Chapter 244
Chapter 244:
Wesley hadn’t expected such a violent reaction to his declaration. He lunged forward to assist her, but she scrambled backward like a frightened animal.
“Mr. Moss, please keep your distance. I just need a moment to collect myself p>
His expression turned thunderous. “You intend to gather your wits while sprawled on my office floor p>
Gabriela hauled herself upright, her movements clumsy with shock. “I’m leaving now p>
𝖱𝖾𝘢𝗱 𝘧𝘳𝘦e nov𝖾𝘭𝘀 о𝘯
Wesley made no move to stop her retreat.
The afternoon crawled by in agonizing slow motion. Gabriela’s thoughts churned like storm clouds, and when evening arrived, she fled the building without waiting for Wesley, hailing a cab with desperate urgency. Her decision crystallized with brutal clarity—she would pack her belongings and disappear from Moss Manor tonight. She could impose on Aubrey’s hospitality for several nights, or return to Rosemont Gardens to face Phyllis. Any choice was better than facing Wesley again.
Upon entering the house, she found a guest in the living room. A middle-aged woman occupied the sofa, her age artfully concealed through meticulous care. The dark green dress she wore created an aura of refined gentility.
Both Miriam and Loretta beamed as they presented the introduction. “Mrs. Crawford, please meet Gabriela p>
Presley’s gaze swept over Gabriela with calculating precision. Her eyes lingered on the bag draped across Gabriela’s shoulder, then dropped to the delicate bracelet encircling her wrist. Recognition flickered in her expression like a flame catching kindling.
“Gabriela, your beauty is truly remarkable p>
Gabriela offered a gracious smile. “Your words are too generous, Mrs. Crawford p>
Fiona’s presence in the room struck Gabriela like a discordant note.
Furious that Gabriela had profited one and a half million from the gifts she’d sent under Brenden’s name, Fiona had come to Moss Manor to confront her. Yet Presley’s unexpected arrival derailed her plan. She suppressed her wrath and performed elaborate displays of deference, each gesture dripping with calculated charm.
Presley barely acknowledged Fiona’s existence. But the moment Gabriela entered, the older woman’s attention shifted to her with laser focus.
Fiona’s gaze zeroed in on Gabriela’s bag. Her voice dripped with false sweetness. “Gabriela, I heard you sold that designer bag and made quite the profit. What’s with the flea market replacement p>
Gabriela pressed, “How did you find out about that p>
Fiona smirked. “Brenden told me everything p>
Since the gift bore Brenden’s name, Fiona wielded complete narrative control—the perfect weapon to poison Loretta’s mind with the implication that something was going on between Gabriela and Brenden.
Gabriela’s temper flared at Fiona’s insult regarding the bag she was carrying. This bag was a gift from Wesley, who had just confessed his love to her. Even if she couldn’t reciprocate his feelings, she would never allow anyone to diminish his gesture.
Her voice turned arctic. “Ms. Dewitt, this bag is a unique masterpiece worth more than you could imagine p>
Amusement danced in Presley’s eyes as she observed their verbal sparring.
Fiona’s confusion was palpable. She scrutinized the bag with predatory intensity, noting its undeniable elegance but finding no obvious luxury branding. Convinced Gabriela was lying about its value, she released a derisive snort. “That gaudy embroidery screams amateur hour. It’s an absolute eyesore. And you have the audacity to call it unique p>
Gabriela’s eyes blazed with fire. “Gaudy? This is a four-leaf clover—a symbol of fortune and prosperity. Examine the stitching, the intricate details, the color harmony—this represents craftsmanship you couldn’t purchase for a million. The designer bag you mentioned cost a mere two hundred thousand and pales beside this quality p>
Loretta nodded in approval. “Four-leaf clovers attract good fortune—how could you call such embroidery gaudy, Fiona p>
Fiona’s eye twitched with barely suppressed rage, but she retreated into strategic silence, unwilling to risk Loretta’s displeasure.
Presley’s voice cut through the tension, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Gabriela, do you genuinely believe this bag surpasses those designer ones p>