Chapter 27

Chapter 27:

Midway through being fed by the stunning woman, Bobby’s breath caught as his attention was abruptly drawn to Fernanda, who appeared seemingly out of nowhere. The morsel of food hung in his mouth, untouched, as his gaze locked onto Fernanda, leaving him so stunned that he broke into a clumsy coughing fit.

Beside him, the woman rose swiftly, her expression filled with concern. She gently patted Bobby’s back to soothe him through another round of harsh coughs.

At that moment, Ector arrived, his greeting warm yet tinged with a curious chill in his sharp gaze. “Ah, Mr. Harper, it’s been a while since our paths last crossed,” he remarked with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Quite the surprise to find you here with another woman, especially given your recent engagement.”

Ector was well aware of the Morgan family’s reintroduction of Fernanda into society with the intention of her marrying Bobby. Rumors had also reached him about the tense encounter at the Harper family, where Judie had shown clear disdain for Fernanda as a potential family member.

Given the strained relationship between his mother and his fiancée, Bobby should avoid appearing too close to other women to avoid adding to Fernanda’s difficulties, especially considering the potential for scandal if the paparazzi were to misinterpret the situation.

Casting a glance at Fernanda, Ector noticed her calm demeanor; her gaze was gentle, her smile serene and radiant, showing no sign of discomfort amidst the unfolding drama, which brought him a silent sense of relief.

Finally regaining some composure, Bobby addressed the misunderstanding. “It’s not what it looks like,” he explained, wiping his mouth. “We’re just friends sharing a meal!”

Fernanda offered a bright smile and a casual wave to Bobby. “We just happened to run into you and said our hellos—no need for a lengthy explanation,” she said cheerfully. “Enjoy your meal, Mr. Harper. We’ll leave you to it.”

Lɑτєѕτ cнαρτєrs 𝑖n g𝓪l𝗇ovєl𝑠.𝓬o𝓶

With graceful poise, she turned and led Ector to a nearby table set for two. Ector, ever the gentleman, pulled out a chair for her before they both settled down, and he handed her a menu.

Meanwhile, Bobby’s mood sank.

The sight of his angel caught him off guard, especially as she witnessed him sharing a meal with another woman. The thought lingered that she now viewed him as nothing more than a playboy, ruining the impression he had hoped to make.

As his spirits sank further, the woman seated next to him added more food to his plate, her expression filled with concern. “Bobby, you really should try this,” she urged gently.

“I’m not hungry. Please, go ahead without me,” Bobby replied sharply, unable to take his eyes off Fernanda. Why was she with Ector? And why did Ector seem so excessively attentive?

A troubling thought struck Bobby. Ector had to be scheming something! It seemed his angel might unwittingly fall for his machinations.

Realizing Ector was Cristian’s rival only deepened his anxiety. Bobby sprang from his chair, fueled by a mix of protectiveness and jealousy, ready to intervene. But a moment of self-awareness halted him; charging over now would only make him appear more desperate than Ector.

Resigning himself to his seat, he quickly whipped out his phone and fired off a text to Cristian. “Cristian, urgent! I’ve seen my angel with a man at the Global Plaza’s rooftop revolving restaurant. Get here fast!”

While they waited for their meal, Ector noted with a hint of curiosity that Fernanda hadn’t even glanced at Bobby, treating him as though he were a mere shadow in the room.

“You don’t mind him spending time with another woman?” Ector probed gently.

A wry, somewhat scornful smile tugged at Fernanda’s lips. “Why would I mind about someone insignificant?”

“He’s hardly insignificant,” Ector countered softly, trying to gently remind her. “After all, he’s technically your fiancé.”

“It’s purely in name,” Fernanda dismissed with a wave of her hand, her voice tinged with indifference. “There’s nothing real tying me to him.”

It was clear to Ector that Fernanda harbored no fondness for Bobby. Although Ector himself wasn’t close to Bobby, their social circles overlapped enough for him to know Bobby’s reputation as a charmer always surrounded by admirers.

He had once pondered how Fernanda would navigate her supposed relationship with a known playboy like Bobby. But now, seeing her disinterest, he realized his concerns were misplaced. Bobby was nothing but a fleeting thought to her.

