Chapter 11

Chapter 11:

Fernanda stood calmly behind Robert, a subtle smile playing at the corners of her lips as she looked at Erika. Her expression was a silent declaration of deliberate mischief.

Overcome with fury, Erika jumped up from the couch, her voice ringing with indignation. “Dad, Mom, she’s the one sneaking around with some guys, and yet she dares to accuse me of spreading rumors? If she’s so innocent, why is she secretly meeting men p>

Fernanda replied, her voice heavy with sarcasm, “What exactly is wrong with me meeting some guys p>

“You…” Erika started, but Robert’s booming voice crashed over her, cutting her off.

“Erika, enough! After making your sister look utterly shameful, it turns out you were wrong all along. Why can’t you just apologize? We may not have raised Fernanda from the beginning, and yes, we owe her a great deal, but does that justify your harsh treatment? Haven’t you learned anything about decency after all these years p>

It was the first time Robert had ever addressed Erika so sternly. The sharpness of his words left her visibly shaken. Wide-eyed and with trembling lips, Erika looked as though she might break down at any moment.

Seeing the tension, Michelle quickly stepped in, her tone gentle as she tried to calm the situation. “Darling, please calm down. Erika will make things right with Fernanda p>

She drew Erika close, wrapping her arm around her shoulders and offering a reassuring pat. “Even if you think you saw something, Erika, that doesn’t give you the right to assume the worst about your sister. Be more mindful next time—I know you’re just worried about Fernanda, but this isn’t the right way p>

With her carefully chosen words, Michelle portrayed Erika as a caring, protective sibling, masking any intent to spread harmful rumors.

Robert’s stern expression softened, the sharpness of his annoyance slowly fading.

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With Michelle’s gentle encouragement, Erika reluctantly shifted her attitude. She looked up at Fernanda, her uneasy gaze meeting Fernanda’s unwavering eyes as she quietly whispered, “I’m sorry p>

Barely above a whisper, Erika’s timid apology failed to stir even the slightest reaction from Fernanda.

An uncomfortable silence settled over the room.

Encouraged by another supportive pat from Michelle, Erika raised her voice and said more firmly, “I’m sorry p>

“Just make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Fernanda replied sharply. “You’re an adult now, so act like it. It’s important to think before you speak. Otherwise, the real world will teach you a harsh lesson p>

With that, Fernanda turned and made her way upstairs to her room, leaving the conversation behind.

Erika stood frozen, a knot of frustration tightening in her chest. Today had not gone as planned. Not only had she failed to put Fernanda in her place, but she had also been reprimanded by Robert—a first in her memory.

Ever since that pathetic country girl returned, everything had started falling apart. It seemed profoundly unfair. Why was she the one apologizing when Fernanda was the one who had behaved improperly?

The more Erika dwelled on what had happened, the deeper her anger burned, threatening to consume her. Clinging to Michelle’s arm, she finally let her tears fall, sobbing uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, Fernanda’s spirits were high as she returned to her bedroom. Whistling a lively tune, she made her way into the bathroom for a shower.

She snickered to herself, amused by the naivety of Erika and Amber. Did they truly believe she wouldn’t stand up for herself? Did they imagine she was the type to silently endure injustice?

A scornful smile played on her lips as she recalled Amber’s timid reaction. It had taken only the slightest challenge for Amber to crumble, trembling like a leaf. It was utterly pathetic.

After stepping out of the shower, Fernanda briskly dried her hair with a towel and reached for her phone. A new notification flashed—a message from an unfamiliar number.

She opened the message to discover a photo of herself from the evening’s dinner. Her eyes flickered with doubt before widening in recognition. The photo had been sent by the man she had dined with earlier.

She was surprised that he had actually taken her picture.

With a swift motion, Fernanda saved the image, deleted the message, and tossed her phone onto the nightstand.

Elsewhere, at the luxurious Singhs’ house, Cristian leisurely swirled his glass of wine, savoring its intoxicating scent while he waited for a reply.

An hour passed, but his phone remained silent. There was no buzz, no notification—just the empty screen staring back at him.

He gave a casual shrug, a deep chuckle escaping his lips, his amusement unmistakable. He should have known she wouldn’t reply to his message.

Cristian finished the last of his wine in one smooth motion, his throat working as the drink slid warmly downward. The soft, golden light of the bedroom lamp highlighted his striking features, illuminating the sharp lines of his collarbones visible above his half-open shirt. As he reached to refill his glass, the muscles in his shoulder tensed beneath the sleek fabric of his tailored shirt. Despite his lean appearance, every movement exuded a quiet strength.

Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the piercing ring of his phone. Cristian snatched it up, a brief look of disappointment flashing across his face before he tossed the device aside and switched to speaker mode.

“Cristian! How did your date go with that stunning lady today?” Bobby’s voice erupted from the speaker, thick with eagerness and anticipation. “Did she fall for your charms? Is this it? Are you actually getting married?” He chuckled lightly, his excitement obvious.

The woman he had glimpsed earlier was breathtaking—her silhouette, her allure, her aura were unforgettable. She was perhaps the most beautiful woman he had ever encountered. Surely, only someone like Cristian could match her grace.

Lost in thought, Bobby felt a wave of wistfulness wash over him. The world was full of such extraordinary beauties, yet he was about to get engaged to a simple country girl.

“Cristian? Are you listening to me?” Bobby pressed. “So, tell me, how far did things go with her p>