Chapter 284

Chapter 284:

Over an hour later, the car began climbing a twisting mountain road. The higher they went, the fresher the air became, carrying the scent of earth and leaves. Fernanda lowered her window, letting the cool autumn breeze sweep through.

The gentle rustling of leaves took over the city’s noise, creating a serene atmosphere that was both refreshing and soothing.

Away from the chaos of the city, Fernanda felt more at ease in the calm surroundings. The peacefulness reminded her of Zhota, a place that had once brought her comfort. Unlike here, Zhota’s humidity made it even more welcoming and livable.

Jeff, glancing in the rearview mirror, caught sight of Fernanda. Her eyes were fixed on the passing scenery, her long black hair softly tousled by the wind, revealing her delicate features.

Fernanda’s beauty was the kind that unfolded gradually. It wasn’t the type that stunned at first glance but captivated the more one looked at her, making it hard to look away.

Her eyes stood out the most—calm, deep, and carrying an enigmatic maturity. Jeff’s thoughts drifted back to the first time he saw her, sitting quietly on a street bench. He had been caught off guard by her understated elegance. Despite his belief in judging people beyond their appearances, he had found himself initiating a conversation with her that day, unable to resist her charm.

His memories were interrupted when Sloane nudged him lightly.

“Hey, Jeff, you’re not getting sleepy, are you?” she teased. “We’re all depending on you to keep us safe!”

The playful comment made Fernanda shift her gaze from the window to the front of the car.

Jeff’s eyes darted to the mirror again and noticed Fernanda wasn’t watching him; nonetheless, a strange sense of unease crept in.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got this,” he replied, straightening in his seat. “We’ll get there safely.”

Sloane, knowing her brother’s steady driving habits, hadn’t been serious in her comment. She had ridden with him too many times to doubt his ability. Shaking off his wandering thoughts, Jeff refocused on the road, aware of the responsibility of safely transporting everyone.

Com

The three girls in the back remained mostly quiet, enjoying the view. But after a while, the soothing afternoon sunlight seemed to invite fatigue.

To break the lull and keep Jeff alert, they began chatting, filling the car with lighthearted conversation.

By five o’clock, the car pulled up outside an estate owned by the Norris family.

Nestled at the foot of a mountain, the villa was surrounded by a sprawling yard. The vibrant greenery of the hills and the clear, sparkling water in the distance made the scene breathtakingly picturesque.

“This place is incredible,” Wendy said, her admiration evident. “If I could retire somewhere like this, my life would be perfect.”

Wendy’s remark about retirement stuck in everyone’s mind as they stepped out of the car.

Sloane, full of energy, took the lead and guided them inside to rest.

In contrast to the villa’s grand and modern exterior, the interior featured redwood furniture, creating a classic and warm atmosphere.

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