Chapter 3
Wesley lowered his gaze to give Gemma a fleeting glance. Then, he coldly looked away and replied with a hum.
Gemma said nothing more, while Amelia embarrassedly explained, “Wesley is always like this, Gemma. He doesn’t talk much. Don’t take it to heart.”
Gemma smiled slightly. “I won’t. Don’t worry, Amy.”
“Alright, that’s all then. You’re not in good health, so go upstairs and get some rest,” Thomas ordered.
“Got it. I’ll get going.”
“Rest well,” Sadie said with a warm and considerate smile.
Gemma turned and walked upstairs as the guests in the hall continued their conversations. None paid attention to her departure.
Halfway up, she turned back to glance at Wesley just as he lifted his gaze. Their eyes met, and she curved her lips slightly before continuing upstairs.
Wesley stood in place and watched her leave. As she disappeared at the top of the stairs, he wondered if that fleeting odd smile had been nothing more than just his imagination.
“Wesley,” Amelia softly called out his name upon noticing his distraction.
“Yeah?” Wesley returned to his senses.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Let’s go over there and sit for a bit.” Amelia pointed toward the lounge.
“Sure.”
…
Upstairs, Gemma received a text from Tracy detailing the information she’d asked for about Wesley.
“Wesley Lowell, son of Henry Lowell, chairman of Lowell Group. A neurosurgeon at Northington Top Healthcare and a genius among his peers. He is the most favored grandson of Phillip Lowell.
“Unlike typical wealthy playboys, Wesley Lowell is reserved, aloof, and low-profiled.”
Gemma read the brief introduction, and her gaze grew thoughtful. After a long pause, she replied, “Tracy, do you think Amelia is better than me?”
Tracy replied almost instantly, saying, “She can’t even compare.”
…
The next morning, Gemma descended the stairs and heard the sound of a video playing in the dining room. Thomas, Sadie, Amelia, and Florian, the birthday boy, were all gathered and talking.
Several words caught her attention—Wesley, prestigious family, and more opportunities to interact.
Amelia had a faint blush on her face, and her eyes were bright with a cheerful smile.
Without saying anything, Gemma simply stood there and watched the scene unfold. Despite being the eldest daughter of the Fields, she felt more like an outsider in the Field residence.
Florian was the first to notice her. The five-year-old boy who knew nothing of the world, softly called out to her, “Gemma.”
Everyone turned to look at her. Sadie smiled kindly and said, “Gemma, come have breakfast.”
Gemma walked over and took her seat beside Florian.
Thomas frowned. “Why are you this late? Didn’t I have Sadie ask a housekeeper to inform you of the meal times?”
Gemma looked up and caught the fleeting panic in Sadie’s expression before settling on Thomas. Her voice was light and calm as she said, “I’m sorry, Dad. I overslept.”
At her response, Sadie quickly let out a breath of relief.
Thomas remained displeased but didn’t press further. “Now that you’re back, you should learn proper etiquette. How could you have the whole family wait for you?”
“Understood.”
“Are you going to the hospital after breakfast?” Thomas asked.
“Yes.”
Thomas said no more and instructed her to undergo a thorough check-up.
Gemma lowered her head as she ate. Throughout breakfast, Florian kept sneaking cautious glances at her, but she ignored him entirely.
…
Gemma got ready to head to the hospital.
After getting into the car, Amelia asked, “Why aren’t you going to Northington Hospital?”
With a smile on her face, Gemma softly countered, “Would you prefer I go there?”
