Chapter 10

Chapter 10:

Erika reveled in a deep sense of triumph as she unleashed the grievances that had been festering within her. Her face twisted into a smug grin as she cast a mocking glance at Fernanda, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

Fernanda had dared to strike her a few days ago over a worthless photo, and Erika’s simmering rage had fueled every plan for revenge. The idea that Fernanda, a girl from such humble origins, had secured a spot in the prestigious entrance exam at Esaham University was utterly baffling to her. Erika found it improbable that Fernanda possessed any noteworthy talent or achievements.

Erika’s suspicions turned to certainty when Amber Cruz, Michelle’s niece, recounted what she had seen earlier. Amber insisted she had witnessed Fernanda getting into a high-end vehicle, and the pieces quickly fell into place for Erika. Her contempt boiled over as she imagined Fernanda shamelessly groveling before some wealthy man, sacrificing her dignity just to secure a spot in the exam.

Though Erika hated to admit it, she recognized that Fernanda’s beauty and figure were undeniably striking—qualities that seemed to attract the attention of every man around her.

Amber, sitting beside Erika, nodded vigorously. “I’m telling you, I saw it with my own eyes—Fernanda getting into that car. The driver was a distinguished-looking middle-aged man.”

“Fernanda, this is unacceptable,” Crowell Cruz, Michelle’s nephew, interjected, quickly joining in the reproach. “Regardless of your past or who you associated with, now that you’re part of the Morgan family again, you should cut ties with such questionable people. You’ve just returned, and already you’re getting close to some man? Does he mean that much to you?”

Their insinuations were cleverly disguised jabs, painting Fernanda as someone unworthy of her newfound status.

In Fernanda’s eyes, Amber was the perfect sidekick—always trailing after Erika and echoing her every word.

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Crowell, on the other hand, had his own tarnished past, having abandoned his studies to associate with shady characters. But what truly unsettled Fernanda was Crowell’s unnerving gaze. Every time their eyes met, it sent a chill down her spine.

In recent days, Crowell had kept a watchful eye on Fernanda, finding her distant and haughty, always carrying herself with an air of superiority. Now, he believed he had finally uncovered her true nature. So, her detachment was all just an act. Behind the scenes, she had been secretly meeting with some affluent man. How outrageous!

Crowell’s stare grew bolder, lingering on Fernanda. Her striking beauty and captivating figure had left him spellbound since the moment he first saw her. If she was willing to be with other men, why couldn’t he be among them?

“Fernanda, this isn’t how you should behave,” Michelle interrupted, her voice thick with feigned concern. “You’re a Morgan now, not the girl you once were. Remember, you are about to be engaged to the son of the Harper family. If any of this comes to light, can you even imagine the shame it would bring upon us?”

The relentless accusations wore away at Fernanda’s patience. She approached Amber, who was seated on the sofa, and stood imposingly over her.

“You claim you saw me getting into a man’s car? Describe him, then. What did this man look like? How many people were there?”

“I—I didn’t see clearly,” Amber stammered, her voice faltering under the pressure. “The car looked expensive, and he seemed to be a middle-aged man.”

The room grew heavier with her hesitation. Earlier that day, Amber had indeed seen Fernanda speaking with two individuals, a fact she had relayed to Erika. Under Erika’s direction, Amber had been pressured into twisting the truth, told to say she saw Fernanda with only a solitary, middle-aged man—an important detail in Erika’s plan to tarnish Fernanda’s reputation.

Fernanda, sensing the deception, leaned in, her voice dropping to a cold whisper. “Are you absolutely sure about that? Take a moment to think it through. I hate being wronged. You’ll wish you’d never opened your mouth—I won’t go easy on you.”

Fernanda’s presence was intimidating, her tone menacing. Amber’s knees trembled, a silent testament to her growing fear.

Witnessing Amber’s distress, Crowell intervened with a surge of protective fury. He stepped in front of Amber, pointing a finger at Fernanda, his voice thick with accusation. “You’re nothing but a disgraceful woman, and now you’ve dared to threaten my sister? You’ve crossed the line, and now I have to teach you a lesson!”

Crowell began to roll up his sleeves, ready for a confrontation. As he swung toward Fernanda, she caught his wrist with ease.

“Teach me a lesson? You?” Fernanda scoffed, her voice razor-sharp. “Let me remind you, I’m the eldest daughter of the Morgan family. What right do you have to teach me a lesson?”

With a swift motion, she tossed Crowell aside as if he were no heavier than a pillow.

Turning back to Amber, Fernanda pointed sternly, her voice unwavering. “I’m giving you one final chance. Tell us exactly what you witnessed. If you lie, I’ll hit you so badly you’ll never recover. Do I make myself clear?”

Amber’s eyes widened, her body tensing, frozen by the weight of Fernanda’s threat. Fernanda was only two years older than Amber, but the menace she radiated made it feel as if she could snap Amber’s neck without a second thought.

“Speak up!” Fernanda demanded, her voice cutting sharply through the silence.

Jolted by Fernanda’s tone, Amber stammered, “I—I only noticed two individuals speaking with you this afternoon, and they kept their distance. They didn’t appear to be close to you or anything.”

“Two individuals?” Robert interjected, his brow furrowing. “Hadn’t you mentioned seeing just one middle-aged man earlier?”

His question hung in the air, casting doubt over their initial assumptions. If indeed there were two, the situation might not be what they had feared. According to Amber, those two individuals kept their distance from Fernanda, suggesting that nothing inappropriate was happening between them.

Amber faltered, at a loss for words.

Fernanda scoffed dismissively, her gaze piercing Amber as if to warn her of her precarious position.

With that, she growled, her voice laced with menace, “Next time, watch your mouth. I’m giving you a chance now, but don’t think I’ll waste my time on you again.”

With a light tap on Amber’s shoulder, Fernanda’s voice took on a mocking softness. “You have a mouth for a reason. Use it wisely.”

Then, her expression shifted, revealing hurt and disappointment. “So, Erika, this is what you think of me? I shouldn’t be surprised, I guess. Considering my rural upbringing, it’s only natural for you to…”

At her words, Robert’s expression darkened with remorse. He snapped, “Erika! How dare you insult Fernanda? Apologize this instant!”

Erika’s glare was fierce, her body tense with barely contained fury. She was convinced that Fernanda was manipulating the situation on purpose.

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