Chapter 478
Chapter 478:
Wesley bowed his head, his bangs draping over his eyes, masking his feelings. From Gabriela’s perspective, only his refined nose and the sharp, graceful curve of his jawline were visible.
Such an attractive man, yet he was about to get engaged to someone else.
Gabriela averted her gaze, her heart heavy.
Wesley carefully applied a Band-Aid to her injury, his fingers grazing the adhesive lightly. The touch was soft, but the wound pulsed with a blend of sting and itch, sending a flutter through Gabriela’s chest.
As she moved to retract her foot, Wesley’s voice stopped her. “How is your knee holding up p>
“It’s fine,” Gabriela answered swiftly. “It’s just a small scratch. It will heal by morning p>
Wesley’s eyes flicked to the burn on her hand, his face clouding with concern, though he remained silent.
Nearby, Rebecca’s fists were clenched so tightly her nails bit into her skin. She approached with a remorseful look. “Gabriela, why didn’t you say you were hurt? I’m really sorry p>
Gabriela’s instincts prickled at Rebecca’s warm smile, and she shook her head quickly, brushing it off. Having navigated her deceitful aunt Marie and spiteful Phyllis, Gabriela was wary of Rebecca’s poised demeanor — it set off every alarm bell in her mind.
Rebecca turned to Wesley. “Was I too harsh, Wesley? I promise I won’t let Gabriela lift a finger tomorrow p>
Wesley rose slowly, his expression unreadable, giving nothing away.
𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘯
Rebecca felt a nervous thrill under his scrutiny, her ambition to win him over only growing stronger.
Brenden interjected, “The hotel has staff to handle the flower arrangements, Rebecca. Why didn’t you let them take care of it p>
Despite Brenden’s pointed remark, Rebecca continued her earnest apologies. That evening, she had expressed regret repeatedly, but every apology was hollow.
The true weight of the suffering fell on Gabriela alone.
Worried Rebecca might stir up trouble for her company again, Gabriela waved her hand. “It wasn’t Miss Howard’s fault. I was just doing my job p>
With that, she stood up. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head out p>
Wesley opened his mouth to speak, but Brenden cut in. “I’ll drive you home, Gabriela p>
She nodded. “Thanks, Mr. Saunders p>
“Come on, why are you so formal with me?” Brenden asked, sounding a bit crestfallen. “Just call me Brenden from now on p>
Gabriela found his sincerity unexpectedly charming. She smiled and agreed.
As Brenden escorted her out, Wesley’s fists tightened, his gaze darkening with a storm of emotions.
Rebecca looked up at him, her eyes soft. “Do you feel bad for her p>
A flicker of annoyance crossed Wesley’s face. Without meeting her eyes, he hissed, “Stay out of my affairs p>
It was a marriage of convenience, nothing more. If Rebecca didn’t know her place, he wouldn’t hesitate to replace her.
Rebecca quickly lowered her gaze. “Understood p>
Brenden drove Gabriela home, his heart aching as he watched her delicate silhouette disappear into the villa.
Once she was out of sight, he dialed Wesley. “What’s going through your head?” he demanded. “Even if you don’t like Gabriela, you can’t let Rebecca treat her like that p>
After a long pause, Wesley’s voice came through, cool and distant. “It’s none of your business p>
Brenden snapped, exasperated, “If I don’t step in, you and Rebecca will push her to the breaking point p>
“I’ll handle Rebecca,” Wesley said curtly, then hung up.
Brenden glared at his phone, tempted to hurl it in frustration.
Back at his house, still seething, he found Fiona in the living room.