Chapter 626
Chapter 626:
As Beverley recalled Gabriela’s culinary skill—and, more importantly, her identity as her granddaughter—her stern expression softened.
Gabriela was surprised to see Beverley and Matthew, but since it was Farley’s birthday, she kept the mood light and invited them to join the meal.
The villa buzzed with energy.
Tessa, Tyler, Kaleb, Aubrey, and Nina were all there, and Stewart, hearing of Farley’s birthday, brought a gift to join the celebration.
Everyone greeted Matthew and Beverley warmly.
While most guests were at ease, Tessa and Aubrey felt a touch of anxiety.
с𝘩𝗶nе𝘴𝖾 nо𝘃e𝘭𝘀 𝘵𝗋а𝘯𝘴𝗅𝘢𝘁е𝘥 𝘰ո 𝘨а𝗅ոo𝘷е𝘭s.𝖼𝘰𝗺
Given Matthew’s and Beverley’s close ties to Rebecca—their boss’s future wife—they grew cautious, taking delicate bites and sitting rigidly.
Tyler, however, was relaxed, heartily enjoying the food and drink.
Sampling Gabriela’s home-cooked meal for the first time, Matthew was so moved he nearly wept, envying Farley and Ken, who savored her cooking daily.
Gabriela, oblivious to Matthew’s emotions, kept urging Farley to eat more.
Beverley, distracted from the meal, scanned the room subtly, searching for her great-grandchild.
Just then, a clear cry echoed from a nearby room—the little one was awake.
Farley rose instinctively to comfort the child, worried that Truett, now able to crawl, might fall off his bed and hurt himself.
Gabriela quickly intervened. “Farley, you’re the star today—stay put. I’ll fetch the baby p>
She soon returned with Truett, drawing Matthew’s and Beverley’s gazes instantly.
Fresh from sleep, Truett had whimpered from being alone, his lashes still wet with tears, his tender look tugging at their hearts.
Gabriela prepared a bottle, settled him in a highchair, and handed Farley a gift, saying, “Happy birthday, Farley p>
Others followed suit, offering their presents.
Farley graciously received the gifts and began by unwrapping Gabriela’s.
Upon lifting the lid, he discovered a costly item inside and gently scolded her for her extravagant spending.
Gabriela chuckled, explaining that the purchase was final and encouraging him to try it on for size.
With a sigh, Farley slipped the elegant wristwatch onto his left wrist.
He genuinely admired its fine craftsmanship.
Nearby, Truett noticed the shiny timepiece and eagerly tugged at Farley’s arm, attempting to remove it.
Seeing the boy’s fascination, Farley willingly handed the watch to Truett so he could play with it.
Gabriela cautioned gently, “Farley, that’s your birthday present. Maybe you should keep it away from the child p>
Farley smiled warmly, saying, “Let Truett enjoy it for a bit since he likes it p>
Observing their affectionate exchange, Matthew felt a pang of jealousy.
Even Beverley, long accustomed to her lofty status and distant from such family warmth, couldn’t help but feel envious.
Without thinking, she murmured, “What an adorable child. May I hold him p>
Gabriela hesitated, her fork poised midair.
While she could easily decline Matthew, it was harder to say no to an older woman.
She gently lifted Truett from his highchair and passed him to Beverley, who eagerly took the soft, well-mannered toddler into her arms.
Truett gazed at the silver-haired woman with wide, curious eyes.
Beverley’s heart melted into a warm glow, her eyes softening with an unfamiliar tenderness.