Chapter 70

Chapter 70:

Erika believed that the Morgan family business was their legacy and source of pride, meant to be inherited by herself, Ector, and her younger brother, Kevin. How could they possibly allow Fernanda to claim a part of it?

Robert’s earlier praise for Fernanda was one thing, but the company was another matter entirely. This wasn’t something they could take lightly.

Restless, Erika tugged at Michelle’s sleeve. Michelle’s expression betrayed her own unease.

“Honey, it’s too early to decide something like this. We can discuss it later,” Michelle said gently to Robert. “Fernanda might excel academically, but managing a business is an entirely different challenge.”

Robert didn’t respond; his snores already echoed softly through the room, signaling he’d fallen asleep.

“Mom, what are we going to do?” Erika asked, her voice edged with worry. “Why would Dad suddenly suggest this? With Fernanda’s dominating personality, if she joins the company, will there even be a place left for me?”

“This is exactly why we can’t let it happen!” Selma cut in sharply. “The company represents our family’s legacy. How can we allow an outsider to interfere? I’ve always hoped you’d bring Crowell and Amber into senior management someday. If Fernanda steps in, she’ll completely overshadow them. I won’t stand for it.”

“Mom, Erika, calm down, please,” Michelle soothed, addressing their growing panic. “I’ll talk to Robert about this. There’s no need to be worried. Besides, he mentioned waiting until Fernanda graduates, which is years away. We have time to address this.”

“No! You must stop Robert immediately,” Selma snapped. “There’s no time to waste! Fernanda isn’t someone you can underestimate. Look at how close she’s gotten to Ector already. Do you think she doesn’t have ulterior motives? Ector is running the company right now—she’s probably using him to secure her future!”

Selma’s suspicions grew more persuasive with each word.

Upstairs, Fernanda was unaware of the storm brewing below. She leaned against her bed, scrolling through online comments, her focus fixed on the flood of praise from netizens.

When the media had criticized her, she’d felt nothing. Now, as they praised her, her indifference remained unchanged.

Still, the heated debates and the sharp remarks mocking her past critics amused her.

Occasionally, a soft chuckle escaped her lips when she read something particularly clever.

The breeze carried the sound of her laughter into Ector’s room. Seated at his desk and immersed in work, he paused briefly. Her laughter, mingled with the warmth of the morning sun, brought a rare lightness to his mood.

The following morning, Fernanda came across Mabel’s public apology.

With her face bare of makeup, Mabel delivered a long statement. She began by admitting to tampering with Fernanda’s grades, then apologized to Esaham University for damaging its reputation, ending with a deep bow of remorse.

Major media outlets quickly circulated the video, igniting another wave of online debate.

What had seemed like a simple error was now revealed to be a calculated act. The malicious intent behind it shocked many.

Had the grade tampering gone unnoticed, Fernanda’s rightful opportunity to study at Esaham University would have been stolen—an injustice too grave to ignore.

In today’s society, where exams symbolize fairness and merit, Mabel’s actions shattered that trust, sparking widespread public outrage.

To Fernanda, Mabel’s apology seemed sincere, and she felt content with the outcome.

That afternoon, Ector approached Fernanda, his steps deliberate, carrying a stack of papers in his hands. According to him, several media companies had contacted the PR department, all trying to reach her.

“They didn’t have your personal contact information,” he explained, handing her the documents. “So they called the company instead. They want to apologize to you.”

Fernanda glanced at the papers—letters from several major media outlets that had previously targeted her with scathing criticism.

“I asked them to stop publishing malicious reports about you days ago,” Ector said. “But they ignored me. Now they’re suddenly apologizing. Strange, isn’t it?”

“Were they sincere?” Fernanda asked, her tone unreadable.

“Yes. They’ve deleted all their articles about you and are offering compensation if you’re willing to settle things peacefully.”

It was rare for such outlets—especially those known for their sensationalism—to show any genuine remorse. The shift was unexpected.

“Forget the compensation. I have no interest in their money,” Fernanda said firmly. “Just make it clear there won’t be a next time. If they spread false rumors about my personal life again, they’ll face the consequences.”

Her voice was calm, but the finality in her words left no room for negotiation.

Meanwhile, in the CEO’s office at Vertex Investments, Cristian sat behind his desk, eyes fixed on the screen as he watched one media outlet after another issue public apologies to Fernanda.

Moments later, his secretary entered.

“Sir, the media companies you mentioned have apologized to Miss Morgan,” the secretary informed him. “She declined their compensation offers and simply warned them not to repeat their actions.”

Cristian leaned back in his chair, a faint, icy smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Well, those media outlets needed to be taught a hard lesson for sacrificing integrity just to chase clicks.”

Although Vertex Investments specialized in finance and investments, Cristian had been eyeing the new media industry for a while. In his view, it was a sector filled with untapped potential.

He had already begun planning his entry into the field. If any media outlet crossed the line again, he wouldn’t hesitate to use their mistake as his gateway into the industry—turning their blunder into his opportunity.

“Oh, there’s one more thing,” the secretary added, her voice slightly hesitant.

“What is it?” Cristian asked, glancing up.

She paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “Miss Becker is returning to the country. She’s arriving the day after tomorrow.”

“And?” Cristian’s tone remained neutral. “She wants me to pick her up at the airport?”

“No, she wants you to.”

“I’m busy,” Cristian replied sharply. “Get her flight details. If she needs a ride, arrange one. Otherwise, she can manage on her own.”

The secretary hesitated. “Sir, Miss Becker might be upset if you don’t—”

“Let her be upset,” Cristian interrupted, opening a file and brushing the matter aside with a flick of his wrist. “Do as I instructed.”

Without another word, the secretary nodded and exited quietly.

Cristian’s concern for Fernanda hadn’t gone unnoticed. She was well aware that his priorities had clearly shifted.

As far as compelling media outlets to apologize to her—was it really just because Fernanda was his future cousin-in-law? It had to be. The secretary couldn’t bring herself to consider any other possibility.

Because if it wasn’t… If Cristian harbored feelings for Fernanda beyond what was appropriate, everything would spiral out of control once Jordyn Becker returned.

The very thought made her shudder. She didn’t even want to imagine the chaos Jordyn would unleash.

Karl White was Cristian’s secretary. She had known him since their university days abroad. That shared history had secured her the position at Vertex Investments, but it also meant she understood the intricacies of his relationships better than most.

It was Karl’s diligence and caution that Cristian valued most. As his former classmate, she was intimately familiar with his long-standing relationship with Jordyn during their years overseas.

Jordyn couldn’t bear to see Cristian show kindness to anyone else. If she discovered what he had done for Fernanda upon her return…

Karl exhaled heavily, already dreading the storm that was surely coming.

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