Chapter 476
Chapter 476:
Rebecca observed Wesley’s darkening expression and swiftly moved forward, linking her arm through his. “Gabriela has agreed to help coordinate our engagement party p>
Wesley’s mood was already sour, and he turned glacial at these words. His gaze fixed on Gabriela. “You accepted this job p>
Gabriela’s eyes remained downcast as she gave a reluctant nod.
Rebecca pressed on with theatrical enthusiasm. “Getting Gabriela to say yes proved quite the challenge! She turned me down flat initially, but after I offered triple her usual rate, she finally agreed p>
The silence that followed stretched taut between them.
Wesley’s penetrating stare traced every feature of Gabriela’s face. Unease crawled up Gabriela’s spine under his relentless scrutiny. Yet logic reminded her that he was the one pledging himself to another woman. He possessed no grounds for anger.
Gabriela raised her chin defiantly, returning his stare with equal intensity.
This bold gesture only drew a derisive laugh from Wesley. The thought struck him like a blade — this mercenary woman valued money above whatever they had shared.
Lauren sensed the crackling tension and offered a diplomatic smile. “Rebecca, won’t you introduce us to your friend p>
𝘔о𝘴𝗍 rе𝘢𝗱 t𝗁𝗂𝘀 𝘄𝗲е𝗄 𝘰n ѕ.𝗰o𝗆
Rebecca brightened immediately. “This is Gabriela Haynes. She once served as Wesley’s personal secretary p>
Roger cast a dismissive glance toward Gabriela before announcing his exhaustion and need for rest. His assistant escorted him from the room.
Matthew, however, found himself transfixed when his eyes settled on Gabriela. Shock clouded his thoughts as he studied her features. Could his eyes be deceiving him? The resemblance to someone from his distant past seemed impossible yet undeniable.
Following the introductions, Rebecca’s voice bubbled with forced cheer. “Wesley, I’ll give Gabriela a comprehensive tour and see if any details require adjustment p>
Wesley’s response came clipped and cold. “Fine p>
Gabriela trailed behind Rebecca into the opulent banquet hall.
“Gabriela, I’d love your opinion — would white roses work for the venue and overall setting? These particular blooms were imported specially from overseas — quite rare specimens! Wesley personally selected them. And these exquisite pastries? Wesley’s grandfather commissioned a world-renowned chef to create them. The taste is absolutely divine, guaranteed to delight our guests. You must sample one p>
Though Rebecca’s words masqueraded as requests for professional input, they served primarily as vehicles for shameless boasting.
Gabriela told Rebecca that the venue had achieved near perfection, rendering her further assistance completely unnecessary.
“But your expertise remains invaluable!” Rebecca insisted with calculated warmth. “Having cared for Wesley so intimately, you surely understand his preferences better than anyone — including me p>
Gabriela maintained her professional composure, offering a measured response. “I was just doing my job p>
“Look here — doesn’t the positioning of these flower arrangements strike you as problematic?” Rebecca gestured dramatically toward the potted displays flanking the banquet hall’s entrance. “Could you relocate them slightly inward? I’m concerned about adequate space when Wesley and I make our processional p>
The entrance pathway stretched elegantly before them, bordered by pristine white lilies. Dozens of ornate pots lined each side of the ceremonial route.
Noting Gabriela’s hesitation, Rebecca added with practiced sweetness, “Finding additional help proves impossible. Gabriela, please help me with that p>
Gabriela drew a steadying breath and rolled up her sleeves with resignation. Payment accepted meant obligations fulfilled.
She methodically repositioned each heavy pot according to Rebecca’s exacting specifications. Sweat dampened her clothing by the time she completed the arduous task.
Before Gabriela could fully straighten her aching back, Rebecca’s voice rang out again. “Oh dear, I’m afraid they’ve been moved too far inward now. Could you shift them back just a touch p>
The torturous cycle repeated itself dozens of times, leaving Gabriela thoroughly depleted, her fingernails cracked and bleeding. Rebecca maintained a steady stream of hollow apologies while lavishing praise on Gabriela’s unwavering dedication.