Chapter 53

Chapter 53:

On the third day, Ava visited the bank to oversee a significant transaction, wiring fifty million into Fernanda’s account. Even with the vast wealth of the Ross family, withdrawing such a hefty sum from their cash reserves gave Ava a moment’s pause.

Not long after the funds were transferred, Fernanda reached out without delay.

“I’ve sent you the money. Now hand over the video!” Ava demanded sharply. “You promised to drop this once the transfer was complete. Don’t even think about breaking your word!”

“Why are you so tense? Relax. I’m sending it right now,” Fernanda replied with a chuckle, her tone laced with playful teasing.

Ava scoffed in frustration and ended the call without another word. Moments later, the video she had already seen arrived on her phone. Gritting her teeth, she watched it again, her anger boiling beneath the surface. After saving it, she deleted the message in disgust.

Rage simmered inside her. The more she dwelled on it, the more furious she became. Fernanda had outplayed her completely—and Ava knew it.

That evening, Ava’s phone buzzed with another call that pushed her already fraying nerves. This time, it was her aunt, Mabel Ross.

Ava had been lounging in bed, but the moment she answered and heard the news, she bolted upright.

“What? Are you saying Fernanda actually showed up for the exam?”

“Yes,” Mabel confirmed. “I saw her results earlier while checking the system. She didn’t skip it—she attended and completed the exam.”

“That doesn’t make any sense!” Ava snapped, her brows drawing together in frustration. “Didn’t you tell me she missed it entirely?”

gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․com, home to unforgettable stories

“I did. I was waiting outside her exam room but had to leave five minutes before it started. I just spoke with the invigilator—it turns out Fernanda showed up at the last minute and took the test.”

Ava froze, staring blankly ahead. Fernanda had actually taken the exam?

“Ava, why are you so fixated on this girl?” Mabel asked, her voice laced with concern and curiosity.

“She’s an infuriatingly detestable person.” Ava’s voice dropped to a whisper. “She’s using her opportunity to take the Esaham University entrance exam as a weapon against me. She bullies me and even tries to come between Bobby and me!”

“What?!” Mabel exclaimed, her voice sharp with indignation. “How could anyone be so shameless?”

“She’s flaunted it in my face more than once. She brags about how she’s going to be a student at Esaham University and taunts me, saying I’ll be even less worthy of Bobby after that. She even promised to destroy whatever relationship we have!” As she spoke, tears welled up in Ava’s eyes.

Hearing her niece’s sobs, Mabel felt a tug of compassion. She quickly reassured her. “Ava, don’t cry. I’ll think of a way to help you!”

“What could you possibly do? She’s already taken the exam. If she fails, great, but if she passes, who knows how she’ll use it to humiliate me later!”

Mabel snapped, “Even if she gets good grades, who does she think she is to act so arrogantly in front of you? Does she come from a better family than the Rosses?”

Ava didn’t respond, her cries growing softer.

On the other end of the line, Mabel’s anxiety deepened.

She had always been close to Ava. When Ava was younger and her parents were constantly busy with work, it was often Mabel who stepped in to care for her. Their bond went beyond family—rooted in friendship and deep trust.

Now a professor at Esaham University, Mabel frequently stayed with Ava, ensuring their connection remained strong.

She also knew how much Ava cared for Bobby. Mabel had met him a few times and had always believed he was the perfect match for her niece.

But now, some woman had appeared out of nowhere, threatening the relationship between Ava and Bobby? It was outrageous, and Mabel was determined to help her niece regain her dignity.

After a moment of deep thought, Mabel suddenly exclaimed, “Ava, I’ve got an idea!”

Ava’s crying stopped instantly, her curiosity piqued. “What idea do you have?”

Mabel carefully explained her plan, but as she listened, Ava’s brow furrowed in concern.

She hesitated, uncertainty creeping into her voice. “Is this… really okay?”

“Don’t worry, leave it to me. It’ll be our little secret,” Mabel said. “When the results are released, they’ll only be posted on the school’s website and sent via text. The students won’t get to see their actual test papers. So, whatever score we tell her, that’s the one she’ll believe. She won’t be able to figure it out on her own.”

“Really?” Ava still seemed unsure, her doubts lingering.

“Yeah,” Mabel replied. “Just relax. If she can’t make it into Esaham University, she won’t be able to brag in front of you next time.”

After talking with Mabel a while longer, Ava felt a wave of relief wash over her, her worries easing a little.

After ending the call, Ava’s spirit lifted. She was convinced that Fernanda would soon become the laughingstock of Esaham.

Two days later, Minnie invited Ava for a shopping trip and also called Erika to join them.

The three of them were enjoying afternoon tea at a dessert shop when Minnie casually asked, “Erika, tonight’s the night the Esaham University entrance exam results come out. Has your sister said anything about how she did on her exam?”

“I have no idea,” Erika replied with a shrug. “I don’t really talk to her at home, so I haven’t asked. But honestly, I doubt she passed. If she could get into Esaham University, pigs would fly.”

Minnie couldn’t help but laugh. “But your sister seems pretty confident, doesn’t she? Maybe she’s hiding some serious talent.”

“Confidence is one thing, but it doesn’t necessarily mean she has the skills. If she were really that talented, why would she have quit school so early?” Erika scoffed. “I don’t believe for a second she can get accepted into Esaham University.”

“What if she fails? What happens then?” Ava asked, her curiosity piqued. “Will your parents send her back to the countryside?”

“Probably not,” Erika replied with a shrug. “Isn’t there still her engagement with the Harper family?”

Ava’s expression hardened at that. “So what? Do you really think Judie would accept someone like her who hasn’t even finished school?”

“You’re right. Don’t get upset, Ava,” Erika quickly reassured her. “I’ve already planned it out. If she doesn’t make it, I’ll persuade my parents to send her back to the countryside right away. My dad doesn’t really care for her; he’s only been kind because he thought she might get into Esaham University.”

Ava’s face finally relaxed, her tension easing.

That evening, Erika came home to find the whole family lounging on the couch. Fernanda was sitting in a single chair, completely absorbed in her phone.

Erika took a seat next to Michelle and asked, “Have the results been released yet?”

“Not yet,” Michelle replied, shaking her head. “They said they’d be posted on the school’s website at eight.”

Robert, however, seemed even more nervous than Fernanda, unable to sit still.

“Dad, don’t be worried,” Ector said reassuringly. “Fernanda will surely pass the exam.”

Erika couldn’t help but sneer inwardly, wondering what kind of hold Fernanda had over him that made him trust her so blindly.

At eight o’clock sharp, Robert urged Fernanda to log into the Esaham University website.

The list had been posted. Robert eagerly scanned through the names, his excitement growing—until his expression gradually shifted to one of confusion, then disappointment.

He combed through the list again, but Fernanda’s name was nowhere to be found.

Frowning, Robert rubbed his eyes and checked once more, but the result was the same.

Fernanda was equally stunned. She knew how well she had performed and was certain she had exceeded the admission threshold.

How could her name not be there?

In disbelief, she went to the website and entered her exam number.

The page loaded, and a bold, glaring message appeared in red: “Not Admitted.”

Ector sat frozen in place, visibly shocked.

Erika, on the other hand, had to fight back a grin. Though she managed to maintain a neutral face, her heart leapt with satisfaction.

Robert’s temper flared. He snapped, glaring at Fernanda. “You said you took the exam! You were so sure you’d ace it. I need an explanation!”

.

.

.