Chapter 706
Chapter 706:
Even the veteran power brokers in attendance, individuals who had witnessed every conceivable scenario, found themselves rendered speechless.
The two women shared remarkable similarities in temperament—both decisive, both spontaneous.
Something as momentous as a mentorship required no lengthy deliberation. One moment it remained uncertain, the next, it was carved in stone.
While some guests reeled from shock, others felt genuine happiness for Gabriela’s good fortune.
Mason approached her first, placing a kind hand on her shoulder. “Gabriela, today’s announcement caught me completely unprepared, so I came without a gift. I’ll remedy that oversight very soon p>
Gabriela offered him her heartfelt thanks.
Matthew, witnessing his daughter’s recognition by an internationally renowned designer, swelled with pride and longed to express his joy as Mason had done.
𝖩𝗼𝗂𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘤o𝘮𝘮𝘶𝗻ity o𝗇
However, the fractured relationship between Gabriela and the Howard family held him back in painful hesitation.
Other guests, though less familiar with Gabriela personally, offered polite words of congratulation.
Following the ceremony, Presley hosted an exquisite dinner, expressing her deep appreciation to everyone gathered at her table.
After the evening concluded, news of Gabriela’s elevation to Presley’s protégé spread like wildfire throughout the city, reaching even Herman’s ears without requiring any investigation.
Although Presley had orchestrated no grand spectacle, the assembly of Okburg’s most powerful figures served to transform Gabriela’s standing in society.
Who would dare antagonize Presley’s chosen protégé now?
Herman certainly possessed too much wisdom to risk such folly.
Gabriela lingered at the estate well into the evening, absorbing design principles from Presley’s vast reservoir of knowledge.
When she finally departed, darkness had claimed the sky past nine o’clock, and she discovered Matthew stationed outside like a patient sentinel.
His black Porsche wore a crown of fallen leaves that had drifted down during his vigil.
The moment he spotted her, Matthew’s eyes ignited with unmistakable joy, and he approached with hurried steps.
“Gabriela p>
Gabriela hesitated, uncertain how to address this man who occupied such complicated territory in her heart, and managed to give a slight nod.
“Presley choosing you as her protégé never crossed my mind. You continue to amaze me, Gabriela,” Matthew said.
Matthew’s desperate act to save her had fundamentally altered Gabriela’s perception of him, and his arm still bore bandages from that sacrifice.
Yet the whirlwind of recent events had consumed her attention—pursuing legal action against Lauren, clashing with Beverley, and weathering Cindy’s volatile outbursts at the company.
Her deteriorating relationship with the Howard family had forced her to maintain careful distance from all its members.
But Matthew’s expression radiated such genuine warmth and eager hope that something softened within Gabriela’s chest. The silver threading through his temples awakened an inexplicable melancholy that settled over her heart.
She offered him a gentle smile. “Thank you p>
Matthew’s spirits soared at this simple gesture of gratitude. “Gabriela, allow me to drive you home p>
“That’s not necessary…” Gabriela began, intending to mention Wesley’s planned arrival.
But Matthew pressed forward with quiet determination. “I’d like to visit Truett p>
Gabriela swallowed her refusal and nodded with newfound understanding. “Of course, thank you p>
She slipped into Matthew’s passenger seat and quickly messaged Wesley, informing him his services were no longer needed.
Throughout the journey, Matthew attempted to weave conversation between them.
Though Gabriela’s responses remained economical, Matthew treasured each exchange as the most precious moments he’d experienced in years.
The villa materialized before them with surprising swiftness.
Matthew and Gabriela emerged from the vehicle and walked together toward the residential complex, their footsteps creating a synchronized rhythm on the pavement.
Neither detected Jasper’s presence as he maintained his surveillance from a shadowed corner nearby.
The darkness embraced him so completely that he had become virtually invisible to casual observation.
Luther positioned himself behind Jasper, his voice barely rising above a whisper. “Gabriela and Matthew appear to have discovered much better harmony between them now p>