Chapter 464
Chapter 464:
Rebecca’s expression tightened the instant she saw Gabriela.
She demanded, “What brings you here p>
Gabriela quickly understood why Rebecca was there and answered with calm restraint, “Mrs. Larson invited me to come p>
Wesley appeared from around the corner just then.
𝘉е 𝗽ar𝘁 о𝖿 𝘰u𝘳 𝖼o𝗆m𝗎ոі𝘵𝗒 𝗈n 𝗀alnо𝗏е𝗹ѕ.𝘤𝗈𝗺
His sleeves were still rolled up past his elbows, and a faint sheen of sweat glimmered across his brow from labor. Surprise flickered in his eyes when he noticed Gabriela standing there.
Rebecca immediately pulled out a tissue and began gently dabbing his forehead, her voice dropping to silk. “Wesley, you must be exhausted p>
Disgust twisted in Wesley’s stomach, but with Gabriela watching, he forced himself to nod and didn’t pull away from Rebecca’s touch.
Rebecca poured warm water into a glass and held it to him with obvious care. “Your heart condition requires rest, not strain. Please, drink this p>
Wesley reached out and accepted it.
After he finished drinking, Rebecca smoothly lifted his jacket from a nearby chair. “Put this on. You’ve worked up quite a sweat p>
Their movements fit together with practiced ease, intimate and natural.
A sharp ache stabbed through Gabriela’s chest, and her eyes burned.
That open, deliberate show of closeness felt merciless.
She managed, barely above a whisper, “I should help Mrs. Larson p>
She turned and walked toward the kitchen.
The air inside was already filled with the warmth of steam and the rich, layered scent of cooking.
Loretta’s entire expression softened the instant she saw Gabriela step in.
“Oh, my dear girl, you’ve arrived. There’s no need for you to work today. Go make yourself comfortable outside p>
She had arranged for an eligible young man to be present, and all Gabriela needed to do was show up looking lovely. Surely, he would fall for her at first sight.
Gabriela offered a soft smile. “Mrs. Larson, preparing a feast for so many guests by yourself must be exhausting. Please let me help p>
Loretta waved her off. “Absolutely not necessary. Fiona has already volunteered p>
Fiona paused mid-rinse, green beans in hand, and shot Gabriela a smug little smile. “This kitchen barely fits two people as it is. Add a third and Loretta won’t even be able to move p>
Gabriela let it go and stepped out of the busy kitchen.
She drifted toward the garden plot.
With nothing to do, she sat along the edge of the beds, her thoughts circling in on themselves.
If she had known Wesley and Rebecca would be here, she would have made an excuse and stayed home.
Spending the afternoon with Truett would have been real comfort, instead of this.
As regret continued to build in her chest, Rebecca’s voice cut in behind her, sharp and accusing. “Gabriela, what exactly are you trying to do? Do you actually believe that charming Wesley’s grandmother will help you win him back p>
Gabriela refused to turn around. She stared straight ahead.
Rebecca shifted into a tone soaked in false sympathy. “You’re just a girl without any real backing or influence. You should be grateful you’re barely managing to keep that tiny company of yours afloat. Stop chasing Wesley. He will never be yours p>
“Miss Howard, you sound genuinely pathetic.” Gabriela finally stood and faced her. “You’re so unsure of yourself that you have to warn someone you claim is beneath you. That’s ridiculous p>
Rebecca’s expression twisted, and she stepped in close, anger flaring. “Maybe warnings aren’t enough p>
She shoved Gabriela hard. Gabriela hit the ground, dirt smearing across her clothes, while Rebecca continued in the same gentle voice she used in front of everyone else. “Look at you now, covered in mud. Go ahead and say I pushed you. Do you honestly think anyone will believe you p>
Gabriela resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
Could Rebecca truly be a distinguished graduate from an elite institution? Her behavior and logic belonged in a schoolyard.
Just as Gabriela moved to stand, Brenden appeared, reaching out to help her up. His voice held a note of alarm. “Are you hurt p>
Gabriela shook her head and brushed dirt from her palms with calm indifference.
Rebecca’s attempts at intimidation had all the force of a paper tiger.