Chapter 85

Chapter85 His Undeniable Charm

Before Brenden sat a dish of baked custard studded with apples.

The apples, thinly sliced and artfully layered,were nestled in a creamy custard, baked to a golden, firm finish.

Regardless of its flavor, the dish was undeniably visually appealing.

Wesley's lips tightened, his eyes turning cold.

She clearly put in genuine effort for Brenden's breakfast, yet for him, she had previously made some awful greasy fried meat.

Unaware that his dish was a disaster, Brenden was so moved he nearly welled up.

Since childhood, aside from Loretta, no one had shown him such kindness.

At that moment, Loretta and Miriam joined them at the table.

Deeply touched, Brenden declared, "Gabriela made this special breakfast for me. Of course I'll savor every bite."

He scooped a generous spoonful of custard.

The instant it hit his tongue, his pleased expression faltered, replaced by a grimace.

It was so salty!

Had Gabriela emptied the entire salt canister into it?

Catching her glance, he noticed a flicker of smug triumph mixed with quiet anger, and it clicked.

In his mind, Gabriela's affection had twisted into mischief. If she couldn't have him, she'd sabotage him.

Well, it was all because of his undeniable charm.

Having let Gabriela down, he figured he deserved her punishment. Brenden forced down the custard, maintaining a neutral expression. With a bright smile, he fibbed,"Gabriela, your cooking is incredible. This is truly delicious."

Gabriela stared, at a loss for words.

Wasn't that much salt enough to make him wince?

Noticing her icy glare, Brenden fell silent but continued to choke down the custard. Leaning toward Wesley, he whispered, "I think Gabriela's way too into me."

Wesley shot him a cold glance, saying nothing.

Brenden pressed on, "This breakfast is overly salty,but it must've taken her ages to make. She's punishing me with this because I couldn't return her feelings. Gabriela's such a great girl. Why would she fall for someone like me? I've really disappointed her."

He muttered as he ate, unable to contain himself.

His overwhelming charm demanded to be acknowledged, or his ego would burst.

Wesley's fists clenched subtly, tempted to silence him.

Picking up an apple, he said casually, "Grandma,Brenden's eating something this salty so early. It is not good for his health. He needs some exercise."

Due to Wesley's past health concerns, Loretta was particularly attentive to the younger family members'well-being.

Alarmed, she tasted the custard and found it unbearably salty.

Yet Brenden had already consumed over half.

Loretta promptly declared, "Brenden, after breakfast,you're exercising with me."

Brenden protested, "NNo need, Loretta. I'm fine."

Loretta was resolute. "It's not up to you. If I say you need it, you do!"

Brenden respected Loretta deeply. Thus, he didn't dare defy her and reluctantly agreed.

Gabriela silently admired Loretta's decisiveness. Well played!

After breakfast, Loretta sent Brenden on a short walk to aid digestion. Thirty minutes later, he was to exercise in the garden's fresh air.

Then Loretta turned to Gabriela, her tone warm."Is your foot fully healed,Gabriela?"

Gabriela nodded quickly. "It's been fine for two days now."

"Could you help me hang the New Year's garlands?"Loretta asked.

Gabriela's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to!"

She'd never participated in such meaningful traditions before.

This year, she could finally join in.

Pleased with her enthusiasm, Loretta turned to Wesley. "You'll hang the garlands, and Gabriela will assist."

Wesley's face clouded with a touch of reluctance.

Such tasks were typically left to staff. As CEO of Apex Group, was he really being asked to do something so mundane?

Noticing his hesitation, Loretta planted her hands on her hips. "Well? Are you doing it or not?"

Wesley didn't want to upset her, so he relented.Sighing,he stood. "I'll do it."

"Change your clothes first," Loretta instructed. "It's the New Year, and you're always in black or white.What's that about? Look at Gabriela in her vibrant red-so festive."

Gabriela's red coat highlighted her delicate complexion, enhancing her beauty.

The more Loretta observed her, the more she adored Gabriela. She wished that Wesley would marry Gabriela right away. "Do I really need to change?" Wesley protested.

His wardrobe was almost entirely monochrome.

"Yes," Loretta insisted, producing a red T-shirt she'd prepared. "Wear this."

Wesley's expression darkened at the sight of the T-shirt.

Under Loretta's firm gaze, he reluctantly donned the T-shirt, rolled up his sleeves, and began hanging the garlands.

Gabriela observed in quiet awe as Loretta accomplished what no one else could-silencing Wesley's objections with a single look and bending him to her will.

Loretta glanced at her. "Why are you just standing there,Gabriela? Go help."

A quiet satisfaction warmed her chest-she'd engineered this moment perfectly. She hoped their relationship would blossom. Brenden, watching the scene unfold, was caught off guard when Loretta turned to him. "Brenden, let's go.Time to exercise."

He trailed her into the garden, quietly calculating that at her age, she wouldn't last long with exercise.

To his dismay, a chiseled, forty-something man awaited-Cassius Padilla, a well-known personal trainer with over a million Instagram followers.

His presence during the New Year was thanks to Wesley's personal request.

Brenden's confidence wavered. This wasn't looking good.

Loretta instructed Cassius to give Brenden a thorough workout, then returned with Miriam to watch Gabriela and Wesley.

Wesley stood atop a ladder, with Gabriela passing garlands to him.

For novices, they worked in surprising harmony,their striking appearances making them a captivating sight.

Still, Loretta felt a pang of worry. "Wesley is not interested in women. I wonder if Gabriela could work her magic and make him fall for her."

Miriam's eyes sparkled with an idea. "Remember that scarf Gabriela knitted a few days ago? What if..."

After hearing her plan, Loretta remained doubtful about its merit.

Miriam's schemes had never succeeded before.

"This time, it'll work!" Miriam said confidently."Mr.Moss is not as cold-hearted as he appears. If he really rejects a lovely woman's advances..."

Loretta's heart skipped a beat. Would it mean he'd never be interested in women?

"Don't worry," Miriam said calmly. "If that's the case,we'll use our trump card."

Though doubtful, Loretta decided to trust her.