Chapter 66

Chapter 66:

The weather was remarkably pleasant that morning, prompting Ava to visit the beauty salon for a facial rejuvenation treatment.

In just a few days, there would be a motorcycle race, and Ava fully intended to attend. She wanted her appearance to be flawless—her goal was to outshine everyone there.

Races had never really interested her before, but Bobby had changed that.

He was set to compete in the upcoming event, and Ava couldn’t pass up the chance to see him. They hadn’t spent much time together lately, and ever since Fernanda’s return, Ava felt an increasing distance between her and Bobby.

The thought was maddening.

She couldn’t fathom why Fernanda’s presence would disrupt their relationship. Bobby had always made it clear that he didn’t like his fiancée.

The frustration gnawed at her, and every time she tried to make sense of it, her thoughts spiraled into confusion.

Shaking the feeling off, she chose to let it go. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to relax into the rhythm of the beautician’s soothing hands.

Suddenly, her phone rang, the sharp ringtone cutting through the serene atmosphere.

Glancing at the screen, she saw it was her aunt, Mabel.

Ava answered.

Mabel’s voice, sharp and frantic, came through immediately.

“Ava, where are you?”

“I’m at the beauty salon,” Ava replied, sitting up slightly. “What’s going on?”

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“Which one?” Mabel demanded, her tone edged with urgency.

“The one on Central Street—the place you took me to last time. Are you coming over? Don’t you have work?”

“I’ll explain when I get there,” Mabel said, her voice breaking, before abruptly ending the call.

Lowering the phone, Ava felt a wave of unease settle over her.

There was something off in Mabel’s voice—a quiver that hinted at tears.

Had she been crying?

The question lingered as Ava finished her treatment.

When Mabel arrived in the VIP room, Ava’s breath caught at the sight of her.

Mabel, usually composed and impeccable, appeared disheveled and worn. Her face was bare of makeup, her eyes swollen and red, her nose raw from what looked like hours of crying.

“Aunt Mabel, what’s wrong?” Ava asked, sitting up from the treatment bed.

Mabel sank into the sofa, her composure shattering the moment their eyes met. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Ava, everything has come crashing down!” Mabel sobbed. “Fernanda found out her exam scores were altered. She knows I’m the one who did it! Now Mr. Castro knows too. I’ve been fired—publicly humiliated. I’ve lost all respectability!”

“What?” Ava exclaimed, her voice rising. “Fernanda found out?”

Mabel nodded solemnly.

Ava’s expression twisted in shock, and her face mask slipped off, landing on the bed in her agitation.

“But even if she found out, why would that lead to you getting fired?” Ava asked, her voice trembling. “Why didn’t Mr. Castro discuss it with my dad first? He’s the one who got you that job. Normally, out of respect, Mr. Castro wouldn’t act so rashly.”

“Cristian and Fernanda were both there!” Mabel cried, her frustration boiling over as she stomped her foot. “He took her side, forcing Mr. Castro’s to make a decision.”

“Cristian?” Ava repeated, her hand flying to her mouth. “He sided with Fernanda?”

Mabel nodded. She pressed her lips together, biting them so hard they bore faint marks, her anguish and resentment etched into every line of her face.

“Why would Cristian help Fernanda?” Ava muttered, her confusion deepening. “They don’t have any connection.”

The only possible link was through Bobby. Cristian was his cousin, and Fernanda, Bobby’s fiancée.

But if Bobby truly disliked Fernanda, why would Cristian go out of his way to defend her?

Ava was utterly perplexed.

Her mind spun, but she didn’t have time to dwell on the chaos swirling inside her. Gripping her phone, she quickly unlocked it and scrolled through the entertainment news. There it was—a headline blaring Fernanda’s name:

“Esaham University Enrollment Mix-up. The Morgan Family’s Eldest Daughter, Fernanda Morgan, Admitted as Top Scorer!”

The words felt like a slap, leaving Ava frozen in disbelief.

Admitted was one thing—but top scorer?

Could Fernanda really be that intelligent?

Below the article, an avalanche of comments followed:

“Wow, this Miss Morgan is truly brilliant—the top student!”

“Those media outlets claimed she wouldn’t make it. They owe her an apology!”

“They tried to tarnish her image, but not only did she get admitted, she topped the list! She’s a genius!”

“Miss Morgan should take legal action against those who spread false rumors. It’s far too easy to ruin someone’s reputation nowadays.”

“If Fernanda hadn’t crushed those lies with such high scores, her name would have been destroyed. And now? Where are her critics? All of them have gone silent!”

Praise came in relentless waves. More and more people encouraged Fernanda to take legal action.

Ava’s chest tightened, unease knotting like a vice. She shut the app and turned off her phone screen with trembling fingers.

“Ava, what am I supposed to do?” Mabel’s voice, raw with despair, broke through her thoughts. She sounded near tears. “I can’t stay at Esaham University now. My career is over!”

“Don’t cry. Let me think,” Ava said, her voice soothing but clipped. “I’ll talk to my dad. We’ll figure something out.”

Mabel sat stiffly, hands clutching her lap, face pale. The thought of facing her brother made her shudder. He had paved the way for her esteemed position, and now she had squandered it in disgrace. There was no doubt he would be livid.

Ava’s gaze flicked to the university’s public announcement pinned on the website. It explained that Mabel had been fired for negligence. The cold, formal words sparked a thought.

Leaning closer, Ava said, “Well, if my dad asks, just say it was a careless mistake. Blame it on stress. Say you were overworked and distracted, and that’s how the scores were recorded wrong.”

Mabel’s brow furrowed. “Do you think that’ll work?”

“Of course,” Ava replied confidently. “My dad doesn’t know you were following his orders. Just stick to the story—it was a careless mistake. He won’t be too hard on you. Once the controversy dies down, we’ll find you a new job. This will pass. Trust me.”

Mabel’s rigid shoulders finally slackened, and a small glimmer of hope appeared in her eyes.

Hope flickered in her eyes.

Around noon, Ava’s father, Hunk Ross, called and summoned Mabel to his house. Mabel’s earlier calm shattered. Her hands trembled as she clutched Ava’s arm.

“Aunt Mabel, don’t panic,” Ava said firmly. “Remember what we talked about. It was just an honest mistake. You’ll be fine.”

Mabel nodded weakly. With Ava beside her, she made her way to Hunk’s house.

Neither of them was prepared for what awaited inside.

Seated on the sofa was Ector. He was deep in conversation with Ava’s parents.

Hunk’s expression was thunderous, his stern gaze locking onto Mabel the moment she entered.

Mabel stumbled, her knees threatening to buckle beneath her.

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