Ector heaved a sigh of relief. If she wasn’t bothered, there was no reason for him to be either. As he filled her glass with juice, he added thoughtfully, “At nineteen, marriage seems like a topic for later, don’t you think?”

A deep, confident voice chimed in from behind them, “I couldn’t agree more.”

Fernanda and Ector glanced back to discover Cristian. He was standing there, casually holding his suit jacket, his tall frame exuding an air of refined dignity. The room, adorned with tasteful decorations and subdued lighting, cast a warm glow.

Cristian, having caught only a glimpse of Ector’s back upon entering, now recognized the man before him as Fernanda’s brother. Bobby’s urgent message had sparked Cristian’s curiosity about Ector’s identity.

As Cristian approached, a hint of confusion etched itself across Fernanda’s face. “What brings you here?”

“Just passing by,” Cristian replied with casual ease, settling into the seat next to Fernanda. He flashed her a charming smile. “Do you mind if I join you for dinner?”

“What if I say yes? Would you leave?” Fernanda responded, her tone laced with mild irritation.

Cristian laughed lightly, gesturing for a waiter to bring a menu before confidently ordering two additional plates. “Mr. Harper is here as well. Mr. Reed, perhaps you’d be better suited at his table,” Ector immediately interjected.

Leaning back, Cristian tilted his head up slightly, his gaze carrying an unintended hint of haughtiness. “Oh, you mean Bobby? Where might he be?”

Ector’s eyes scanned the now vacant table where Bobby and his companion had sat moments ago. The restaurant staff swiftly cleared away the remnants of their meal, leaving the atmosphere tinged with a sense of departure.

Service at the restaurant was efficient, and Cristian, with his sharp memory for details, placed two of Fernanda’s favorite dishes in front of her. They were items he recalled she had enjoyed during their previous dinner outings together.

“Mr. Reed, are you particularly close to Fernanda?” Ector inquired, unable to hide his curiosity as he observed Cristian serving Fernanda with casual familiarity.

“Yeah,” Cristian replied confidently, nodding. “I’d say I’m probably the person she’s closest to in Esaham.”

At this revelation, both Fernanda’s and Ector’s expressions shifted—Fernanda appeared surprised and slightly uneasy, while Ector furrowed his brow in confusion.

Cristian’s arrival noticeably altered the dynamic at the table. Conversation, already strained between Fernanda and Ector, fell into an even heavier silence.

As the meal approached its end, Ector’s phone buzzed urgently—a call from the company about a pressing matter that demanded his immediate attention.

“Fernanda, I’ll take you home before I head out,” Ector offered hastily.

“If you’re pressed for time, Mr. Morgan, don’t worry about it,” Cristian interjected with a reassuring smile. “I’ll make sure Fernanda gets home safely after we finish here.”

Ector’s eyes narrowed, a hint of skepticism coloring his expression as he retorted, “I really don’t think you need to involve yourself in matters concerning my sister, Mr. Reed.”

“It’s alright, don’t fuss over me. I can find my own way back later. You should attend to your own affairs,” Fernanda insisted, her tone gentle yet firm. She was mindful of how much of Ector’s time she had already taken and reluctant to burden him further.

Ector hesitated briefly, his gaze lingering on Cristian with a mix of suspicion and scrutiny. “Really, don’t worry, Ector,” Fernanda reassured, breaking the tension. “I’ll send you a message once I’m home.”

Recognizing the urgency of his schedule, Ector glanced at his watch, nodded briefly, and hurried out of the restaurant.

Once Ector had departed, Fernanda set down her fork with a soft clink against the plate.

She turned to face Cristian, her expression intent. “So, what’s the real reason for your visit today?”

Cristian’s eyebrow arched slightly. “You think I always have an agenda?”

“Isn’t that usually the case?” Fernanda retorted, challenging him. “After all, Mr. Reed, you’re not known for acting without motive.”

Cristian pondered her challenge for a moment, his head tilting subtly before he flashed a disarmingly charming smile. “Well, you’ve got me.”

A brief silence ensued, Fernanda’s gaze locked on his, anticipating his next words.

Finally, meeting her steady look with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Cristian’s tone took on a serious edge. “I’m here to officially meet my future brother-in-law.”

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