Chapter 297
Chapter 297:
Then Rafael had conveniently called last-minute, claiming he’d just decided to join.
It was a clever ruse. If anything had happened to Fernanda, Rafael’s sudden appearance would have seemed coincidental, not calculated.
Jeff felt like a pawn in a cruel game, used and discarded.
The realization left a bitter taste in his mouth.
“He’s doing this to get back at me for what happened with Ava,” Fernanda said suddenly.
Bobby remained silent. He’d already pieced the truth together.
“This isn’t your fault,” Fernanda reassured Jeff and Sloane, her tone steady despite the storm swirling around them. “Don’t beat yourselves up over it.”
Everyone understood the stakes. If anything had happened at this villa, Jeff and Sloane, as hosts, would’ve been the first to face the fallout.
Even though Fernanda tried to ease their guilt, Jeff couldn’t shake his anger and disappointment.
He had considered Rafael a friend, only to discover he’d been nothing more than a tool in Rafael’s scheme.
Normally talkative, Sloane remained mute, still feeling a great sense of relief and anxiety.
Fortunately, Fernanda was safe. If something had happened to her, Sloane would have been swallowed whole by guilt, berating herself for urging Fernanda to come here in the first place.
Luckily, Fernanda had seen through Rafael’s schemes.
“What are you planning to do about it?” Jeff asked, his gaze steady on Fernanda.
Whatever her decision, he was ready to stand beside her. Rafael’s actions had crossed the line, leaving no room for leniency.
“I’ll give it some thought,” Fernanda said, her tone even. “But one thing’s for sure—I won’t let this slide.”
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Jeff gave a slight nod of approval.
Despite her measured response, Fernanda’s mind was already churning with possibilities.
Entertainment Today was desperate for a headline to set tongues wagging, and now, one had conveniently landed at her feet.
Becoming the center of attention didn’t faze her; after all, she was the wronged party here.
When the moment came, Rafael would get a taste of the same public judgment Ava had endured.
As for how this saga would eventually wrap up, that depended entirely on the Hudson family’s willingness to show some genuine remorse.
Fernanda wasn’t in a rush. She had patience in spades and intended to let the Hudson family come to her.
“Since you’re already here, why not stay the night? You can join us for a hike this morning,” Fernanda suggested to Bobby, her voice casual.
Bobby’s brow furrowed. “You seriously still want to go hiking?”
He was already hatching plans to whisk Fernanda and Wendy away to a decent hotel instead of continuing their stay.
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