Chapter 67
Chapter 67:
No matter how stingy he could be, deep down, Wesley really was a decent guy. In that moment, Gabriela silently promised herself she’d work twice as hard to repay his kindness.
Before Wesley could leave, Marie hustled forward, her tone overly sweet with flattery. “Mr. Moss, it’s such an honor. Gabriela can be so thoughtless sometimes—she shouldn’t have bothered you for a ride home p>
Marie, who usually wielded her words like a blade, now bowed her head in deference, her fawning so transparent it bordered on embarrassing.
Wesley answered with an easy composure. “Gabriela stayed late at the office, so I offered her a ride. Tell me, what made you think I was some old businessman p>
Marie’s smile faltered as she scrambled to appease him. “Oh, Mr. Moss, you mustn’t take it seriously. It’s just Phyllis talking nonsense. Everyone knows how accomplished you are—starting your own company at such a young age p>
Watching Wesley step in on Gabriela’s behalf made Phyllis burn with envy. The sight was intolerable. She couldn’t stop herself from blurting, “I wasn’t talking about you, Mr. Moss. But Gabriela really is seeing an older man and hiding it from us. I’m just afraid she’ll make a foolish choice—ending up with someone twice her age just for money p>
“Shut up!” Marie cut her off sharply, her palm cracking across Phyllis’s cheek.
“Get over there and apologize to Mr. Moss this instant p>
𝖱𝘦a𝖽 𝗳𝗿o𝗺 𝗒о𝗎𝗿 p𝘩𝘰𝘯𝗲 𝘰n
Phyllis froze, one hand pressed to her stinging face, eyes wide in disbelief. Ever since her family had seized Gabriela’s mother’s house, she had been coddled like a prized jewel—her parents never raising their voices, let alone their hands.
Yet today, because of Gabriela, she’d been struck in front of everyone—humiliation burned in her chest.
Dustin lingered awkwardly nearby, while Wesley—effortlessly striking even behind the wheel—remained seated in his car, a figure of cool detachment. Phyllis bit her lip, but refused to bow her head.
To Wesley, she was nothing more than an annoyance. Without sparing her a glance, his deep voice cut through the air. “It’s late. You guys should go home p>
“Don’t interfere with Gabriela’s rest. She has important matters to handle tomorrow p>
The message was unmistakable—Gabriela wasn’t just an employee; she was entrusted with work that mattered. Anyone thinking of crossing her would be wise to think twice.
Marie’s eyes darted nervously as Wesley’s veiled threat echoed in her mind. She rushed out apologies, nodding along with every demand.
Wesley whipped the car around and vanished into the shadows, leaving silence in his wake.
Marie composed herself, then faced Gabriela with a brittle smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “So, Gabriela, since when did you get so close with Mr. Moss p>
Gabriela shot a quick look at Josh, who was sniffling and wiping at his cheeks, then answered with a cool shrug. “I’m his secretary now p>
The news seemed to brighten Marie instantly. Her smile stretched wide as she clasped Gabriela’s hands in both of hers, her tone turning syrupy. “You really have come a long way. I suppose all those years I invested in you finally paid off. Phyllis was careless earlier and managed to offend Mr. Moss. If you get a chance, bring him by sometime, would you? We ought to make things right and apologize in person p>
Under Marie’s leadership, the Haynes Group had made progress and managed to turn a profit, yet true prestige remained just out of reach.
She’d cooked up a calculated scheme: invite Wesley over, put on a show of intimacy, and use that illusion to unlock valuable opportunities.
Gabriela saw right through the ploy but kept her composure, masking her disdain with a faint, courteous smile. “Your intentions are as hard to miss as a billboard lit in neon p>
Marie’s expression stiffened, a retort poised on her lips, but she swallowed it, wary of Gabriela’s current standing.
Phyllis, unable to stomach Gabriela’s sudden rise, couldn’t hold her tongue. “What’s there to gloat about? You’re just a secretary—still clinging to some old man. Honestly, Mom, Dad, this time she just lucked out. But her dirty little secret will explode into the open one day p>