Chapter 287
Chapter 287:
Vivian blinked in astonishment. Gabriela’s tone carried no trace of distress or panic—only renewed energy and determination. Vivian’s thoughts drifted to Fiona and her circle of malicious gossips. They prided themselves on their refined sophistication, yet Gabriela—utterly indifferent to their venom—possessed a peace of mind far beyond their grasp. The realization made surrendering the video feel far less frustrating.
The footage filled Gabriela with equal measures of surprise and delight. However, out of respect for her uncle, she decided to keep this ammunition in reserve for now.
Meanwhile, Billy’s investigative team uncovered a striking lead. Two days before her dramatic live broadcast, Marie had spent an entire night gambling at an underground casino in Okburg, walking away with over thirty million dollars in winnings. She had even purchased a three-million-dollar bracelet on the spot to celebrate her incredible fortune. Given Marie’s personality, who would believe she would contemplate suicide immediately after such a windfall?
Presented with this evidence, perhaps the enraged masses would finally recognize reason and stop allowing themselves to be manipulated like chess pieces.
Wesley asked Gabriela about her next move. Her response carried unexpected mercy. “I want to offer Marie one final opportunity. Hopefully, she’ll find the courage to confess everything herself.” If Marie admitted her deception and demonstrated genuine remorse, the internet mob might show some restraint.
For her uncle’s sake, Gabriela truly hoped to avoid escalating the conflict any further.
As their conversation continued, Farley burst through the doorway unexpectedly, clutching an object shrouded in black fabric. “Ms. Haynes, a package arrived for you p>
𝖱𝘦𝗰о𝗺𝗆𝗲n𝘥 ѕ.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝘵о y𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝗳𝗿𝘪𝗲ո𝖽𝘴
The announcement struck Gabriela as peculiar—she had placed no recent orders through any online merchants. Despite her confusion, she accepted the mysterious parcel and began to tear away its wrapping.
Wesley’s voice cut through the silence like a blade. “Gabriela, stop p>
Billy surged forward with protective instinct. “Ms. Haynes, if you’ll permit me, I should handle this p>
Gabriela offered a silent nod of agreement. Billy’s fingers worked swiftly to unveil the contents, revealing a horrifying sight—a blood-drenched doll. Crimson liquid had been smeared across its glassy eyes, its sewn mouth, and its miniature torso, creating an image so grotesquely realistic it seemed to pulse with malevolent life.
Nestled beneath the macabre figure lay a message scrawled in matching red ink: “Gabriela, descend into hell p>
Terror drained the color from Gabriela’s face as she fled toward the bathroom with desperate urgency. Wesley pursued her immediately, his footsteps echoing her flight. Inside the bathroom, Gabriela’s stomach rebelled violently, forcing her to expel everything within—even the bitter bile that followed.
When she finally emerged, her lips were pale shadows of their former warmth.
Wesley’s brow creased with deep concern. “Gabriela, are you okay? I’m taking you to the hospital p>
She averted her gaze. “That’s completely unnecessary—the doll just frightened me.” The grotesque figure had looked so lifelike that her thoughts drifted to the precious life growing within her, triggering waves of protective nausea.
Wesley’s intense scrutiny seemed to pierce through her carefully constructed façade, as though he could sense the truth beneath her words.
Gabriela redirected the conversation with practiced ease. “Mr. Moss, I will confront Marie directly. Could you arrange contact with some influential journalists p>
Wesley agreed with a decisive nod and instructed Billy to handle the arrangements.
The moment Gabriela crossed the villa’s threshold, the assembled mob of internet vigilantes leaped to their feet and surged forward like a pack of hungry wolves.
“Gabriela, you finally show your face p>
“After committing such a despicable act, you should kill yourself p>
Wesley’s protective instincts flared instantly. He positioned his broad frame between Gabriela and the advancing crowd, forming an impenetrable human fortress that radiated unwavering security.
Yet Gabriela stepped beyond his protective shadow and addressed the hostile gathering with remarkable composure. “I’m going to the hospital to visit Marie. You’re welcome to accompany me p>
Upon Gabriela’s arrival at the medical facility, Phyllis launched herself forward like a missile, her eyes blazing with volcanic fury.
“How do you have the nerve to show your face here, Gabriela? You drove my mother to take her own life,” she snarled with venomous intensity.