Chapter 32

Chapter 32:

The day Fernanda had been waiting for finally arrived—the entrance exam at Esaham University. She rose early, her nerves tingling with anticipation, and made her way downstairs to find breakfast already waiting. Robert, who typically left the house at dawn, was lingering unusually late that morning.

“I had this breakfast specially prepared for you,” he said warmly as Fernanda sat down. “As you face the exam, remember to stay calm and give it your all. I have every confidence in your success p>

Fernanda gave a slight nod in response, murmuring, “I’ll do my best p>

At the table, Erika’s displeasure was palpable. She stabbed at her plate forcefully, her features twisted in scorn.

Could Fernanda genuinely secure a spot at Esaham University?

The thought crossed her mind with disdain.

If that country bumpkin actually made it in, then miracles must truly exist.

“Regrettably, I have a meeting at the office and can’t drive you myself, so Ector will take you,” Robert continued, his tone apologetic. He turned to Ector and added, “Please, take good care of your sister p>

Ector nodded firmly. “Of course, Dad. You’ve got nothing to worry about p>

The moment Robert disappeared, Erika’s frustration boiled over. She slammed her fork down, stood abruptly, and stormed out in a fit of defiance.

“Erika!” Ector called out, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious room.

“What?” she snapped, not bothering to turn back.

“What’s your problem? Why are you slamming your fork like that?” Ector pressed, his temper flaring.

Erika scoffed and rolled her eyes, clearly uninterested in a confrontation. But before she could leave, Ector stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

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“What is it now?” Erika demanded, her tone brimming with irritation.

“Not much,” Ector said calmly, though his gaze was stern. “Just don’t forget how to behave at home. Fernanda is your sister. Treat her with some respect p>

Erika snorted dismissively, her eyes flashing with defiance.

“Screw you p>

Ector seized her wrist in a firm, unyielding grip, ignoring her frantic efforts to pull away.

“If you dare treat her badly again, don’t expect me to hold back p>

For a moment, Erika’s eyes widened in disbelief, unaccustomed to such harsh words from him. A surge of hurt swept over her, and tears welled up in her eyes.

But Ector simply released her wrist and returned to his seat, resuming his meal in cold silence, offering no words of comfort.

Tears blurring her vision, Erika hurried upstairs.

Gone were the days when Robert would coddle her, and now, even Ector’s warmth had vanished. All because of Fernanda.

Slamming her bedroom door shut with a loud thud, Erika collapsed onto her bed and quickly dialed a familiar number.

The phone rang only briefly before it was answered. Erika didn’t waste a second.

“Ava, is everything ready?” she asked urgently.

“Absolutely,” Ava replied confidently from the other end. “She won’t even make it to the exam p>

A wave of relief washed over Erika as she wiped away a tear.

“But my father said my brother will be driving her himself p>

Ava let out a dismissive chuckle.

“That doesn’t change a thing. The entrance exam is strict about start times. If she’s late, no matter how smart she is, they won’t let her in p>

“Fantastic,” Erika said, a flicker of satisfaction lighting up her voice. “I’ll be waiting eagerly to hear from you p>

With a soft laugh, Ava ended the call.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Fernanda took a final sip of her milk and gently dabbed her lips with a napkin.

“There was no need to be so harsh with Erika,” she said quietly. “Her attitude doesn’t bother me p>

“You may not be bothered, but I need to ensure she treats you with respect,” Ector replied, his tone softening. “I can’t stand the thought of you being mistreated in your own home p>

“I won’t be,” Fernanda said with a reassuring smile.

Ector was determined to make Fernanda feel truly at home—not just as a guest, but as someone who belonged.

After a brief pause, he asked, “It’s about that time. Shall we head to the university p>

Fernanda nodded.

Ector slipped on his suit jacket in one smooth motion and opened the car door for Fernanda with a gentlemanly flourish once her backpack was secured.

Esaham University, nestled in the bustling heart of the city, was only a twenty-minute drive from their residence. However, the central location often meant heavy traffic congestion. Noticing delays on his navigation app, Ector decided to take an alternate route.

Unfortunately, the detour proved just as bad. A line of cars stretched endlessly in both directions, and drivers exchanged rumors about a collision up ahead.

They waited, but the traffic remained at a standstill. Fernanda glanced at her watch, her brow furrowing in concern.

Only forty-five minutes remained until her exam was scheduled to begin. She still needed time to find her assigned room and settle in. Realistically, she had no more than thirty minutes to reach the university.

She stepped out of the car, watching as Ector lit a cigarette. His stiff posture and the sheen of sweat on his brow betrayed his frustration. The road ahead was packed tight with vehicles, and the backup behind them was even worse.

Ector made a series of phone calls, trying to assess the situation. The consensus was discouraging—at least another hour before traffic would move.

He exhaled sharply, stubbing out the cigarette.

“I’ve taken this route dozens of times without issue. Why today, of all days p>

Fernanda weighed her options. Without hesitation, she reached for her backpack and slung it over her shoulder.

“Wait, are you seriously thinking of running the rest of the way?” Ector asked, grabbing her arm. “It’s several kilometers to Esaham University. How do you expect to make it there on foot p>

“I have to try,” Fernanda said, shaking free of his grip. “Standing here won’t help p>

Ector had no words to stop her. All he could do was watch as her determined figure receded into the distance.

He drew in a deep breath, his frustration boiling over, and pounded his fist against the hood of the car.

A short distance into her sprint, Fernanda’s phone buzzed.

She glanced down, her breath catching as Cristian’s name flashed across the screen.

Without a second thought, she declined the call. But moments later, the phone buzzed again. This time, she answered.

“Where are you right now?” Cristian asked, his tone sharp and direct.

“I’m rushing to an exam, Cristian. I don’t have time for this,” she snapped, her pace unbroken.

“Just listen to me if you want to make it in time,” Cristian insisted, his commanding voice halting her. “Tell me where you are p>

Scanning her surroundings, Fernanda caught sight of the elegant facade of a nearby building.

“I’m right outside Westford Hotel p>

“Perfect. Go inside, head to the second floor, and exit through the storage room window. I’ll meet you there,” Cristian instructed without pause.

Without hesitation, Fernanda pushed through the hotel’s front doors and made her way upstairs, following his plan with unwavering focus.

For now, Cristian was the only chance she had.

Reaching the second floor, she found the storage room—locked.

A flicker of frustration passed through her eyes before she braced herself and delivered a series of powerful kicks. The door eventually gave way with a loud crack, triggering the building’s alarm.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway as hotel security rushed to investigate.

Inside the room, Fernanda moved quickly. She flung open the window and leaned out, spotting Cristian astride a motorcycle below. He gave her a quick signal—a curl of his finger.

Without hesitation, she climbed onto the windowsill, pushed off the frame, and landed in a forward roll, absorbing the impact with remarkable grace.

Cristian’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

He handed her a helmet.

“Let’s go p>

Shouts rang out from above. Hotel staff leaned out of the broken window, shouting, “Stop right there! We’re calling the cops p>

“Call Vertex Investments!” Cristian barked back as he revved the engine.

The motorcycle roared to life and launched forward, slicing through the street like a streak of fire.

The sudden acceleration left Fernanda with no choice but to cling tightly to Cristian, her arms wrapping securely around his waist.

A faint smile flickered across his lips.

Was this moment pulling them closer together?