Chapter 372

Chapter 372:

Nonetheless, Cristian didn’t want to hold back. Sometimes, letting the words spill out felt liberating. And with Fernanda, it felt natural.

“The woman you saw earlier—she’s my stepmother,” Cristian began. “What’s your impression of her?”

Fernanda answered candidly, “She’s lovely. She even resembles you in some ways.”

It was the resemblance that had stirred her curiosity. Bobby’s words came to mind: Cristian’s birth mother had died during childbirth. So how could his stepmother bear such a striking similarity to him?

“That’s what everyone says,” Cristian remarked, his voice tinged with frost. “Since I came back, people haven’t stopped pointing it out.”

“A little, maybe,” Fernanda said lightly, a playful twinkle in her eyes. “But you’ve got the edge—you’re far more charming.”

Cristian arched a brow, amused. Compliments weren’t rare for him. Perhaps it felt different because it was Fernanda. There was a sincerity in her words, and in her eyes, a flicker of admiration that made the compliment linger.

“She’s different from what I imagined,” Fernanda said, her tone thoughtful. “Before meeting her, I expected someone like Judie. But she feels more approachable, easier to connect with than Judie.”

Cristian let out a sharp snort, the sound heavy with sarcasm.

“She’s my mother’s sister,” he said flatly. “She resembles my mother, so it’s no surprise people think there is a striking resemblance between us.”

Fernanda’s jaw dropped. “She’s your mother’s sister? And she married your father?”

“Yes.” Cristian gave a curt nod. “After my mother passed away, she became my stepmother.”

Fernanda blinked, stunned. Words escaped her momentarily.

Your imagination begins with gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s﹒ç𝗈𝗺

Cristian shifted the conversation without pause. “The boy you hit is Julio Reed. He’s my cousin.”

Fernanda nodded slowly. “I see.”

Cristian continued, his voice laced with disdain. “My uncle has been a playboy since he was young. Julio was born after he got involved with a hostess at nineteen. Too young and irresponsible to raise a child, my uncle left it all to my grandfather, who insisted on keeping the boy because he carried the Reed family bloodline. My grandfather paid the hostess, ensured the child was born, and brought Julio into the family. At the time, I wasn’t living with my parents. My grandfather placed Julio with my father and aunt, who raised him as their own.”

Understanding dawned on Fernanda. No wonder Cristian had referred to Julio as Haley’s son.

“Julio’s inherited my uncle’s ways,” Cristian added, his tone clipped. “He is also a playboy. He’s not even in school—he came to Esaham just to fool around, and now he’s in trouble. Mrs. Reed rushed over as soon as she learned of his predicament.”

Fernanda couldn’t hold back her laughter.

Cristian turned to her, his brow furrowed. “What’s so funny?”

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