Chapter 13

The response landed in Gabriela's WhatsApp chat in the blink of an eye. "Because you deserve it."

As she read those words, her vision blurred, tears stinging her eyes before she could blink them away.

Growing up,her childhood closet had overflowed with beautiful dresses-at least, before Phyllis's family had moved in. After that, Phyllis snatched up her prettiest things,leaving Gabriela only what was outgrown or hopelessly worn.

At school,even her classmates had teased, "Gabriela,you're so lucky! Phyllis's family takes you in and gives you such nice clothes."

Whenever Gabriela tried to correct them,explaining they were all Phyllis's castoffs, she'd be instantly scolded. "You're an orphan. You should be grateful for whatever you get! Phyllis is being generous by sharing with you-stop complaining."

Phyllis, meanwhile, always put on a saintly face,stepping in with a gentle voice. "Don't say that about Gabriela. She's a girl too-it's only natural for her to want to look nice." In the end, all Gabriela ever got from others was more ridicule and contempt.

Gradually, she'd begun to accept that maybe she really was only worthy of Phyllis's hand-me-downs.

Never in her life had she imagined that one day, a well-known playboy would offer her sincere praise.

When her phone stayed silent for a few moments,another WhatsApp message popped up. "Why aren't you responding? Did you try on the dress? Does it suit you?"

Brushing away her tears with the back of her hand,Gabriela typed quickly, "Yes, I've tried it on. It's gorgeous.I love it."

Wesley's mouth quirked into a pleased,knowing smile.In his mind, anything he picked out was guaranteed to be flawless.

Gabriela, unable to contain her curiosity, responded,"It fits like it was made for me. How did you know my size?"

Wesley's gaze sharpened with a sly edge as he mused inwardly, "I have already explored every inch of you with my own hands."

The memory of that passionate night-her slender,warm body melting against his-sent a slow, burning heat through Wesley. He responded with deliberate ease, "I'm great at estimating measurements just by looking."

"That's awesome. Thank you, Mr. Saunders."

But as soon as Wesley read her reply,his mood turned stormy.

He'd handpicked that dress himself, yet she was thanking Brenden? For a split second, his jaw tightened.

Without missing a beat, he fired off a curt message."It's not a present. Just something for you to wear at the banquet. Don't read too much into it."

Gabriela paused, thumbs hovering over the screen,bewildered.

What was going on? Had she somehow managed to offend him?

With all the praise and thanks she'd given,what could possibly have him so upset? Was her gratitude too vague? Or did he expect something more?

Wesley grew annoyed when she didn't answer with the apology he was waiting for. With a calm but cold expression, he inhaled deeply and hit send on a new message. "A dress isn't a big deal. I've bought diamond necklaces and luxury jewelry for my thirty girlfriends."

His words landed like a cold slap, blatantly implying that Brenden spoiled his girlfriends with far grander tokens and that Gabriela had no reason to feel special.

Gabriela's mind reeled.

She'd always heard whispers about Brenden's endless string of flings, but thirty girlfriends? Was that even possible?

Her thoughts snagged on the memory of that hotel room-the feel of his hard, sculpted muscles beneath her hands, the fierce, greedy way he'd pulled her close.Heat flooded her cheeks despite herself.

Yet underneath that lingering warmth, an uneasy ache twisted in her chest.

Even so, she couldn't deny it-just thinking about the way he'd gripped her so fiercely and kissed her that night sent a little thrill racing through her chest.

She snapped back a bold reply. "You're absolutely right, Mr. Saunders. You really do have deep pockets Hope your girlfriends will stick around to help you spend every last cent."

Wesley read.her comeback and knew, with a quiet satisfaction, that he'd managed to erase whatever fondness Gabriela might have felt for Brenden. The realization made his lips curve into a subtle, contented smile.

He tapped out a message, measured and calm."The banquet's about to begin. Stay put. I'll come get you."

Billy, glancing at Wesley in the rearview mirror,noticed the sudden ease in his boss's expression and silently let out the breath he'd been holding.

Just moments ago,Wesley's thunderous mood,fueled by the tense messages on his phone, had cast a heavy chill over the entire car.

Gathering his courage, Billy asked in a coreful tone,"Shall we make our way to the banquet now, Mr.iloss?"