Chapter 361
Chapter 361:
Myah retreated into her usual silence during gatherings — a habit everyone had grown to expect.
Understanding Myah’s aversion to crowds, Gabriela leaned closer and whispered, “What catches your eye? I’ll fix you a plate p>
“Shrimp, please.” Myah’s rigid shoulders dropped at Gabriela’s gentle tone; she offered a genuine smile. “You’re always so thoughtful p>
Gabriela’s quiet exchange pulled every gaze toward Myah.
Animated conversations bubbled around the main table, creating a warm symphony of voices. Only Fiona sat isolated, watching the easy camaraderie she couldn’t penetrate.
Desperation clawed at her chest as she shot daggers at Gabriela.
That woman operated like a skilled manipulator — cunning and relentless. She had witnessed Loretta’s and Wesley’s obvious affection for Myah and now worked to claim the girl’s loyalty.
Such transparent manipulation.
𝘚𝗮𝗏e 𝘺𝗼u𝘳 fa𝗏𝗈𝗋𝘪𝘵е 𝗇o𝘷е𝘭𝘀 оn ѕ.со𝗺
The evening wound down as guests filtered out, but Fiona anchored herself to the living room sofa.
She had finally discovered the perfect weapon.
“Strange that Brenden missed tonight.” Fiona’s eyes locked on Gabriela with laser precision. “You two seem close — any idea where he’s hiding? Been chatting lately p>
Gabriela had once believed her sharp mind could keep Brenden at arm’s length. Now, with her child’s safety at stake, he represented a loaded weapon pointed at everything she treasured.
Fiona’s pointed interrogation sent ice through Gabriela’s veins, though she managed a brittle smile. “Mr. Saunders and I aren’t close. If you’re worried, Ms. Dewitt, perhaps you should reach out directly p>
“We’re not exactly confidants either. But I do know he’s completely smitten with you. Word is, he’s dropped every other woman because of his obsession p>
Gabriela’s breath caught as memories crashed over her — Brenden sliding food…
The tray in the company cafeteria, the expensive bag he had pressed into her hands, the delicate bracelet. Then came the kidnapping, when he had appeared like a knight in shining armor. Could those moments have meant something deeper? The possibility sent dread spiraling through her, draining the color from her cheeks until even a forced smile became impossible. Fiona knew instantly—Wesley hadn’t told Gabriela about their one-night stand. Whatever Wesley’s reasons for his silence, Gabriela’s visible discomfort delivered the exact satisfaction Fiona craved.
A smile curved Fiona’s lips. “Cat got your tongue? Surely you’ve heard about his romantic housecleaning—all for you p>
Gabriela’s voice emerged strained and hollow. “His personal choices don’t concern me p>
Fiona opened her mouth to twist the knife deeper, but Loretta’s interruption cut through the tension.
“Brenden is just a playboy, Fiona. Gabriela is better off without his attention. He skipped dinner because he’s handling business overseas,” Loretta said. She despised Brenden’s revolving door of relationships, but Wesley’s decision to ship him abroad irritated her equally. “Brenden lacks drive entirely. Wesley, you should keep him at the company where he belongs instead of sending him on these constant trips.” With that, Loretta’s disapproving stare landed squarely on Wesley.
Wesley released a bitter laugh. The project in Afluena had hit unexpected snags recently. When Brenden learned of the complications, he had volunteered with suspicious enthusiasm to oversee the situation personally. Wesley believed he wasn’t to blame for his cousin’s impulsive decisions.
Bowing to Loretta’s persistent pressure, Wesley called Brenden and activated the speaker.
Brenden’s voice burst through with infectious energy. “Well, well! What’s the occasion, Wesley p>
Wesley’s tone remained flat as stone. “Miriam’s birthday celebration p>
“Oh, damn!” Brenden’s excitement exploded through the speaker as he showered Miriam with elaborate birthday wishes, painting her face with pure joy.
Loretta leaned toward the phone. “Are you managing alright over there, sweetheart p>
Brenden’s response crackled with misplaced confidence. “Thriving, actually! Loretta, I fought tooth and nail for this overseas assignment. After my last trip to Afluena, something magical happened — I became irresistible, and Gabriela finally noticed my charm p>