Chapter 268
Chapter 268:
Shame gnawed at Hamilton. How had he ever been friends with someone so despicable?
“Miss Morgan, I’m so sorry,” he said, his tone heavy with guilt. “If I hadn’t accidentally mentioned our meeting to him, none of this would’ve happened.”
“This isn’t your fault,” Fernanda reassured him. “You were used. But it’s best to keep your distance from someone like Waldo. He resents others’ success—he could turn on you next.”
Hamilton nodded vigorously. “I’ll cut all ties with him—no more contact, I swear!”
Fernanda offered a faint smile and a small nod. Even so, Hamilton’s unease lingered, evident in his darting eyes.
Sensing his worry, Fernanda added, “Don’t fret. This mess is on Waldo, not you. Focus on doing your job well. I won’t hold this against you.”
Hamilton exhaled deeply and nodded earnestly. He knew Fernanda’s integrity. Now that she said so, he believed she wouldn’t undermine him at work.
The following day at the company, Hamilton shared the story of Waldo’s troublemaking with anyone who would listen. Disdain for Waldo grew among the staff, while admiration for Fernanda reached new heights.
Smart, resourceful, compassionate, and unfalteringly strong—Fernanda inspired awe. She was everything they could want in a leader.
Fernanda decided not to tell anyone about the attack orchestrated by Waldo, thinking it wasn’t important enough to mention.
The week passed quietly, and when the weekend came, she enjoyed a shopping trip with Wendy.
While at the mall, Fernanda bumped into someone she recognized—Minnie. As soon as Minnie caught sight of Fernanda, she froze, her body shuddering as if startled by something unseen.
A sudden urge to run surged through her, but with no elevator in sight, the only escape was to walk past Fernanda.
Gathering her courage, Minnie stepped forward and made her way over.
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“What’s bothering you?” Fernanda’s gentle, melodic voice interrupted Minnie’s thoughts as she walked by, her words tinged with curiosity. “Do I really seem that frightening?”
Minnie quickly shook her head. “No, it’s not that,” she responded. “I just feel guilty. I think I owe you an apology.”
The memory of being caught spying on Fernanda for Ava had been weighing heavily on Minnie. It was a humiliating moment she couldn’t easily forget.
“Ah, you’re talking about that incident,” Fernanda replied calmly. “Don’t worry about it. You did what I asked you to do afterward, right? Consider it settled. I’ve let it go.”
Minnie let out a quiet sigh, relief washing over her.
“By the way, have you heard from Ava recently?” Fernanda inquired. Her gaze remained steady and composed as it settled on Minnie’s face.
Before Minnie could respond, Fernanda continued, “You know Ava. Now that you’ve betrayed her, she’ll make sure to get back at you. Last time, you interfered with her plans. She must be giving you a hard time.”
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