Chapter 5

Chapter 5:

Michelle’s heart clenched at the sight of the red mark on her daughter’s cheek. Unable to hold back, she burst out, “Fernanda, how could you be so violent toward your sister? Remember, we’re not out in the countryside. This is your home, and that kind of behavior is unacceptable p>

Fernanda sneered at Michelle’s criticism, hearing in her words the suggestion that rural roots equated to a lack of civility.

Robert, whose own humble beginnings were rooted in the countryside, always felt a sting when he heard such disdain for rural backgrounds. That was why uncouth behavior especially irritated him. His features tightened, a cloud of frustration crossing his face at Michelle’s remark.

“Erika threw away something deeply precious to me, and in my anger, I lashed out,” Fernanda admitted, her voice strained.

Erika shot back loudly, her tone edged with irritation, “It’s just a photo! What’s the big deal? I got rid of it because it looked creepy. How was I supposed to know it meant something to you p>

“That photo was of a man named Hiram Hammond, who was like a grandfather to me,” Fernanda explained, turning to face Robert with earnest eyes. “I cherish those who have shown me kindness—I never forget them. Don’t you agree, Dad p>

Fernanda’s face so closely resembled her late mother’s that, for Robert, looking at her felt like gazing into the past, tightening the knot of unease in his chest.

Her words struck deeply, leaving Robert unsettled and uneasy. The surge of sympathy and anger he had felt for Erika just moments before faded entirely. Now, guilt welled up inside him. He felt genuine sorrow for Fernanda.

Lowering his voice, Robert spoke with gentle warmth. “Fernanda, I know you’re upset, but lashing out isn’t the answer. Let’s try to handle things more calmly next time, okay p>

Michelle and Erika exchanged a shocked glance, their eyes wide with disbelief. How could Robert’s tone turn so soft and tender toward Fernanda after she had just slapped Erika?

𝒍𝒂tｅ𝒔t 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏

” Dad p>

Before Erika could say another word, Robert cut her off, his voice cold as he turned a stern gaze on her. “And you,” he said sharply. “What were you doing snooping through your sister’s things? From this moment on, her room is off-limits unless she invites you. Is that clear p>

It was rare for Robert to speak so harshly to Erika. A flicker of fear passed over her face, and she instinctively moved closer to Michelle, seeking comfort.

She had been the one struck, yet Robert seemed to dismiss her suffering with only a few words. As she replayed the incident in her mind, a sense of injustice grew, and fresh tears threatened to spill. In Erika’s mind, Fernanda was to blame. Ever since Fernanda’s return, Robert’s attitude toward her had changed completely.

“By the way,” Fernanda said after a thoughtful pause, “if the photo can be recovered, I’d appreciate it if we could find a suitable place in the house to honor Hiram. I’ve always regarded him as my own grandfather. I want to show my appreciation for everything he did for me p>

“That’s utterly ridiculous,” Michelle shot back. “He was an outsider. How can you even suggest honoring him in our home p>

“Why not?” Fernanda replied, tilting her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as she met Michelle’s stare. “Imagine the admiration we’d earn for showing gratitude and respect. Wouldn’t that reflect well on us? What do you think, Dad p>

Robert considered for a moment before nodding. “It’s only right to honor this kind man who played such an important role in your life p>

Fernanda’s face lit up with a radiant smile. “Thank you, Dad p>

As Robert expressed his support, Erika’s temper finally snapped. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her emotions overwhelming her into silence.

She stormed off to her room, her sobs echoing as she threw herself onto her bed, overcome by a deep sense of humiliation. Never in her life had she felt so belittled.

On the third day, a local courier delivered a package to Fernanda. Inside, carefully wrapped, was Hiram’s photo.

Gazing at the kind, gentle face in the photograph, Fernanda was filled with a surge of affection.

With gentle hands, she cleaned the picture and placed it lovingly on a side table in the sitting room.

Within the past two days, the villa had welcomed two additional guests—Michelle’s nephew and niece.

The man’s gaze lingered on Fernanda with an unseemly lustfulness, watching her whenever the opportunity arose.

Meanwhile, the woman had quickly sided with Erika, making no effort to hide her contempt and animosity toward Fernanda, expressing it through both open insults and subtle jabs.

Disenchanted by their presence, Fernanda chose to distance herself from the villa’s stifling atmosphere.

As the sun lingered on the horizon, the evening air, warm but laced with tension, drifted around her.

Seeking a momentary escape, Fernanda wandered to a convenience store and bought a can of cold beer.

Leaning against a lamppost, she deftly popped open the can with one hand. The icy beer soothed her throat as she took a long drink.

A gentle tilt of her head caused her shirt collar to shift, revealing the elegant line of her collarbone.

With effortless poise, her neck arched gracefully, as if she were savoring champagne in an exclusive bar.

After finishing the last drop, Fernanda tossed the can with a casual flick, watching it land perfectly in the bin with a satisfying clink.

Not far away, someone hidden in the shadows of a black sedan watched her closely.

Bobby, visibly impressed, turned to his companion and said with a mix of awe and admiration, “Cristian, this girl is something else p>