Chapter 223
Chapter 223:
Phyllis felt intimidated by Wesley’s icy demeanor. Ice crawled down her spine while her scalp tingled with raw terror. Fear strangled her voice—one wrong word might provoke Wesley’s wrath.
Billy stepped forward, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. “Phyllis, if you possess information, speak now. Mr. Moss’s patience has limits p>
Phyllis, who wielded cruelty against the defenseless, crumbled before him. Her fragile composure shattered completely, trembling fingers betraying her as she whispered, “Someone called me days ago, demanding to know when Gabriela would be alone. I revealed that today marks the anniversary of her mother’s death p>
Billy’s stomach plummeted as the gravity struck him. He pressed urgently, “Who contacted you p>
“The caller refused to identify herself. A woman—her voice dripped with arrogance p>
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Wesley’s expression turned lethal, his words frozen steel. “Surrender it p>
Phyllis’s knees nearly gave way. “What p>
“Your phone p>
She thrust the device toward him without hesitation, her hands shaking violently. Wesley seized it. “Phyllis, pray your cousin remains unharmed, or you will be in deep trouble p>
Phyllis’s lips trembled as words tumbled out. “How is this my fault? She antagonizes everyone she encounters p>
Wesley had already stopped listening to her excuses. He spun on his heel and strode toward the exit, his commands ringing out with military precision. “Billy, deliver this to tech—trace that number immediately p>
“Understood p>
“Deploy our men to search for Gabriela at the cemetery p>
“Done p>
Wesley vanished through the doorway, yet his intimidating presence lingered. Phyllis’s composure collapsed entirely as she crumpled to the floor, tears streaming.
Dustin emerged from his cowardly refuge in the corner, rushing to steady her. His spineless display only intensified Phyllis’s fury and disgust. She had snatched Gabriela’s boyfriend, yet this worthless man couldn’t even face Wesley with dignity.
Still, she had chosen this path herself—enduring the revulsion was necessary, lest others mock her poor judgment. Her nails carved crescents into Dustin’s flesh as she gripped his hand, weeping with bitter rage. Dustin offered useless consolations that fell on deaf ears.
Marie refrained from further criticism of Dustin, her attention fixed on the empty doorway. A few missed calls and Gabriela’s brief absence had transformed Wesley into a man possessed. The realization made Marie’s heart sink.
With Wesley’s help, Gabriela could effortlessly reclaim Haynes Group whenever she desired. In this family, only Josh harbored genuine concern for Gabriela, yearning to join the search.
Marie’s voice turned arctic as she blocked his path. “Gabriela isn’t some helpless child who gets lost. Besides, Mr. Moss has deployed his people already. Why interfere? Venture outside now, and those relentless reporters will devour you alive p>
“Gabriela is my niece. With her missing, nothing else matters p>
Josh wrenched free from Marie’s grasp and bolted outside, likely hoping to catch up with Wesley.
Meanwhile, no matter how hard Gabriela tried, her phone found no signal. Then a more horrifying reality dawned—her battery was dying. The continuous emergency calls had drained the power at an alarming rate.
Terrified of complete disconnection, Gabriela ceased her desperate dialing. She pocketed the device and attacked the truck door with renewed determination. The barrier held firm while water continued its relentless invasion.
Defeated, Gabriela could only offer silent prayers that someone might notice her absence and summon help. The freezing water climbed to her thighs with merciless persistence. Her body surrendered to the cold as her limbs grew wooden and unresponsive. Gabriela understood the brutal truth—no rescue would come.
To everyone around her, she remained expendable. Only Farley had ever shown genuine care. But Farley’s mobility limitations and infrequent contact meant her disappearance would pass unnoticed.
In her darkest moment, Wesley’s image surfaced in her mind. Their last encounter had been strained, his demeanor distant and cold. She wondered if he would be furious if he discovered she was absent from their evening run at Moss Manor.
She recalled their first meeting during her job interview, when Wesley had presided from the interviewer’s chair. His unwavering stare and devastating handsomeness had sent heat flooding her cheeks and set her heart racing wildly. After that team-building event, she had returned home only to find herself drawn into his orbit—sitting beside him, accompanying him to elegant parties, unexpectedly serving as his personal secretary, even donning an apron to cook for him.
She had known him for only a few months, yet they had shared many precious memories. In this moment of stark clarity, Gabriela finally acknowledged the truth she had buried—she harbored deep feelings for Wesley. She adored him completely, so intensely that his mere proximity painted her cheeks rose-colored.
The terror of discovery had kept her silent. If Wesley uncovered her emotions, he might banish her to another department, severing their connection forever. Now, drowning regret flooded her heart. Had she known death would claim her so young, she would have confessed her love regardless of the consequences. Even if he harbored no romantic interest in women, she still hoped he would understand the depth of her devotion.