Lock You In My Heart novel Chapter 56

The news of Gabrielle and Westley's marriage came as a surprise to Benny. He had known Gabrielle for many years. She had been adopted by the Jones at a young age. Growing up, she was an obedient and well-behaved child. Her polite demeanor would appeal to any man coming from a family with the same social rank as the Jones. They would surely let her marry such a man.

However, Benny didn't expect the man Gabrielle married to be the heir of the most powerful and wealthy family in Antawood.

He wasn't aware of how and when they had first met.

"There are more things that you didn't expect. It would be best if you didn't linger around the ward after the operation is over. If she wants to see you once she's awake, she will ask for you. You do not need to look after her," said Westley. His tone was cold and firm.

Benny shot him a displeased look. He didn't like being spoken to in such a manner. "I believe you've made a mistake, Westley. I am Sloane's brother. She has lived with me for more than ten years. I am also the closest family member she has, at present. As her guardian, it is my right to look after her," replied Benny.

"To jog your memory, she was injured because of you. She fell down because of you. Need I remind you it was Gabrielle who accompanied her when she was bullied? It was she who brought her to the hospital for treatment. What help did you offer, despite being her nominal brother? All you have done is cause her trouble and injury. Do you really believe you have any right to stay with her?" argued Westley. Westley had no interest of meddling in such messy matters. However, since Gabrielle was involved in this particular one, he felt the need to interject.

"Westley, I don't mean any disrespect but this is none of your business. You may be Gabrielle's husband but that does not give you the right to interfere in my family affair." Benny's face looked grim.

"It seems as if you've forgotten who I am. In Antawood, I hold the power to deal with anything," said Westley, flatly. He cast a stone-cold glance at Benny.

Westley possessed the ability to seem overbearing and ruthless when he wanted to.

It was true. In Antawood, there wasn't a thing Westley couldn't do. That was the extent of his power.

"Irrespective of everything, Gabrielle is my wife. She was injured because of you. I could have made your life unbearable just for that. I want to believe you are a sensible person. So, I am advising you to leave before I lose my patience. If at all Sloane wants to see you after she wakes up, I will let you know. I will not interfere in your business then." Westley gave Benny a final chance to make a choice.

"Okay, Westley. I am leaving. Please take care of Sloane. Thank you." Having no choice, he turned around and left.

As Westley walked up to the car, he saw Gabrielle sitting in the back seat. She seemed to be gulping down ice coffee as if she were parched. She appeared to be restraining an unpleasant sentiment.

She immediately offered Westley another cup of coffee as he got into the car. "It's your favorite black coffee. It's prepared just the way you like it, Westley. Here you go."

Westley was taken aback for a moment. She had an ingratiating expression on her face. Along with the crisscrossed bandages it made for an amusing view.

"Who told you that this is how I take my coffee?" asked Westley. He leaned back slightly without showing any intention of accepting the coffee. He glanced displeasingly at Alvin, who sat on the driver's seat.

He was certain that it must have been Alvin who informed Gabrielle about his preference.

Gabrielle's sycophantic behavior made him uncomfortable. Was she really the kind of person who would fawn over men to gain their favor?

He had a hunch that she would curry favor with Austin, Lance and Micheal.

The thought of that further displeased him.

He shot a cold gaze at Alvin. Enough to send shivers down his

spine.

"I bought the coffee, Mr. Morris. I know your prefer to take it black," Alvin admitted, at once.

He knew Westley was about to lose his temper any moment. He didn't dare to trifle with him.

"Okay," replied Westley. He was considerably less irritated after knowing it was Alvin who bought the coffee. However, a part of him hoped that it was prepared by Gabrielle. He felt disappointed to know that wasn't the case.

Gabrielle swallowed hard. She took a mouthful of ice coffee and gulped it down, hoping that it would calm her down. She then turned away to look out of the window. She couldn't dare to look at Westley, anymore.

It was dark outside. Neon lights flashed over the landscape. Gabrielle's sullen state made it difficult for her to appreciate the view outside.

"Benny won't be seeing Sloane until she asks for him. If she wishes to see him once she's awake and responsive, he can go see her," said Westley. Westley glanced over at Gabrielle. He felt sorry for her because she looked gloomy.

He had always thought that Gabrielle was a smart woman. He was aware of her cunning and calculative side. However, in this moment she seemed silly and doltish.

He couldn't believe she had gone as far as to put herself in danger just to save her friend. Her face and body were scarred with scratches. Yet, somehow all she could think about was Sloane. Despite her own injuries, she was worried for her friend.

"What do you mean? I don't understand. Did you persuade Benny to stay away?" Gabrielle looked at him in astonishment.

"Gabrielle, you know I don't like to repeat myself," he responded in a callous manner.

Gabrielle was relieved to know that Benny had been put in his place. She was glad to know that he wouldn't be bothering them.

"Thank you for helping me, Westley. I really appreciate it," Gabrielle said as she expressed her sincere gratitude.

"It's not you who I'm helping, Gabrielle. You know I dislike Benny's behavior. I don't deem him worthy to be Sloane's brother." Westley didn't want to put Gabrielle on a high horse. He made sure it was clear that he had no intention of helping her.

"I know where you want to take this conversation. I agree that Benny doesn't deserve to be Sloane's brother. But my brother is actually a very good man. He's not as bad as you believe he is. He-"

"Gabrielle!" exclaimed Westley. He interrupted her mid-sentence. He had no intention of letting her finish.