Chapter 73

Miriam's eyes narrowed as she watched Brenden's face flush for no clear reason. "You're burning up! Do you have a fever?" she asked.

Brenden shook his head, forcing a calm tone. "It's the wind. It's too strong. I'm heading back inside.And the photos I took of these lovely flowers should be more than enough." With that, he handed her the phone back.

Miriam took the phone, scrolling through the photos and arranging them for posting.

Today, these extraordinary flowers would surely make her friends green with envy.

But what caption would hit just right?

"Flowers worth a mansion... So stunning, you'll be speechless!" She paused, scrunched her face, and deleted it. Too flashy. Too desperate. She needed subtle, but with a punch.

Suddenly, a grin spread across her face. Fingers flying over the screen, she posted: "Captured by Mr.Moss's future wife herself. More priceless than the flowers."

Loretta, still a rookie at scrolling through social media, quickly liked the post and made sure Wesley did too.

Brenden slipped back into the living room,moving on tiptoe toward the kitchen door where the faint sounds of bustling activity drifted out. A mix of joy and guilt churned inside him.

Gabriela was incredible! How could someone like her ever be interested in a playboy like him?

Sometimes, being charming came with complications. Loretta, busy arranging the strawberries, caught snippets of Brenden muttering under his breath. She couldn't make out his words, but the expression on his face was a curious mix. Sometimes pained, as if he'd just lost a fortune, other times shy, a small smile tugging at his lips as he leaned against the wall.

Something seemed off.

Stepping closer, Loretta patted his shoulder."Brenden, the sun's almost gone. Come help me gather the green onions."

Immediately, Brenden straightened, composure returning, and followed her outside.

Once there, he worked methodically, helping to gather the green onions and carefully trimming away the dried leaves.

Loretta stood back, quietly observing him, noting each careful motion.

"Why don't you stay a few more days? Keep me company, and I'll cook all your favorite meals," she Wrong Idea said,her tone warm.

"Sure!" Brenden replied casually, but a flicker of worry crossed his face.

Spending more time with Gabriela was tempting, yes,but also dangerous. The longer he lingered around her,the harder it might be for her to walk away.

Brenden couldn't help but sigh, feeling sure that his charm had made Gabriela fall deeply in love with him.

Loretta, noticing the peculiar expression twisting his face, frowned. "Is something bothering you lately?Tell me-I'll help,I promise."

"You're so kind, Loretta," Brenden said, touched for a brief moment, before the weight of his thoughts spilled out. "There's this wonderfu girl who likes me... a lot. But I already have a girlfriend, and I don't want to hurt her feelings. What do you think I should do?"

Loretta studied him carefully, skepticism etched across her face. Brenden's taste in women was questionable, and he was constantly surrounded by gold-diggers clamoring for designer bags and expensive jewelry.

Could a genuinely decent girl really be interested in him?

Loretta gave a casual shrug. "What's so difficult about that? Just keep your distance. Don't give her the wrong idea, and with time, it'll sort itself out."

A pang struck Brenden's chest.

Was that really the only way forward? He felt an uncomfortable reluctance settle over him.

Not ready to give up, he pressed on. "How long has Gabriela been working here part-time? Do you know her well? Between Fiona and Gabriela, who's better?"

Without hesitation, Loretta replied, "Gabriela, of course."

Brenden leaned in, curious. "Why?"

As if the answer were obvious, Loretta listed off her reasons."Gabriela is prettier, better educated, brings good fortune to Wesley, and she's capable with a calm, pleasant temperament."

Most importantly, she was the only one who could soften Wesley's cold heart.

Brenden's chest swelled with pride. "I thought so too."

Loretta, however, couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that something about Brenden's reaction was unusual.

Why did he swell with pride when she praised Gabriela?

And what had he been so troubled about earlier,wearing such a conflicted expression-as if wrestling with some difficult choice?

Loretta kept her observations to herself, turning instead to the kitchen. She decided to cook something for him.

