Chapter 294
Chapter 294:
Gabriela’s nausea intensified with each passing minute, leaving her barely able to manage a few bites that day. She crafted a careful lie to deflect Loretta’s growing suspicion. “A while back, kidnappers locked me in a refrigerated truck compartment and poured water on me. The cold soaked through my clothes and damaged my stomach. A few days ago, I foolishly craved ice cream and ate some, which triggered the illness. The doctor examined me and told me to avoid cold foods temporarily. I should recover soon p>
Wesley accepted her explanation without question, urging her to follow the physician’s orders. Gabriela couldn’t read Loretta’s expression, but at least the older woman stopped dragging Miriam to the kitchen for midnight searches.
After successfully deceiving them, Gabriela exhaled quietly, though her anxiety only deepened. How long would this deception hold? When would they finally leave? She couldn’t simply evict them without cause. While her slender frame might conceal a four-month pregnancy, by the fifth month hiding her condition would become impossible. What would happen then?
That night, these worries plagued Gabriela, and her exhaustion offered no relief from the mounting dread. She twisted restlessly between her sheets, seeking peace that wouldn’t come.
A message notification pierced the silence. Wesley’s name appeared on her screen. “Meet me outside. We need to talk p>
The formal tone seemed to suggest trouble with the Alphacom Electronics project. Without hesitation, Gabriela pulled on her coat and slipped from her room. The moment she opened the door, strong fingers closed around her wrist.
She jerked back in surprise. “Mr. Moss, what are you doing p>
Wesley remained silent, drawing her swiftly into his room and securing the door behind them. Before Gabriela could protest, she found herself pressed against the cool wall, Wesley’s arms forming a cage around her, his intoxicating scent filling her. Her coat pooled at her feet as her shoulder brushed against the solid muscle of his arm.
Her pulse hammered against her throat. “Mr. Moss, what do you want from me p>
Wesley’s gaze fixed on her face. “Gabriela, you witnessed my grandmother’s brutal reprimand today, didn’t you p>
уо𝘂𝘳 𝘯𝖾x𝗍 𝘧а𝘃𝘰𝘳і𝘁е 𝗋е𝗮d iѕ on 𝗴a𝗅ոо𝗏е𝘭𝗌.сo𝗺
She nodded, confusion clouding her features. Wesley commanded respect as the brilliant, unflappable CEO in every boardroom, yet before Loretta, he became powerless. He endured her criticism without a single word of defense. Compassion stirred in Gabriela’s chest despite herself.
Wesley’s voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “You bear considerable responsibility for that humiliation p>
Shock rendered Gabriela speechless. How could she possibly be involved?
“My grandmother and Miriam somehow believe that I harbor no interest in women. But you understand the depth of my feelings for you. You rejected me, but I kept it from my grandmother to protect you from her nagging. Now she’s scolding me, and frankly, it’s your fault too p>
Gabriela’s quick mind struggled to process his implications. Was he suggesting that her rejection caused his grandmother’s harsh treatment? Could he truly mean such a thing?
“Gabriela, how will you make this right p>
Wesley stood too close, his magnetic presence overwhelming her as her breathing grew shallow. “What would you have me do p>
Wesley’s expression grew troubled. “Sleep has abandoned me these past nights, and my heart carries a constant, crushing weight p>
Alarm flashed through her eyes. “How did it become so severe? Have you consulted a physician p>
Her features transformed with genuine concern, worry etching itself across her delicate face. Wesley studied her intently, his voice roughening with emotion. “You care for me that deeply p>
Gabriela lifted her chin to meet his penetrating gaze before her courage faltered and she looked away. She swallowed hard against her nervousness. “Mr. Moss, you remain my employer. I just secured a billion-dollar contract, and I’m awaiting my commission p>
Her words drained every trace of warmth from the intimate space between them. Wesley’s jaw tightened with barely contained fury. A heart condition had shadowed him since childhood, teaching him to maintain rigid control over his emotions. Yet Gabriela possessed an uncanny ability to pierce that armor, sending sharp pain radiating through his chest whenever anger overtook him.