Chapter 185 Is This a Coincidence?

Walter was always so understanding, completely different from the typical boss. He didn't just consider his employees' problems; he had an inexplicable sense of closeness.

Gabriella felt a warm sensation in her heart. Looking at him, she couldn't help but smile gently. "Thanks a lot, Mr. Murphy."

"It's nothing," Walter said, his voice slightly hesitant. "It's after work hours now. You don't have to be so formal. Just call me Walter."

The atmosphere in the car felt a bit delicate.

Gabriella couldn't quite describe her feelings. It seemed like Walter paid special attention to her, and she was very curious about it.

But she was just a college student who hadn't graduated yet, working towards a social degree, a young single mom raising a child on her own. What could possibly make Walter interested in her?

Gabriella couldn't figure it out, but she wasn't one to trouble herself over such things.

If something didn't make sense, she simply wouldn't think about it.

In just a second, Gabriella returned to her usual self, a peaceful smile appearing on her face. "Got it."

The conversation between the two was quite pleasant for the rest of the ride.

Gabriella gradually let down her guard.

Maybe Walter just didn't interact with people his age very often, and she happened to be non-threatening, so he took a liking to her.

With this thought, Gabriella felt more at ease. Soon, they arrived at her apartment building. Just as she was about to get out of the car, Gabriella glanced up and saw something.

In that moment, her eyes widened.

No way.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Or is there something you want to tell me?" Walter looked at Gabriella with deep affection, a smile never leaving his face.

The words that were about to leave Gabriella's mouth were swallowed back. She couldn't help but smile. "It's nothing. Thanks again for today. I'll head up now."

With that, Gabriella quickly got out of the car and walked towards her building.

Walter remained calm and soon drove away. Gabriella, however, didn't go upstairs immediately. She stood at a distance, watching.

Earlier, in Walter's car, Gabriella had seen a handwoven butterfly.

It was made of plastic string, a deep blue color, looking quite cheap compared to the car's luxurious interior.

Due to exposure to light, the blue had faded significantly, and the edges were worn. It was clear it had been around for many years.

How could it look so much like the one she made when she was a child?

Back then, Gabriella and her mom moved around a lot to avoid trouble from some enemies.

Although they always ended up in similar environments, any new friends she made were soon left behind.

Gabriella had no choice but to spend time alone.

The butterfly she made back then was given to a boy who lived next door.

Gabriella had just moved in, and so had he. They spent a delightful summer together, laughing and playing.

They had planned to meet again in the winter after the boy finished school.

But just a couple of weeks later, her window was shattered by someone.

Her mom held Gabriella, crying bitterly, and they moved out that very night.

She and that boy never saw each other again. If it weren't for that deep blue butterfly, Gabriella might not have remembered this at all.

Could that boy be...

"Mom, Mommy..." A child's voice suddenly called out.

Gabriella turned towards the sound and saw Charles coming back.

Ariana's face was full of smiles as she held Charles's hand, her tone unusually gentle. "You're back early today. Charles had a great time playing outside."

Gabriella gently pinched her son's cheek, her eyes full of joy, and took Charles upstairs.

As for what had just happened, Gabriella didn't dwell on it.

Maybe she was overthinking it. How could that boy from back then possibly be Walter?

Another weekend came around.

Today was a big day for the Barnett family.

Initially, the Barnett family had been quite secretive, even making the invitations somewhat cryptic to keep people guessing.

But since it was described as a happy occasion, it was unlikely to be anything bad. Considering the Barnett family's recent events, people quickly speculated.

It was either Alfred's engagement to the Lawson family or Justin's to the Fuller family.

Given that Alfred hadn't been seen with Jennifer in public for two years, and the two families' relations had become somewhat strained in recent collaborations, the rumors leaned towards Justin and Ophelia.

The internet was abuzz with all sorts of speculation.

But Gabriella wasn't interested in these matters. She was just an ordinary person.

She had only briefly encountered high society.

Now that everything had settled down, these things had nothing to do with her.

Gabriella always had a potive minset.

She could quickly calm her emotions.

Today, the company had a rare double weekend off, so Gabriella took the opportunity to take Charles to the park.

Charles had been quite frail as a baby.

He would catch a cold at the slightest breeze, and there was no nanny to help back then. Gabriella had to take care of him all by herself.

Thankfully, that period had passed. Charles was much healthier now, and with Ariana to help, Gabriella wasn't as exhausted.

In the park, children were running around, playing, and flying kites. Gabriella gently pushed the stroller, looking up to see a beautiful butterfly kite.

Gabriella smiled. "It's really beautiful. Charles, when will you grow up to be like these kids?"

Charles, in the stroller, blinked his eyes, not understanding a word Gabriella said. He just found the colorful things amusing and smiled.

Sometimes, all Gabriella needed was that smile, even if Charles didn't say anything.

Gabriella's mood lifted, and she gently touched Charles's face. "Charles, Mommy's biggest wish is for you to grow up healthy. That's all I ask for..."