Chapter 352 Is the Relationship Between Brad and Juniper Unusual?
'Pregnant?'
Gabriella did not have a kid now!
So, the baby had gone!
"Look, it's not really my place to talk about this with you, being Mr. Windsor's sister and all, plus you're my student."
But every time Gabriella looked at Catherine's calm, composed face, she felt a surge of strength, like just being around her made people naturally trust her!
It was a weird feeling, kinda like with Charles.
But those old memories, Gabriella didn't dare bring them up with Charles, nor did she want to!
"I was pregnant, but my dad and his mistress got into it, and I lost the baby."
"The doctor said I might... never have kids again."
Gabriella's smile was tinged with bitterness.
Her face was pale, and her eyes were misty, on the brink of tears.
"You might not get it, but to me, Charles is someone I really admire. Even though he says not to worry about his family background, how can you not notice the grace and poise it gives him?"
"My family's just regular, my parents' marriage has been a mess for years, and my dad doesn't care about me and Odette."
Because they were daughters!
Gabriella's dad always wanted a son to take over his business.
"Can you imagine a mom going to church to pray just hoping her cheating husband would come back?"
She chuckled softly, pretending it didn't bother her.
"I don't buy into superstitions, but thinking about how the stuff we worshipped at home hurt me and Odette, bringing that bad man back, I just don't want to go home."
From a young age, Gabriella was taught that because she and Odette weren't boys, their dad cheated!
She left before her wedding because her own mom told her, "You can't have kids, the Windsor family will never want you!"
"Isn't it crazy? It was my dad's mistress who pushed me down the stairs, causing me to lose the baby, but it was my mom who made me leave."
"Odette and I had a decent material life growing up, but emotionally, it was really lacking."
Someone like her couldn't comfortably stay by Charles's side!
"Charles wouldn't care about that."
"He wouldn't, but he'd always feel guilty, and I don't like that kind of relationship."
From the start of their relationship, Charles was always the one in the spotlight!
"Honestly, having a kid isn't the most important thing, but when you like someone, you want to walk alongside them, right? Whether it's mental strength or social status, I don't match up to Charles."
Gabriella was calm and clear-headed!
"I don't want to be like my mom, always yearning for the other person's pity!"
Gabriella knew that in front of Charles, she would always be a spiritual pauper!
Their world, aside from that subtle emotion and the filter of first love, was only filled with fragmented hurt!
Catherine's gaze was steady, and after a moment, she handed a napkin to Gabriella.
"You should tell Charles all this."
Gabriella shook her head, wiping the tears from her face.
The damage from her family was far worse than she had imagined!
In this situation, her dad's mistress still hoped for reconciliation.
No way!
She didn't want pity, but every time she knew she should stay away from Charles, she couldn't help but want to get closer, even stopping when she saw news about him.
Once, she happened to catch an interview with the Evergreen Group in the cafeteria.
The confident and graceful man on the screen had a presence that commanded attention, his tie perfectly in place.
It was just a three-minute clip, but Gabriella watched it over and over in the cafeteria!
That's when it hit her.
How could she ever forget Charles?
He was someone she really, really liked.
"Let's change the subject. The school's decision is in, but a few days ago, Radiant Treasures said they couldn't keep sponsoring the competition. Was that your call?"
Catherine shook her head.
"Nope."
She'd only taken over the company a few days ago and hadn't had the chance to deal with the school's sponsorship.
Plus, Imperial University was a top-notch institution.
The designers coming out of there were excellent, and if they could be directly recruited into the company, it would be a win-win.
"Does Gabriella think I'm the type to pull sponsorship out of spite? This money is from the company, and it's beneficial for both the school and the company. Why would I do that?"
"Or does the school leadership think I'm deliberately retaliating?"
Gabriella realized Catherine misunderstood and quickly clarified.
"Mr. Gibson said it was the company's upper management's decision, and the school didn't know you were the owner."
Tony often worked with universities to host competitions to snag free design drafts and gain so-called inspiration.
Looks like he's up to his old tricks again.
"The competition will go on, and the company will undergo some internal restructuring."
"Though I don't like meddling, Gabriella, maybe you should see a therapist. Sometimes being too mentally tense isn't good."
Catherine's words were casual, like she was just making small talk.
"Adults having stress is normal, but too much stress can make you sick."
Gabriella was under a lot of mental pressure, having to care for Odette while being caught between a self-pitying mom and a morally bankrupt dad, habitually blaming herself for everything.
The damage from her family background always takes a long time to heal!
"Gabriella might not want to speak out, but at least find a place to vent. A therapist is perfect for that."
Though her words were cool, they were full of concern for Gabriella's well-being!
By the time Gabriella realized it, Catherine had already left the restaurant with Mira, and watching her skirt flutter like petals, Gabriella's heart felt warm.
Kids raised in love naturally have the ability to love!
Mira followed Catherine, curious. "Ms. Catherine Windsor, are you trying to set that lady up with Mr. Charles Windsor? Is that why you suggested she see a therapist?"
Catherine glanced at her.
"No. That's between her and Charles."
"I made a suggestion; she can choose not to take it."
Catherine cared about Gabriella simply because, as a fellow woman, she saw the suffering Gabriella endured from her family, which had turned into sharp blades that hurt her.
It was just out of compassion!
At the Harrison Villa.
"Look at all these antiques... these are national treasures! Can I crash here for a few days?"
Brad's eyes lit up as he checked out the antique storage room!
Juniper asked, puzzled, "Brad, aren't people like you supposed to be indifferent to wealth?"
"This isn't wealth; these are God's masterpieces!"
Dashiell stood behind them, a curious smile on his face.
"Brad and Juniper, seems like there's something special between you two?"
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