In the kitchen, Gabriela was busy putting the finishing touches on the soup. She looked up as Loretta entered and rolled up her sleeves. "You should take a break. There's no need to help. Lunch will be ready soon," she said with a gentle smile.

"I'm making something for Brenden," Loretta replied,just as a servant brought in a bag of fresh ingredients.

The moment Brenden's name was mentioned,Gabriela's stomach tightened.

The next second, Loretta pulled out several portions of pollack from the bag.

As she busied herself in the kitchen preparing the dish for Brenden, he was lounging on the sofa,reading Renee's text.

"I miss you so much, darling. Why haven't you replied? Are you hiding something from me? If I don't hear back in ten minutes, you'll owe me a handbag tomorrow and an all-night cuddle when we sleep."

The usual flirtatious banter, which once thrilled him, now felt hollow to Brenden.

He texted back. "Miss you to0."

Bored, he tossed his phone aside just as Gabriela's voice rang out. "Dinner's ready!"

His heart skipped. Her words somehow carried more weight than a hundred of Renee's declarations of love.

Gabriela set the dishes on the table, then noticed Wesley hadn't emerged. She hurried to his study and knocked gently.

"Come in," came a cool, measured voice from within.

She pushed the door open.

The study was immense, shelves towering like a private library.

Everything gleamed with order. Spacious,immaculate and every detail reflecting Wesley's meticulous nature.

He wasn't at his desk, but reclining in a chair, absorbed in a book.

A light gray vest over his shirt, a thick tome in hand,he looked effortlessly captivating.

Gabriela lowered her gaze, and said with quiet respect, "Dinner's ready, Mr. Moss."

Wesley closed his book, rose from his chair,and replied smoothly, "Alright,let's go."

Outside, Brenden was already seated, lounging as if he owned the place. It was familiar display of his usual careless charm whenever he visited the estate.

Before him lay a plate of classic BBQ ribs, glistening and fragrant, the kind of dish that made his stomach ache with anticipation.

Had Gabriela prepared this knowing it was his favorite?

Just as he lifted his fork, ready to dig in, the ribs were replaced with a new dish.

"You're eating this tonight," Loretta declared. "This... what is this?" Brenden asked in confusion.

Loretta sat down beside him, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "It's fish. Are you blind, stupid boy?"

Brenden felt a surge of frustration. Why was he being scolded for this?

"What's with that face?" Loretta frowned. "I put thought and effort into this, and you turn your nose up at it?"

Brenden grimaced. He couldn't stand the stuff; even the aroma made his stomach churn.

"Wesley knows you've been overworking yourself lately," Loretta continued. "And he suggested you have this for three days straight. Even if he's strict sometimes, when he shows kindness, you should appreciate it."

Brenden felt a flicker of warmth and glanced at Wesley.

He had no idea Wesley cared so much. Wesley,however, remained perfectly unreadable, his expression fixed and calm.

Mustering all his willpower, Brenden dove in and finished the entire plate of fish.

Gabriela, watching quietly from the side, couldn't hide her surprise.

Each chew looked painful, yet he managed to clear his plate.

In the quiet elegance of Rosemont Gardens, Marie's voice carried a sharp edge as she scolded Phyllis."You idiot! Even if Gabriela's boyfriend really is Brenden, you had no business inviting him there. Do you even know who Brenden is? He's Wesley's cousin!"

Phyllis, eyes flashing with defiance, shot back,"Vivian said Brenden's a notorious playboy, with girlfriends so many he can't even remember their names." She assumed Gabriela's connection to him meant little.

"So what?" Marie snapped, her patience wearing thin. "Reputation or not, Wesley treats him like a brother and protects him. That alone makes him magnetic to everyone in the circle. And look what you've done! Not only did you fail to embarrass Gabriela, you've insulted Wesley. Gabriela's at his place right now, probably scheming how to get back at you."

Phyllis felt a flicker of fear, but it was drowned out by envy. "I'm not afraid of her!" she declared. "If she tries anything, I'll make sure no one walks away unscathed."