Chapter 628
Chapter 628:
Beverley’s chest tightened with unease. She cautioned, “Don’t act on mere suspicion by breaking off Wesley’s engagement to Rebecca p>
If Matthew was mistaken, he might regret casting aside a capable son-in-law like Wesley.
“Mom.” Matthew’s voice carried a heavy finality. “Gabriela and Rebecca are sisters. If Rebecca marries Wesley, and one day Truett’s identity is revealed, both the Howard and Moss families will become a public spectacle in Okburg p>
To the Howards, a scandal like that would be intolerable.
Though Beverley said nothing, the crease in her brow showed she was weighing his words carefully.
Matthew pressed further, his tone low but resolute. “And Truett—he’s such a sweet child. You wouldn’t want him to grow up without a father, would you p>
Beverley’s resolve softened; just picturing the sweet-faced baby made her lean instinctively toward Matthew’s side.
After a thoughtful pause, she murmured, “I’ll bring this up with Roger p>
Matthew’s face lit with relief, and his gratitude came out fervent. “Thank you, Mom p>
𝘋𝘪s𝗰𝗼𝘷𝘦𝗋 𝗇𝗲w s𝘁o𝗋і𝘦𝘴 on ѕ.𝖼𝘰𝗆
The past few days, the looming marriage between Wesley and Rebecca had weighed heavily on him, leaving him helpless to prevent it.
Since Beverley was willing to intervene, it marked the best outcome they could hope for.
Meanwhile, Gabriela had no inkling that Matthew and Beverley lingered outside Rosemont Gardens, discussing such a consequential matter.
Inside, the birthday celebration unfolded in full cheer.
The only jarring note came from Farley, who was so touched that he let his emotions spill, his eyes brimming with tears in front of everyone.
Guests lingered late into the night before dispersing, with only Stewart remaining behind.
That evening, he drank heavily, his eyes bold and unrestrained, trailing after Gabriela wherever she moved.
As she tenderly soothed Truett in her arms, Stewart’s mind wandered—if they ever had a child together, she would surely be even more tender, even more radiant than she was now.
When she offered Farley such gentle care, Stewart pictured bringing her home. His parents would undoubtedly like her and encourage him to marry her.
Seeing Tyler and the others embrace her as one of their own only deepened his yearning.
Stewart longed to claim that place by her side, to be the family she could rely on.
His heart brimmed with admiration for Gabriela, so luminous and captivating.
Tonight, he resolved, he would finally tell her how he felt.
Stewart lingered by the coffee table, a half-finished glass of wine in his hand.
Every sip he took came with his gaze anchored firmly on Gabriela, unable to look away even for a moment.
Gabriela sensed something wasn’t right with Stewart. When the others had all left, she offered softly, “Stewart, it’s already late, and you’ve had quite a lot to drink. Why don’t you let Erik drive you home p>
“There’s no need.” His eyes lingered on her as he tipped back the last of the wine, then shrugged into his suit jacket. “Gabriela, would you mind walking me out p>
Since it was a small courtesy for a guest, she agreed.
Together they made their way to the entrance of Rosemont Gardens.
Gabriela’s gaze swept over the sleek luxury car waiting at the curb, and she offered him a polite smile. “I’ll head back inside now. Drive safely on your way p>
Stewart’s voice broke the quiet. “Hold on a second, Gabriela p>
His eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unwavering. “There’s something I need to tell you p>
The intensity in his gaze made her heart jolt; she could already sense what was coming.
She hurried to cut him off, forcing a steady tone. “It’s late, and you’ve had too much to drink. Let’s talk about it tomorrow p>
As she turned, intent on leaving, his hand shot out.
Fingers closed firmly around her wrist, his grip taut with desperation, as if he feared she would vanish if he let go.
“Gabriela,” he said hoarsely, pulling her closer. “I’m in love with you p>
The words hung between them, heavy and still, as though the air itself had frozen.