Chapter 454
Chapter 454:
For a brief moment, Cristian believed he was on the verge of release, as if the grim reality of the world had finally loosened its grip on him.
Then, a fragile figure yanked him from the water. He did not die. He survived.
That was the twentieth of June, a crisp midsummer night, cool with a gentle breeze—a night that carved itself into his soul, a memory he would carry with him forever.
From that day on, whenever he needed a four-digit password, it became second nature to set it to 0620, as though the number itself was his way of honoring that moment.
“I really appreciate you making the effort to come here,” Cristian said to Jordyn, his voice warm yet tinged with a hint of exhaustion. “It’s late, you should get some rest.”
“Of course,” Jordyn replied, casting a glance at Fernanda. “Miss Morgan, I drove here, so I can give you a ride back.”
Before Fernanda could respond, Cristian interjected, “You go ahead. I’ll take her home later; we still have a few things to discuss.” Jordyn’s heart sank, but she didn’t let it show. Her smile remained perfectly in place.
“That’s not necessary! Normally, I wouldn’t interfere, but you’re not well. How can you stay up late talking? If it’s not urgent, surely it can wait until tomorrow. Is there really anything so pressing that it can’t be dealt with in the morning?”
Turning to Fernanda, she cleverly passed the decision to her. “Miss Morgan, wouldn’t you agree?”
It was only natural for Fernanda to agree. To insist on staying would have seemed selfish, especially given Cristian’s condition.
With a faint, knowing smile, Fernanda replied, “Miss Becker, you are right. Since Cristian is not feeling well, he should get some rest. He and I were almost done talking. If you hadn’t arrived, I would have left already.”
Jordyn’s face tightened for a fraction of a second.
Fernanda had just hinted—ever so subtly—that her arrival had interrupted something of importance.
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Before Jordyn could form a reply, Fernanda rose from the sofa, smoothing her skirt as she addressed Cristian. “In that case, Cristian, please rest well. Since Miss Becker doesn’t mind giving me a ride, I’ll take the opportunity and leave now.”
Fernanda’s eyes gleamed under the chandelier, her gaze piercing and steady.
Cristian gave a brief nod. “Alright, take care on your way.” He rose to escort them to the door.
“About the Bright Lights Media matter we discussed,” Cristian continued, his tone casual yet pointed, “I’ll have my secretary organize everything and send it to you.”
Fernanda’s eyes flickered for a moment, then she nodded. “Thank you.” Cristian had mentioned this deliberately, hoping to clear any misconceptions about Fernanda and prevent any gossip from tarnishing her reputation.
As Jordyn pressed the button for the elevator, a knot of uncertainty twisted in her stomach. Had she been overthinking things? Was Fernanda truly here for business, or was there something more to it?
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