Chapter 28

Chapter 28:

At Cristian’s words, Fernanda shivered, the sudden chill raising goosebumps on her skin. Just as she was about to rise, Cristian pressed firmly on her wrist.

“Your words really made me sick,” Fernanda’s eyes burned with pure disdain as she crossed her arms. “Tell me, who’s this future brother-in-law of yours?”

“Ector, of course,” Cristian replied with a mischievous chuckle. After pausing for a moment, he added, “I was only joking. It appears that I fooled you.”

Fernanda frowned, unconvinced by his claim of joking. How could he refer to Ector as his future brother-in-law?

“I’ve had enough—I’m leaving,” Fernanda declared, attempting once more to stand. Yet, Cristian’s grip remained firm on her wrist. His hand was warm, his grip conveying a calm yet assertive force. He gently lifted his hand to brush away a stray lock of her hair from her shoulder, nodding. “Allow me to escort you home.”

“There’s no need,” Fernanda countered sharply. “I can take a taxi on my own.”

“After sharing a meal, it would be rude of me to let you travel alone by taxi,” he insisted.

Fernanda realized arguing was futile. Yet, she detested the sensation of being dominated, the feeling that she was constantly under someone else’s control.

As Fernanda stepped into the elevator, she promptly pressed the button for the first floor. Once the elevator reached its destination, Cristian still hadn’t released his grip on her wrist.

“You realize there are cameras in the elevator, right?” Cristian’s voice was calm but firm, his eyes locking on hers. “This wouldn’t look good if someone saw us tugging at each other.”

“Mr. Reed, it seems you’ve forgotten that you’re the one holding onto me,” Fernanda pointed out, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glanced sideways at him, her look tinged with a veiled threat. “My tolerance has limits. Do you really believe I’m powerless against you?” Her voice carried a cold edge.

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Despite her threatening demeanor, Cristian’s smile didn’t waver. Instead, his voice took on a tone of mild amusement. “And what do you plan to do?”

As the elevator doors slid open at the underground parking level, Fernanda’s response was swift and physical. Seizing Cristian’s tie, she pulled him out of the elevator with force. Their sudden appearance startled two bystanders by the elevator, who took in the intense scene before them.

Without missing a beat, Fernanda shoved Cristian against a nearby wall, winding his tie tightly around his neck with a precise grip, while her knee pressed firmly against his abdomen.

“I despise being threatened,” she declared, locking eyes with him intensely. “Cristian, don’t force me to see you as an enemy.”

Her posture was aggressive and calculated, her hand tight around his neck and her knee strategically placed for leverage. Cristian, however, maintained his nonchalant demeanor, hands in his pockets, leaning casually against the wall. He met her fierce gaze with a relaxed smile.

“I’ve done nothing to harm you. Why would you consider me an enemy? Is it merely because I wish to be closer to you?”

“I’d rather not have anyone getting close to me,” Fernanda retorted sharply, her piercing gaze fixed on him. Her gaze didn’t waver as she continued, “You’re just the same as all the others.”

“Really?” Cristian replied, his lips twisting into a scornful smile. His eyes sparked with a defiant gleam, his gaze turning haughty and self-assured. “I find that hard to believe.”

Fernanda lifted her gaze to meet his. “And what part of it do you find so unbelievable?”

“I refuse to accept that I’m like everyone else.” Cristian leaned in, his presence imposing, his voice deep and resonant, echoing slightly as he spoke close to her ear. “In time, you’ll see for yourself, Fernanda. I’m not like the rest.”

With those words, he gently grasped her hand, his palm enveloping hers entirely. With a deft movement, he loosened his tie from her grip. Then, with a twist of his wrist, he guided Fernanda into a spin. When she regained her balance, she found his arm securely placed around her shoulders.

“What I desire becomes mine,” Cristian stated, each word imbued with a commanding and possessive tone. “That’s something no one can change.”

He then escorted her to the car, securing her seatbelt with swift, practiced motions.

As the car started, Fernanda turned her gaze to the window, her reflection mirroring her icy demeanor.

“Do you always exert such control?” she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.

“Not typically,” Cristian’s response was softer, more introspective. “You’re the first I’ve felt this way about.”

A light chuckle escaped Fernanda, her shoulders quivering subtly. “And why is that? Don’t tell me you’ve taken a liking to me.”

“Is that so unimaginable?” Cristian retorted, stealing a glance her way. “What about you isn’t there to like?”

Fernanda rolled her eyes in frustration. They had only met a few times. How deeply did this man really know her? Discussing likes and dislikes at this moment seemed frivolous, typical of a man who prized outward appearances above all else.

As if deciphering her internal musings, Cristian interjected, “The world is filled with beauty, Fernanda. You should stand tall and recognize your own unique allure that captures people’s gaze. You truly are one of a kind—not solely for your looks.”

His tone was earnest and heartfelt, prompting her to consider his words more deeply. Was he merely charming her with sweet nothings, or did his sincerity run true? Either way, his words brought a sense of solace.

Fernanda’s tension eased, and she reclined in her seat, her posture relaxed. She sensed no ill intent in Cristian’s approach, yet it was unfamiliar territory for her. She wasn’t used to forming such intimate connections with someone so unfamiliar, especially not someone like Cristian, who was far from the circle of friends she had back in Zhota.

Fernanda remained silent until they reached their destination and Cristian parked outside the expansive Morgan family villa. With a soft click, the central lock disengaged, and Fernanda stepped out of the car.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice calm but distant as she shut the car door behind her and walked briskly into the villa.

As Cristian watched her disappear from view, he started the car and headed back to the office. He worked at Vertex Investments, a major branch of the expansive Reed Group, known for its diverse portfolio and considerable size.

When he entered the lobby, the secretary hurried over. “Mr. Reed, Mr. Morgan is here to see you. He’s waiting in the VIP room.”

Cristian gave a slight nod, already expecting him.

In the VIP room, he found Ector lounging on the sofa. “It seems your meeting wrapped up rather quickly,” Cristian observed as he took a seat across from him. “What brings you here today?”

Ector straightened and crossed his arms, his relaxed posture belying the sharpness in his gaze. “You know exactly why I’m here,” he said bluntly.

“Oh?” Cristian raised an eyebrow. “And why is that?”

Ector met his gaze. “Keep your distance from my sister. She’s not like the women you’re used to, and she wants no part of your games.”

Cristian lifted the coffee mug from the table, took a cautious sip, and replied serenely, “What do you mean by that?”

“Then why are you so intent on pursuing her?” Ector retorted with a sneer. “Remember, she is engaged. And even if she were available, she’s far beyond your reach. Pardon my frankness, but if you cross a line with my sister, I’ll be the first to hold you accountable.”

Unruffled, Cristian set down his cup. “People often describe you as polished and amiable, always treating others kindly, yet here you stand, revealing a firmer resolve. I should feel relieved for Fernanda—it seems she truly has a devoted brother.”

He was well aware of the Morgan family dynamics but had not anticipated Ector’s deep concern.

“Protecting my sister is my responsibility.” Ector stood, polite but firm. “If you’ll excuse me, I have business matters to attend to.”

Just as Ector turned to leave, Cristian’s firm voice stopped him. “I apologize, but I will not comply with your request to keep my distance from her.”

Ector wheeled around, fixing his gaze on Cristian. “I dare you to repeat that.”

Cristian stood confidently and rose from the sofa, one hand casually tucked into his pocket. “I will not distance myself from your sister,” he said, articulating each word with precision, his expression serious. “I can’t deny it—I admire her so much that I can’t stop myself from wanting her.”

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