Chapter 717
Chapter 717:
Hertha, sensing her reluctance, quickly added, “I understand, but it’ll only take a moment.”
Fernanda’s clear eyes studied Hertha, like a calm pool of water. “Then go ahead. You’ve got five minutes,” Fernanda said, glancing at her wristwatch.
The morning sun cast a gentle glow, and a warm breeze swept through, teasing the summer heat. A bead of sweat dotted Hertha’s brow, though whether it was from the sun or her own nervousness, Fernanda couldn’t tell.
The campus was quiet, with few passersby. Hertha looked at Fernanda’s composed, almost icy expression, and with a small, nervous bite of her lip, she stepped closer. “I made a mistake last time. Do you think you could forgive me?”
“That’s all behind me now,” Fernanda responded with a faint smile. “Are you still holding on to it?”
Nodding slightly, Hertha admitted, “Yes. Whenever I think back to that time, I feel unsettled. The guilt has lingered, leaving me in a state of regret. It was the first time…”
“I ever hurt someone for my own benefit, and the remorse is something I can’t shake.”
“There’s no need to elaborate further,” Fernanda interrupted, her tone firm. “Honestly, I’m not interested in your personal struggles.” Checking her watch once more, she added, “Your five minutes are up. You can go now.”
Fernanda stepped past Hertha, intending to leave the conversation behind.
Before she could get far, Hertha reached out, catching Fernanda’s arm. With her other hand, she retrieved an ornate invitation from her bag and thrust it toward Fernanda. “This is an invitation to the Nebula Red Carpet event next month. Would you consider attending?”
The invitation, delicate and luxurious, sparkled under the sun, the gold lettering catching Fernanda’s attention. She had heard of the event. It was an exclusive annual gathering, attended by celebrities who often brought along a non-celebrity guest—someone with influence or recognition, typically from the higher ranks of their company. It was all about networking and exchanging resources.
What caught Fernanda off guard was that Hertha, of all people, was the one extending the invitation to her.
“I’m sorry,” Fernanda said firmly, “I’m not interested.”
“Isn’t your company involved in the media as well?” Hertha pressed, her voice smooth yet urgent. “This event is a great opportunity for someone like you to network within the industry. It could really enhance your own career prospects.”
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 g⍺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘴﹐ⅽ𝗈𝗺
Hertha’s mind had been racing all night, crafting this plan, and she wasn’t about to let it fall apart easily.
The event was always a spectacle, drawing media outlets from everywhere. If she appeared with Fernanda, there was no doubt that the press would dig up their past, turning it into a story of reconciliation. The media frenzy would paint it as a feel-good moment—an image of forgiveness—and that would surely catch Vinson’s eye.
Maybe Vinson would see her in a new light, believing her to be softhearted and willing to move on. That, in turn, could lead him back to her. All her troubles would be over.
For someone like Hertha, two pillars mattered most: fame and influence.
By bringing Fernanda along, she could simultaneously boost her public image and her career. It was a simple but effective move that could resolve everything. That was her goal for today—she was resolved to make it happen.
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