Chapter 642

Chapter 642:

Stewart relished the flicker of frustration on Wesley’s face.

When Gabriela returned with a cup of water, he cradled his hand dramatically, groaning about the pain and insisting she feed him.

Gabriela suspected he was putting on an act, but the image of the knife slicing his arm still lingered, urging caution.

With a sigh, she propped him up and guided the cup carefully to his lips.

After a slow sip, Stewart leaned back, his voice almost casual. “Gabriela, the sunlight’s a bit too much. Could you shift those little succulents by the window? Just enough to soften the glare p>

Gabriela nodded and turned to adjust the plants.

𝗗𝗂𝘀𝖼о𝘃е𝗋 ոе𝗐 𝘴𝘵𝗈𝘳𝘪𝗲𝗌 𝗼n 𝘨a𝗅𝘯𝘰𝘃е𝘭s.с𝘰𝗆

With her back to them, Stewart lowered his voice to Wesley. “Notice the plants? Gabriela picked them herself. Even in a VIP ward, the air feels stale. She thought I wouldn’t settle, so she chose ones that match my taste. They’re beautiful, aren’t they? And practical, too—they help purify the air p>

Wesley’s hand curled into a fist.

His own room remained bare—no greenery, no warmth, no hint of her care.

Yet here, every corner breathed Gabriela’s presence.

By the time she returned, Stewart had already slipped back into his role as the considerate patient.

“Gabriela, you’ve been by my side all day. Why don’t you leave and attend to your own affairs? I’ll be fine on my own p>

Gabriela shook her head gently. “It’s fine. I cleared everything at work. I’m free today p>

A shadow flickered in Stewart’s gaze, the faintest curl of satisfaction. “If you insist. But at least… change the menu. That porridge you’ve been bringing every day? I can’t stand another bowl. Tomorrow, surprise me with something else p>

Gabriela considered it for a moment, then nodded. By tomorrow, he would be allowed more nourishing food.

“How about I make some soup for you tomorrow?” she offered.

Stewart’s face lit up like a child promised a toy. “Borscht! Yours is the best I’ve ever had p>

Gabriela froze, remembering that Wesley had praised her borscht in the past. She pushed the thought aside and gave a small nod. “Alright p>

Stewart grinned widely. “You spoil me, Gabriela. I don’t deserve it p>

She brushed it off as nothing, though their laughter carried the easy warmth of friends who’d known each other for years.

Witnessing their interaction, Wesley’s expression darkened into something sharper than anger.

He sat there like an intruder at a gathering never meant for him.

Gabriela felt the storm in his gaze, but she didn’t dare meet it. She lowered her eyes instead.

Stewart made a few more small requests, and Gabriela agreed without hesitation.

Wesley’s lips curved into a humorless smile.

Even after he had warned her again and again to keep her distance from Stewart, she defied him.

Was she ignoring him?

At last, his voice cut through, low and edged. “Gabriela. I need a private word with Mr. Williams p>

Her eyes flicked to Wesley.

His handsome face was shadowed, and she was left to wonder what had troubled him.

She rose quietly. “Then I’ll go. See you tomorrow, Stewart p>

“I’ll be waiting with an empty stomach and high expectations,” Stewart replied, smiling after her until the door closed.

But the moment Gabriela was gone, his fond expression dissolved. His eyes hardened, and the smile he turned on Wesley was smug and deliberate. “Mr. Moss, I’m in no condition for weighty talks. Whatever urgent business you’ve brought, my assistant will handle it p>

“Stay away from Gabriela.” Wesley’s voice was like ice, each word clipped and final. “She’s not someone you can have p>

Stewart leaned back, amusement flickering in his eyes. “And why not? Because you say so? Tell me, are you planning to chase her yourself now that your engagement to Rebecca is over? Do you expect Gabriela to celebrate your freedom and come running into your arms? From where I stood, she couldn’t wait to turn away from you p>

Wesley’s stare sharpened, his silence heavier than anger.

“You’re clever. Don’t make me spell it out p>

Stewart chuckled, the sound deliberately light. “Clever? Hardly. If I were half as brilliant as you think, Gabriela would already be mine. Maybe you should enlighten me p>