Chapter 57

Dustin gazed at Gabriela, momentarily transfixed.

Her radiance was undeniable, commanding attention from every angle.

He took an instinctive step forward, her name nearly escaping his lips.

Phyllis's expression darkened instantly. She hissed through clenched teeth, "Dustin."

Hearing his fiancée call his name brought him back to reality. He quickly donned a polished smile."Welcome,Gabriela."

Clad in a tailored white suit that accentuated his lean physique, Dustin looked strikingly handsome.

Yet the intensity in his eyes was unsettling, almost nauseating. Gabriela maintained a composed expression."Wishing you both a lifetime of joy," she said evenly.

In her mind, those two were better off bound to each other.

She offered a perfunctory gift and went inside.

Dustin's eyes lingered on her retreating form for a long moment.

Phyllis's fists tightened, her resentment simmering.

Gabriela's entire look was surely calculated to command attention at her wedding.

Unconcerned with their opinions, Gabriela started looking for Josh to offer her congratulations.

Josh and Marie were occupied with greeting guests,as were Dustin's parents.

Dustin's mother, Doris Owen, elated that her son was marrying into wealth, beamed uncontrollably.

Spotting Gabriela, she deliberately looked away,letting out a sharp, dismissive snort, as if her presence might taint the occasion.

Dustin's father, Simeon Owen, a kind-hearted man,wanted to approach Gabriela, but Doris's quick pinch on his arm stopped him cold.

Doris knew Marie disapproved of Gabriela. With a calculating glance, she approached Marie, her smile overly warm. "Isn't that the girl you raised? Arriving so late?"

Marie cast a cool glance at Gabriela. "She and Phyllis don't get along. It's enough that she showed up."

The society women around Marie exchanged surprised glances.

"I heard her mother died when she was eight, and your family took her in for over a decade. She seems rather distant, doesn't she?"

Marie sighed, feigning regret. "My husband's sister entrusted her to us before passing. I'm not her mother, so l hesitated to discipline her too firmly.That's why she's grown so headstrong and bitter.

haven'tfulfilled my duty."

Phyllis, raised in opulence, still carried a trace of nouveau-riche flair.Marie, on the other hand, led the Haynes Group with the commanding presence of a seasoned businesswoman, earning admiration in elite circles.

Her resigned demeanor lent credibility to her words,and those women readily deemed Gabriela ungrateful.

Initially charmed by Gabriela's beauty and considering an introduction, one·of them now had second thoughts.

She hadn't realized that Gabriela's beauty was only a veneer over a flawed character.

She sighed. "It seems Gabriela's ungrateful. It's commendable your family honors its promises and hasn't cast her out."

Marie said nothing further, quietly endorsing the sentiment. Soon, the women in the group had silently labeled Gabriela as deplorable.

Gabriela finally located Josh.

His face brightened at the sight of her. "You look absolutely stunning today, Gabriela."

She exchanged a few words with him before settling into a corner seat.

She hadn't intended to stir trouble, but Vivian approached with a group of young ladies, closing in swiftly.

"You actually showed up, Gabriela? Haven't you humiliated yourself enough?"

"Phyllis overlooked your relentless pursuit of her fiancé. Have some dignity, please."

"Look at your outfit today-so extravagant. Trying to outshine Phyllis on her big day?"

Most guests had arrived. Phyllis and Dustin entered as the final jab landed. Phyllis's lips curved into a subtle, satisfied smile, her earlier irritation easing.

Dustin kept his distance, but his eyes repeatedly drifted to Gabriela, his thoughts inscrutable.

Phyllis paused, then pulled Josh toward Gabriela.

With feigned concern, she asked, "Where's your boyfriend, Gabriela? Didn't you say he'd definitely be here? The banquet's about to start."

Josh, caught up in the event, had forgotten. Now reminded, he looked at Gabriela expectantly.

"He'll arrive soon," Gabriela replied calmly.

"How soon is 'soon'?" Vivian sneered. "Don't tell me your boyfriend's stuck working overtime? Most reputable companies are off today. Or is he in some low-end service job?"

A giggle rippled through the group.

Another woman chimed in loudly, "She probably doesn't even have a boyfriend-just making that up."

Laughter spread among them. "I'll text him," Gabriela said, unfazed.

"Texting's slow," Vivian taunted. "Lucky for you, his girlfriend's right here. Why not ask her? That'd be quicker."

Gabriela's heart sank. Before she could respond, a short-haired woman in a pink gown stepped forward,eyeing her with open hostility. "With a face like that,it's no wonder my boyfriend fell for you."

Gabriela's brow furrowed. The woman pressed on,"So, what number are you on Brenden's list of girlfriends?"

Gabriela recalled Wesley mentioning Brenden was dating his forty-first girlfriend. So she was supposedly number forty-two? Better to deny knowing Brenden entirely.

As she considered this, a familiar voice called out,"Renee,am I late?"

Gabriela's unease deepened. She turned to see Brenden. Dressed in a sharp dark blue suit, his confident stride and striking features drew attention despite his modest height.

Renee Nielsen linked her arm with his, pouting playfully. "Honey, why are you so late?"

Brenden tapped her nose with affection. "Traffic held me up, sweetheart. Don't be upset."

Gabriela's heart dropped.

She had prepared two plans: if Brenden didn't show,she'd use a stand-in from a rent-a-date service.

But she hadn't anticipated the worst-case scenario unfolding: Brenden and his girlfriend both showing up.

In an instant, she resolved never to admit knowing Brenden.

Renee, however, had no intention of letting her off easily.

She turned to Brenden and complained, "Honey, this woman claims you're her boyfriend and promised to attend the wedding with her."

The nearby women erupted into loud, uunrestrained laughter.

"Hilarious! Gabriela's boyfriend is a playboy with countless girlfriends. Place your bets-what's her number?"

"Does it matter? At least someone's willing to take her."