Chapter 364
Chapter 364:
From the sofa, Kevin shifted uncomfortably, clearly torn. Fernanda’s insistence on an apology was making him more uneasy by the second.
“Maybe we should just drop it,” Kevin said softly, his voice tinged with hesitation. “He doesn’t have to apologize. It’s really not a big deal.”
His thoughts were conflicted. He couldn’t justify Fernanda clashing with the Reed family just to defend his honor. An apology seemed insignificant in the grand scheme of things, and he was willing to let it go.
Fernanda’s eyes flicked toward him, her gaze steady and unreadable, yet it made Kevin’s chest tighten inexplicably.
Overwhelmed by a sudden sense of inadequacy, Kevin realized he lacked the courage Fernanda displayed—someone he had always seen as lesser. Fernanda’s eyes then flicked back to the boy sprawled on the floor.
“Ready to apologize?” she asked.
“I won’t!” the boy exclaimed, clenching his jaw. “I’ll never apologize to someone like him!”
At this, Soren and his crew paused, uncertain whether to proceed. The boy’s four companions huddled together in fear in the corner, silent and trembling. They had merely followed their leader. Now, with him overpowered, they felt helpless.
With a raised hand, Fernanda signaled for a halt, and at her command, Soren and the rest stopped.
“Lock them up in a room,” she commanded. “He will get no food until he’s ready to apologize.”
“How dare you!” the boy shouted, his face twisted in fury.
“You’ll see,” Fernanda replied, rising from her seat. “Better decide quickly, or you’ll deeply regret it.”
With those final words, she strode off, Kevin hurrying after her.
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs．c𝗈𝗺, a world of tales
“Hey,” he murmured, catching up to her. “Don’t you think this is too severe? Could it cause us problems?”
“Why worry when I’m not?” Fernanda laughed softly. “Scared I’ll pull you into this mess? Relax, I’ll handle the fallout.”
“No, that’s not my concern,” Kevin stammered, his cheeks reddening. “It’s just that… I’m concerned for you…”
Kevin struggled to voice his real worry: that Fernanda might face trouble because of their actions. How could he blame Fernanda for getting them involved in this? It was his and Erika’s doing, and Fernanda was merely sorting it out.
“I want him to apologize to you because it’s right,” Fernanda explained calmly. “You defended your sister and ended up hurt in the skirmish. You did nothing wrong. His apology will validate your actions and hopefully bring you some peace.”
Kevin nodded, his thoughts swirling.
“Recognition is due for right actions,” Fernanda continued. “You deserve this apology; it’s important that you demand it. It’s also a step toward healing yourself. Otherwise, what will you do if you’re faced with such a challenge again? Will you falter or will you stand firm?”
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