Chapter 683
Chapter 683:
Sensing the air growing unbearably stiff, Gabriela quickly stepped forward, taking the evidence from their hands to defuse the moment.
Whatever her personal feelings, she knew securing Dustin a harsher sentence—and making sure Lauren finally bore the punishment she deserved—was not something she could afford to resist.
Stewart, ever perceptive, excused himself after handing over the evidence, politely refusing even the offer of coffee.
Gabriela then walked him to the gates herself.
Just before sliding into his car, Stewart turned back with a faint, weary smile and asked, “Just tell me, Gabriela—was it a mistake for me to come p>
Gabriela gave a quick shake of her head, her eyes soft. “No, truly—I’m grateful to you p>
“I could tell Wesley’s expression was stormy the entire time. He even had evidence prepared, which made my contribution feel unnecessary p>
Gabriela leaned forward, her tone earnest. “That’s not true. What you brought was important, and I’m thankful for it p>
For a moment, Stewart held her gaze, a daring thought flickering through his mind.
𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘭оа𝗱𝖺𝗯𝘭е 𝘗𝖣𝘍𝘴 𝗼𝗻
But it slipped away just as fast, leaving him with nothing but a rueful smile. “Seeing how Wesley dealt with you today, I couldn’t help but feel… his need for control might cause you pain one day p>
Gabriela’s lips parted, ready to defend Wesley, but Stewart quickly caught himself and lifted his hands in retreat. “Forgive me—I didn’t mean to suggest he’s short-tempered. I honestly feel like being with you is a gift from heaven. He had no right to treat you poorly over something so insignificant p>
“That’s not really how it is.” Gabriela parted her lips, ready to defend Wesley, but after a pause she decided against it. Whatever tension existed between them was theirs alone to resolve, not something she owed anyone an explanation for.
Instead, she curved her mouth into a faint smile. “Wesley’s temper flares up sometimes, but I usually just let him have his way. Anyway, your driver’s been waiting on you for a while now. You’d better get in the car p>
With a gentle wave, Gabriela turned to leave.
Stewart didn’t move, though. He remained rooted to the spot, his gaze following her until her figure vanished from sight.
When Gabriela returned to the villa, she saw Wesley still sunk into the sofa, his jaw tight and his posture stiff, exuding an icy sort of majesty.
With a light chuckle, she remarked, “If you’re determined to sulk in silence, I’ll just head upstairs. You can either retreat to your own apartment or claim one of the guest rooms for the night p>
Wesley’s eyes widened in disbelief.
How could she treat him so casually, as though his rage didn’t matter? The audacity made his chest burn.
That cunning Stewart—had he whispered something unpleasant about him to Gabriela? Was she now swayed by his slippery words?
The thought left Wesley seething.
He stormed after her, footsteps pounding up the stairs until he reached the bedroom.
The moment the door shut, he seized her, shoving her back against the wall with a grip that trembled with rage.