Chapter 617
Chapter 617:
Confusion clouded Gabriela’s features. “Mr. Howard, what exactly are you after p>
She was nothing more than a modest business owner. What could she possibly have that would capture the attention of someone like Matthew, who had wealth and influence?
Her blunt question crushed Matthew’s delicate hopes, sending them spiraling into darkness.
He had been an absent father for more than twenty years, missing the entirety of Gabriela’s upbringing.
She had blossomed into a formidable, self-reliant woman. Even if she discovered his true identity as her biological father, she would likely reject any gesture of reparation he might offer.
𝖶𝘦 uрdаte е𝗏е𝗿𝗒 weе𝗄 𝗈𝘯 ѕ.𝖼om
The words lodged themselves deep in his throat.
Matthew’s voice softened as he tried again. “Gabriela, something draws me to you. I’d like to look after you the way I would my own daughter. Would you let me p>
“I want no part of it.” Gabriela’s gaze remained steady. “Mr. Howard, please go p>
Matthew already had a daughter of his own, so what reason could he have for treating her like family?
Gabriela viewed unexpected kindness with suspicion.
Farley and Kaleb showed her warmth because of their close ties to her mother.
Tyler cared for her because their friendship had deep roots.
But Matthew? He was Rebecca’s father. What possible motivation could drive him to show her any consideration?
Gabriela walked Matthew to the door with quiet politeness, requesting that he not return.
Pain flickered through Matthew’s chest, and his eyes grew damp.
Evening had settled around them, and the shadows concealed his expression from Gabriela’s view. She disappeared inside without a backward glance.
Though Gabriela maintained her distance from Matthew, whispers about his repeated visits to her home and office traveled swiftly through the city.
Lauren’s machinations ensured the gossip reached Beverley Howard, Matthew’s formidable mother.
Beverley had once ruled the business world with an iron will, commanding respect from every corner of the industry.
Three decades earlier, the Howard family hadn’t even ranked among Okburg’s most powerful dynasties. Beverley’s relentless ambition had single-handedly transformed their modest enterprise into an empire.
Though retirement had drawn her toward spiritual pursuits, her influence remained absolute. Even Roger from the prestigious Moss family approached her with careful deference.
Beverley sat in silence as Alberto Begum, her trusted butler, delivered his report.
“Mr. Howard’s frequent contact with Gabriela has become the subject of considerable speculation p>
Beverley’s expression betrayed nothing—neither pleasure nor displeasure crossed her weathered features.
She understood her son’s nature perfectly; he typically remained aloof and detached, maintaining cool distance even from his own wife.
Yet now he was extending care to some unknown young woman—a suspicious shift in his behavior.
“Bring her to me,” she commanded.
She intended to discover what manner of enchantress could bewitch Matthew so completely.
The day had overwhelmed Gabriela with obligations.
After completing her final meeting, she clutched the documents for GD Fashion when an elderly gentleman intercepted her at the company’s entrance.
“Hello, I am Alberto Begum,” he announced with practiced courtesy. “Miss Haynes, Mrs. Beverley Howard requests your presence p>
Gabriela drew a measured breath.
She grasped the situation’s implications immediately. The rumors had climbed their way to Matthew’s mother, and she was in trouble.
Nevertheless, Gabriela trusted in her own integrity and passed the documents to Kaleb. “Uncle Kaleb, would you mind overseeing the project for me p>
Kaleb studied Alberto for a moment, then whispered, “If anything feels wrong, contact me right away p>
Gabriela acknowledged his warning before accompanying Alberto.
During the drive, Alberto studied Gabriela with discreet curiosity.
Even Jasper approached Beverley with profound reverence.
Gabriela, however, appeared to regard this summons as merely another social obligation. Either she possessed remarkable courage, or innocence had left her ignorant of Beverley’s fearsome reputation.
They soon reached Beverley’s estate.
Her residence exuded tranquility, resembling a carefully tended sanctuary.
Alberto escorted Gabriela inside, where she found Beverley positioned beside a serene pond.
The woman appeared to be in her seventies, her silver hair catching the light as she wore comfortable exercise clothes.
Her expression remained neutral, yet an unmistakable aura of command radiated from her presence, compelling instinctive respect from anyone who encountered her.
Alberto said quietly, “Madam, Gabriela has arrived p>