Chapter 16

Chapter 16:

As Fernanda made her way back to the lawn, most of the guests had already retreated into the warmth of the nearby villa. Gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she set off toward the inviting glow of the building.

She had only taken a few steps when someone suddenly blocked her path.

Backlit by the villa’s lights, the woman’s features were obscured, but Fernanda could tell she was tall and striking, standing with unmistakable confidence. Her arms were crossed firmly over her chest, radiating defiance. It was Ava—the same woman Fernanda had seen earlier with Erika.

“What do you want?” Fernanda asked.

“Someone like you would never be good enough for the Harper family,” Ava declared, her words slicing through the evening air. “Sure, you’re pretty, but so are a thousand other girls. You’re just another face in the crowd, with nothing to offer the Harpers p>

The hostility in Ava’s voice was clear, and Fernanda quickly understood the source of her bitterness.

“And if not me, then who? You?” Fernanda shot back, her eyes fixed on Ava, unwavering.

For a moment, Ava’s composure faltered, clearly thrown by Fernanda’s directness.

The villa’s lights illuminated the night, casting a radiant glow that made Fernanda’s eyes shimmer like icy shards—cold and mesmerizing.

Ava lifted her chin, trying to project confidence, though Fernanda, a woman of seemingly modest background, effortlessly outshone her.

“Of course they’ll choose me over you. Bobby’s mother clearly favors me,” Ava insisted, her voice thick with forced confidence. “If you have any sense, you’ll tell the Harpers to call off this ridiculous engagement. Otherwise, you’re the one who will end up humiliated p>

“You seem to mistake yourself for someone who gets to decide,” Fernanda replied indifferently.

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“Are you really ignoring my warning?” Ava pressed, disbelief in her voice.

Fernanda’s brow furrowed in confusion. “And who exactly do you think you are to dictate my actions p>

Ava’s eyes flashed with indignation, her voice sharp as she demanded, “How dare you challenge me p>

“Here’s a piece of advice,” Fernanda replied, dismissively flicking her wrist. “If you’re truly interested in someone, pursue him yourself instead of threatening me.” With one last piercing look, she added, “Don’t be so petty. People will only ridicule you p>

She walked past Ava without a backward glance, leaving her rooted to the spot and reeling. Had Fernanda really just insulted her so bluntly? Did she truly think that mere beauty and boldness were enough to surpass everything else?

Ava seethed as she watched Fernanda’s poised, graceful silhouette disappear into the distance.

As Fernanda approached, a waiter swung open the grand doors of the villa, ushering her inside.

Once indoors, the soft strains of piano music floated through the air, weaving among the elegantly dressed guests. The scene was mesmerizing. The moment Fernanda entered, all eyes were drawn to her.

The lighting outside had been gentle, casting a calm and welcoming glow. Inside, however, it was bright and vibrant, illuminating Fernanda’s skin and highlighting the sleek lines of her figure. She stood out like a dazzling gem, commanding everyone’s attention. The Morgan family’s eldest daughter was a vision of elegance.

Ava trailed behind, but as she entered, she quickly realized that no one spared her a glance.

Though she wasn’t lacking in beauty, Ava felt utterly overshadowed by Fernanda. A surge of resentment burned in her chest as she made her way to her friends.

“Hey, Ava, what’s wrong?” Erika asked, her brows furrowing with concern. “Did something happen p>

“Nothing,” Ava replied sharply, her tone laced with irritation.

Erika and Minnie exchanged a puzzled look, uncertain about Ava’s sudden shift in mood. Despite herself, Ava couldn’t help but glance over at Fernanda.

It was often the case that women scrutinized their rivals more closely than anyone else.

After a brief pause, Ava pressed her lips together and asked in a frosty tone, “Erika, what’s the story with your sister’s education?” As Ava’s gaze drilled into Fernanda, full of animosity, Erika immediately understood. She realized that Ava’s sudden hostility was rooted in her feelings for Bobby, which had now turned into resentment toward Fernanda.

Without missing a beat, Erika replied, “She’s completely uneducated. She dropped out of school early and ran around with some unsavory people. My father was absolutely furious p>

A flicker of smug satisfaction appeared in Ava’s eyes at this revelation.

“That’s terrible,” she remarked sharply. “It would be a real scandal if people found out the Morgan family’s eldest daughter had no education p>

“Do you really think we’d let that happen?” Erika scoffed. “My parents are already scrambling to find a school where she can easily get a diploma. That way, it won’t be as humiliating when people start asking questions p>

Ava’s expression shifted as she considered Erika’s words.

Fernanda had dared to lecture her earlier. Maybe it was time for Fernanda to be confronted with reality, to learn the difference between herself and those who truly mattered.

“You two enjoy your little chat,” Ava said coolly, her voice dripping with detachment. “I’m off to see Judie p>

Judie Harper was not only Bobby’s mother but also Cristian’s aunt, and Ava’s abrupt decision to visit her was clearly aimed at Fernanda.

Erika’s spirits lifted at the idea, and she encouraged Ava with enthusiasm. “Go on! Judie has always favored you. She’ll be delighted to see you p>

Ava’s smirk widened, her confidence restored.

Secretly, Erika hoped that Ava’s visit would serve a double purpose—not only lifting Ava’s mood, but also teaching Fernanda a harsh lesson.