Chapter 158


    10-21


    Chapter 158


    The security room was overflowing with gifts, a testament to the overzealous generosity of the


    townsfolk


    “You call me if you need anything.” Gwendolyn murmured, her voice as soft as the morning breeze


    “know Bayridge City like the back of my hand. I won’t get lost.”


    Enoch found her fussing unnecessary Grabbing his things, he headed out the door.


    Howard watched her, a yful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he lightly grazed her nose


    with his fingertip and teased, “My little busybody”


    Her cheeks flushed. “I am not,” Gwendolyn protested


    “Would you like to be? Howard’s gaze was deep and meaningful as he looked at her.


    Her lips pressed together, a shy warmth blooming within her


    Marina, who had been observing their tender exchange, covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.


    “Enjoy your breakfast at leisure. Il take out the trash,‘ she said, lifting two bags of garbage before


    stepping outside, only to return momentster with a startled cry.


    “Good heavens, that gave me a fright!”


    Discarding the garbage, Marina hurried back inside.


    “What happened, Marina?” Gwendolyn asked, frowning slightly


    “Mr.


    Mr. White is blocked in his path. Your mother’s here.” Marina blurted out.


    At the mention of her mother, Gwendolyn rose swiftly and walked out, Howard close behind her.


    Outside the vi.


    Gemma, her face bruised and hair disheveled, knelt before Enoch, pleading through her tears, Mr.


    White, Nicolette and you are old friends. My long absence from Gwendolyn’s life was fraught with


    difficulties. In these times, a woman with a past like mine has it hard.” Her tears were pitiful as she


    continued, “I bear these bruises from the Sawyer family’s cruelty.


    Gemma, usually soely, was now even more apparent in its distress.


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    Enoch was icy as he responded, “Your hardships are of no concern to Gwendolyn. Why then do you


    persist in causing her pain?”


    Gemma clutched her chest, her sobs heart–wrenching. “I realize my mistakes. I swear I will make it up


    to Gwendolyn.”


    Gwendolyn approached slowly, her voice steady. “You want to make amends because you found out


    about Mr. White’s identity, don’t you?”


    “No, Gwen! I truly regret my actions!”


    Gwendolyn watched her kneeling, her heart conflicted. Yet to forgive so easily was something she


    could not do.


    “Does the Sawyer family treat you poorly? Didn’t you dere Vivien to be your daughter?” Gwendolyn


    aske cily.


    “They do nothing but berate and beat me,” Gemma sobbed. “Herman has taken a mistress.”


    It was a pitiable tale


    But pity often apanied disdain.


    “You publicly renounced our rtionship: Gwendolyn stated, her voice firm. “We are no longer family.”


    Her


    eyes reddened slightly, her gaze filled with unresolved resentment.


    “Gwen,” Enoch called out, “you and Howard go ahead. I’ll handle this.”


    He had made the decision for her. He knew Gwendolyn well enough to understand that neither


    standing by idly nor offering forgiveness was in her nature


    “Come inside,” he said to Gemma.


    Her face lit up p with manic relief as she followed him in, not sparing Gwendolyn another nce, which


    only made Gwendolyn’s heart grow colder.


    Howard wrapped an arm around her shoulder, his lips pressing a hot kiss to her cheek. “Dr. Quigley,


    let’s go blow off some steam.”


    Gwendolyn turned slightly, and his kissnded on theer of her lips.


    “Mr. Chadwick…”


    10:21


    “Don’t waste your energy on the undeserving


    Howard took her by the wrist, opening the car door for her to get


    “Okay,” Gwendolyn nodded, her eyes filled with warmth as she looked at him


    Back in the cozy living room of the cottage


    Enoch regarded the disheveled Gemma and said slowly. “I can offer you a wellness remedy, but you


    must agree to one condition”