Chapter 397
Chapter 397:
The biting cold seized Gabriela, each gust of wind feeling like a blade against her skin.
She could feel her consciousness fraying at the edges, her mind slipping in and out of focus as the freezing air gnawed deeper into her bones.
Her body shivered violently, her thoughts unraveling in the numbing dark.
She didn’t see the black vehicle idling a short distance away.
Behind its tinted glass, a woman reclined in the back seat. Oversized sunglasses swallowed most of her face, but the sharp, malicious curl of her mouth was unmistakable.
“Ma’am,” the driver murmured, his voice tight with worry. “If she died, wouldn’t that cause problems for us p>
The woman’s laugh was a low sneer. “What’s there to fear? That wretch tried to steal my man. She deserves to freeze to death on a roadside like this p>
The driver’s hands tightened on the wheel, unease flickering in his eyes. “But p>
“But what?” she snapped, her tone turning razor-sharp.
When his hesitation lingered, she warned, “Let me make this clear. If you dare breathe a word of this to my cousin, you’ll regret it p>
The driver swallowed his words, unwilling to risk further angering her.
Y𝗈𝘂𝘳 ոеx𝘵 f𝗮𝘷𝗈𝗋іtе 𝗋𝘦a𝖽 𝘪𝘴 о𝘯
Minutes dragged on before she finally muttered, her tone clipped, “Head back p>
“Understood.” He obeyed, easing the car forward and steering past Gabriela’s shivering figure on the roadside.
From behind her dark lenses, the woman’s gaze lingered on the girl. Wesley might have been at her side, but his heart was elsewhere — and that thought ignited a sharp, icy fury inside her.
“That fucking bitch. I should’ve run her straight into the dirt,” she thought with malice.
Through her haze, Gabriela caught the faint rumble of an engine sweeping past. She forced her lips to move, to call out, but the sound that escaped was no stronger than a whisper lost to the night.
The taillights disappeared into the distance, leaving her alone once more. The cold gnawed into her bones, and dread crept through her — what if she truly froze to death out here?
At last, another vehicle braked sharply nearby, its headlights cutting across the snow. A figure hurried out, feet crunching against the ground, and rushed toward her.
“Gabriela? Why are you out here? Are you hurt p>
Gabriela caught the warmth in the concerned voice and finally let go of her tension. Her rigid nerves loosened, and she allowed her eyes to drift shut.
When she came to again, she was nestled in a soft, warm bed that smelled faintly of fresh linen.
Pushing herself upright, she glanced around, unable to spot any slippers.
Her bare feet touched the cool floor as she swung her legs down, the unfamiliar room making her even more determined to learn where she had ended up.
She wandered out of the room and followed the staircase down, pausing when a sharp clatter echoed from below.
Drawn by the noise, she stepped into the kitchen and found Brenden wrestling with pots and utensils.
With surprise flickering in her voice, Gabriela blurted, “Mr. Saunders p>
At the sound of her voice, Brenden turned. His expression lit up with relief. “You’re awake p>
She gave a small nod, her voice soft. “Did you… save me p>
“Of course I did,” he answered, brushing his hands against his apron. “You were half-frozen and unconscious. I carried you to the car, cranked up the heat, and waited until you finally stirred p>