Chapter 619
Chapter 619:
Alberto watched from the sidelines, his eyes wide with stunned disbelief.
Beverley had always favored simple dishes and hadn’t shown such ravenous hunger in years.
Her features softened with each bite, and the sharp disapproval she’d harbored toward Gabriela began melting away.
Against all odds, this unexpected young woman had stumbled upon the secret to winning Beverley’s approval through nothing more than her cooking prowess.
𝗙о𝗹𝗅о𝘄 𝗎𝘴 𝗈𝗇
Watching Beverley savor every morsel, Gabriela settled into her own meal without hesitation.
The flavors struck her as unremarkable—decidedly lacking compared to the elaborate dishes she’d prepared for Wesley in the past.
Beverley devoured every last bite with evident satisfaction before reluctantly placing her silverware aside.
“The flavors are quite pleasant,” she admitted with studied nonchalance, then fixed Gabriela with a penetrating stare.
Under closer scrutiny, Beverley discovered the woman possessed extraordinarily striking eyes—innocent yet mysteriously captivating.
Gabriela’s eyes reminded Beverley of Matthew, whose gaze could convey profound tenderness to anyone who caught his attention.
Those same mesmerizing eyes had once ensnared Lauren decades ago, when she had threatened to destroy the Howard family’s business empire unless they agreed to her marrying Matthew.
Beverley’s memory drifted back to Matthew’s fierce demands for divorce over twenty years ago, when he’d refused all sustenance to demonstrate his unwavering determination.
Yet something had shifted inexplicably—he abandoned his divorce plans entirely, never uttering another word about separation.
From that moment forward, he withdrew completely, even surrendering control of the family enterprise to Jasper.
Matthew and Lauren had maintained polished civility ever since, their relationship appearing mended to outsiders while an arctic chill persisted between them.
Now Matthew displayed such devoted attention toward a young woman…
A disturbing possibility crept into Beverley’s thoughts. Her complexion drained of color as she drew a shaky breath and slumped against her chair.
Gabriela leaned forward with genuine concern. “Mrs. Howard, what’s troubling you p>
Beverley dismissed her worry with a wave, preparing to probe deeper into Gabriela’s family history.
Before she could voice her questions, a servant burst through the doorway. “Mrs. Howard, Mr. Wesley Moss has arrived p>
Beverley’s eyebrows shot upward in surprise.
Wesley had avoided visiting even after his engagement announcement to Rebecca.
Why did Gabriela’s presence compel him to rush here?
Beverley directed Alberto to escort him inside.
Wesley’s attention locked onto Gabriela the instant he entered, his keen gaze searching for any traces of distress or harm.
Finding her unharmed brought visible relief to his shoulders before he turned to offer Beverley a respectful greeting.
Beverley’s demeanor toward Wesley radiated considerably more warmth. “Wesley, what unexpected pleasure brings you to my doorstep today p>
Wesley gestured for Billy to present an elegantly wrapped gift box to Alberto, his expression carrying deep reverence. “I should have paid my respects following my engagement announcement to Rebecca p>
After exchanging the customary pleasantries, Wesley addressed Beverley with sincerity, saying, “Gabriela served as my personal assistant for some time. We’ve weathered various challenges together. If her words crossed any boundaries or caused offense during today’s visit, please accept my sincere apologies on her behalf p>
A sharp pang of irritation pierced Beverley’s composure.
Wesley was Rebecca’s fiancé, yet now he stood as Gabriela’s protector.
This development reeked of impropriety.
Furthermore, whispered rumors suggested Gabriela maintained intimate connections with the Williams Group’s powerful CEO.
However, lacking concrete evidence, Beverley swallowed her growing displeasure and forced a brittle smile. “Wesley, your concerns are unnecessary. Her culinary talents impressed me greatly. I may extend frequent invitations for her to prepare meals p>
Wesley studied Beverley’s expression carefully, unable to determine whether her words conveyed genuine appreciation or veiled intimidation.
He responded with calculated diplomacy, “I’ve also grown quite fond of Gabriela’s cooking. I’d be honored to join these gatherings if you’d welcome my presence p>
Beverley’s head bobbed in agreement, her smile never wavering. “Naturally, you’re always welcome p>
After a brief additional conversation with Beverley, Wesley departed with Gabriela in tow.
Observing Gabriela trail behind Wesley, Beverley’s pleasant facade cracked into a scowl.