a pale lavender square, prominently displaying its brand-name emblem. Beyond that, it offered no real function—its worth existed entirely in the logo.
Brenden’s mind wandered in spite of himself, recalling Gabriela’s tear-streaked eyes when she brushed past him, the warmth of the meals she had painstakingly prepared, and the way her hands trembled when Loretta paid her for part-time work. A sudden weight settled in his chest.
Sensing his hesitation, Renee looped her arms around his, her tone sugary and insistent. “Baby, it’s a brand-new release, and eighty thousand isn’t even that much. You should just get it for me p>
“Fine!” Brenden passed his bank card to the clerk with a careless wave. “Renee, if it makes you happy, I’ll buy it, no matter the price p>
The clerk dipped into a respectful bow and disappeared to process the transaction.
Renee squealed in delight and wrapped herself around him, peppering his cheek with kisses. “Baby, you take such good care of me p>
Once, Brenden had reveled in this ritual—the extravagant spending, the intoxicating rush of being adored by a stunning woman. But now, the thrill had hollowed out.
Gabriela’s clear, luminous eyes—eyes that always stiffened just slightly whenever they landed on him—replayed in his mind.