Chapter 98

Chapter 98:

The group exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes eventually falling on the boy writhing on the ground. Fernanda’s words hung in the air, and no one dared to challenge them.

Even the strongest among them now lay defeated, his bruised form a testament to her strength. They could only imagine their own fate if they had faced her.

Without hesitation, they hoisted the boy to his feet and quickly retreated, their departure marked by silence and a refusal to glance back.

Ector and Erika rushed to Kevin’s side, his injuries stark against his pale skin. Without wasting any time, they prepared to take him to the hospital.

“Damn it, that guy was really a jerk!” Kevin spat through gritted teeth, his voice thick with lingering anger. “Next time I see him, I’ll hit him again! People like him need to be taught a lesson.”

“Hit him?” Erika’s tone carried a mix of exasperation and concern. “You couldn’t even hold your ground this time. You’ve got to stop being so reckless, Kevin. Doesn’t it hurt to end up like this?”

“What was I supposed to do? Just let him insult me? Even if I lose, I’m not backing down!” Kevin shot back, unwilling to see any fault in his actions.

From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Fernanda’s hair through the car window.

He hadn’t expected her to intervene, much less stand up for him. He had thought she would just stand aside and mock him, just like everyone else.

His lips pressed into a thin line as he recalled the scene—the boy crawling in the dirt, Fernanda’s sharp words cutting through the tension. The memory left him oddly satisfied. For the first time, Kevin found himself looking at Fernanda in a new light. Her unexpected actions had left him in awe.

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She wasn’t just good at games; she had surprised him by stepping in.

The thought left a strange, unfamiliar warmth blooming in his chest.

At the hospital, the doctor dressed Kevin’s wounds and handed him a prescription, assuring them it was nothing serious. They were soon sent on their way.

“Thank goodness,” Erika said, exhaling in relief. “If it had been worse, I don’t know how I’d have explained it to Mom, Dad, and Grandma.”

When they arrived home, Robert, Michelle, and Selma were gathered in the living room, their attention fixed on the TV. Their surprise was immediate when the four walked in, but the shock truly registered when they saw Kevin’s bruised face.

Selma was the first to react, rushing over with wide eyes and trembling hands. “What happened, Kevin? How did you end up like this?”

“It was Fernanda’s fault,” Erika muttered. “She made Kevin go to the square and yell something ridiculous…”

“I got into a fight. It’s got nothing to do with anyone else,” Kevin cut her off.

“A fight?” Selma’s voice rose with worry. “Who was it? Tell me, and I’ll take care of it!”

Kevin shook off her grip impatiently. “It’s my business. Just drop it, okay? I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”

Without another word, he turned and headed upstairs.

Selma made to follow him, her concern evident. “But, Kevin—”

Robert chimed in, “Let him be. No one bullies Kevin. If anything, it’s the other way around. You know how he is—always picking fights. Kids will be kids. Sometimes, they just end up in a scuffle or two. He’ll be fine.”

Selma sighed, reluctant but silent, her intuition nagging at her. Erika’s earlier hesitation hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Erika followed Kevin upstairs. “Why didn’t you let me finish my words just now? It was Fernanda’s fault! If she hadn’t made you shout like that, no one would’ve noticed you, and none of this would’ve happened.”

“Enough,” Kevin cut her off, his tone sharp with impatience. “I made a bet, and I lost. That’s on me. Stop blaming others—it has nothing to do with anyone else.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and slammed the door shut.

Erika stood there, staring at the closed door, her hands clenched into fists.

What was wrong with him? Couldn’t he see she was only trying to look out for him? His attitude stung her deeply. How could he be so ungrateful?

Scoffing, she rolled her eyes and stomped back to her own room.

Late into the night, Fernanda sat cross-legged on her bed, scrolling through the news on her tablet. The sound of Ector’s voice drifted in from the balcony. “Fernanda, are you still awake?”

She put the tablet down and slid open the glass door, stepping into the cool night air. “I’m up. What’s up?”

Ector leaned casually against the railing, his expression calm but knowing. “Joselyn’s secretary called. She wants to meet you tomorrow at ten.”

Fernanda’s brow lifted slightly. “Got it. Thanks for letting me know.” Joselyn seemed ready to accept the terms Fernanda had set.

Ector smirked, clearly guessing the nature of the meeting. “Looks like you’re finally getting what you wanted. Congrats.”

The next morning, at precisely ten, Fernanda arrived at the agreed location. Joselyn sat waiting, her posture rigid but composed, and slid a set of documents across the table.

“Here’s the one percent stake you requested,” Joselyn said curtly. “I trust you’ll drop the lawsuit and stop bothering my daughter.”

Fernanda examined the paperwork carefully, her eyes scanning the signatures and seals. Satisfied, she picked up a pen and signed all three copies.

“Since we’ve reached an agreement, I have no further issues,” she said with a measured smile. “I’ll withdraw the lawsuit today. Whatever comes next is your responsibility.”

Joselyn let out a haughty snort, determined to take control and shield her precious daughter from any fallout.

“One last suggestion before I leave,” Fernanda said, her voice light yet pointed. “Consider sending your daughter somewhere else. Maybe overseas—or at least to another city.”

Joselyn’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t need advice from you. You got what you wanted. Leave.”

Fernanda’s smile didn’t waver. “Of course. It’s just a thought. Whether you follow it or not is up to you.”

As she stood, Fernanda paused, her tone carrying a note of mock concern. “If your daughter repeats her mistakes, your wealth might not hold up against the damages, you know.”

Joselyn stiffened. “What did you just say?”

Fernanda’s smile turned razor-sharp. “Perhaps you didn’t know, but Ava’s already paid me thirty million once before. Now there’s this one percent stake. If she keeps crossing me, your family fortune might as well be in my name.”

He gave a small wave, her voice almost cheerful. “Goodbye, Mrs. Ross.”

Joselyn’s hands clenched as she watched Fernanda leave, her chest heaving with restrained anger.

Ava had compensated Fernanda thirty million? When? How had she kept that hidden?

Joselyn’s thoughts raced, the headache pounding at her temples.

“Get in touch with a reputable school overseas,” Joselyn snapped at her secretary. “Ava’s leaving. Immediately.”

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