Chapter 656
Chapter 656:
Gabriela’s cheeks still burned pink. She ducked her head and murmured, “Oh… so Billy stopped by to talk business with you p>
“He actually dropped off lunch,” Wesley answered, the usual coldness in his expression easing into a faint smile. “And while he was at it, he told me I should show some restraint given my frail health p>
Gabriela’s cheeks flushed an even richer crimson, the color climbing all the way to her ears.
Billy had discovered what had happened between her and Wesley the night before…
𝗠𝘰𝗋𝗲 𝘯𝗼𝘷el𝘀 𝘰𝗇
Being exposed like this in front of a former colleague made her want to vanish into the floor.
Wesley caught the flicker of embarrassment on her face, and something in his chest eased; the urge to tease her melted into quiet affection.
“Relax,” he said gently, lowering his voice. “I was just kidding. Billy only reminded me to ease up on the workload and watch my health p>
Gabriela glared daggers at him, her cheeks still flushed.
Wesley reached over, tousled her hair with a soft laugh, and said, “Come on, let’s eat first p>
“Fine,” she muttered.
Even though irritation lingered, she bit back any retort. He was unwell, after all.
His appetite wasn’t great, yet his spirits soared, and he ended up finishing more than usual.
Whatever tomorrow might bring, this moment left him at peace. Because right now, he had someone who would stay by his side without hesitation, right up to the very end.
At the Howard family estate, Beverley punished Rebecca by confining her to her room for two weeks of reflection.
In Beverley’s presence, she never dared show defiance; she emerged again with the same graceful composure expected of a Howard daughter, every movement polished and controlled.
Beverley’s eyes, sharp and unsparing, swept over her. “Can you see what you did wrong now p>
Rebecca’s lashes lowered, her voice a hushed murmur, meek and pliant. “Yes p>
Beverley’s tone hardened, cold as stone. “And do you still carry any bitterness over calling off your engagement with Wesley p>
Rebecca dipped in a restrained bow, her demeanor shrinking even further. “I hold no resentment,” she whispered.
Beverley’s gaze sharpened as she leaned back in her chair. “So, you’re not going to ask me why p>
Rebecca answered with quiet respect, “No, Grandma. I know everything you decide is for my good p>
The answer pleased Beverley. A faint nod, deliberate and slow, betrayed her satisfaction.
Beverley had overseen Rebecca’s upbringing from the cradle, and in her heart, this granddaughter remained the jewel of the Howard family.
“One day,” Beverley murmured, her tone clipped but meaningful, “you’ll understand why I’ve done this p>
Rebecca already did.
The Howards were powerful enough that she could have her pick of an eligible man, entering a marriage where she could enjoy freedom. But to marry into the Moss family was to marry above her rank, and that came with strict expectations.
Still, she refused to let Wesley go.
Nowhere in Okburg did she see another man worthy of her hand. Wesley was the only one who was right for her. Even with his frail health and uncertain future, she had resolved to marry him, whether or not his feelings matched her own. To wed into the Moss family was to gain dominion over all of Okburg.
With a pleased flick of her hand, Beverley dismissed Rebecca. “You may leave p>
Rebecca offered a parting bow and drifted from the living room. Behind her lowered lashes, a spark of cold determination glimmered to life.
Even with her body already failing, that old woman, Beverley, still dared to dictate her marriage?
Her parents had always indulged her whims, but what right did her grandmother have to seize control of her future?
Rebecca clenched her resolve, determined to seek out her father and Jasper, intent on persuading them to renegotiate her marriage to Wesley with the Moss family.
When she returned home, she was met with her father’s furious roar. His face twisted with rage as he thundered, “Lauren, I always knew you were scheming, but I never imagined you’d stoop this low. This is a society ruled by law—how dare you hire someone to kill p>
Lauren’s fury flared, tinged with hurt. “Matthew, after all these years together, is that truly how you see me? How could you condemn me on nothing but gossip p>