Chapter 30

Chapter 30:

Erika’s voice cut through the tense silence, urgent and worried. “Dad, this is going too far. She’s actually threatening you p>

Robert, the family patriarch, frowned deeply. He was used to unquestioning respect from his wife and children. Why was Fernanda acting like this now?

Before he could respond, Fernanda spoke, her tone firm but not hostile. “Dad, I’m not threatening you. I’m simply making sure last night’s events never happen again. I have no choice but to insist on this p>

Erika jumped in. “It absolutely won’t happen again! Dad, Crowell admitted he messed up last night because he was drunk. He swears it will never happen again p>

“How can you be so sure?” Fernanda’s gaze sharpened as she stepped closer to Erika, leaving no room to dodge the question. “You won’t understand the pain until you’ve experienced it yourself. What if it happens again and I can’t avoid it? Could you handle the consequences then p>

Erika crossed her arms defensively. “I’ve already told you, Crowell fully owns up to his mistake. Why do you have to be so aggressive p>

Fernanda shook her head and dismissed Erika with a glance before turning back to Robert, who appeared lost in thought. “So, Dad, think it over. If it does happen again, can you really handle the fallout p>

Robert did not need long to decide. He knew the answer was no. To him, Fernanda was priceless—a golden goose who must be protected at all costs.

If Crowell ever harmed Fernanda again, the Harper family would shut their doors to her forever, and the Morgans would become the subject of elite ridicule. The thought of that scandal sent shivers down his spine. He could not risk it.

Crowell’s reputation for mischief was well known. If he were capable of real change, it would have shown by now. He had a history of misdeeds—how could Robert expect him not to slip up again?

Lᴀtєst chαptєrs ιn g𝒶l𝑛ovеℓ𝑠.𝑎𝓂

With that realization, any lingering guilt Robert felt over his earlier outburst vanished.

“Have them move out,” Robert commanded Erika firmly. “Since they’re connected to your mother, I’ll help them find another place, but they cannot stay here any longer p>

“Dad!” Erika exclaimed, her eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears.

“That’s my final word,” Robert declared with a dismissive wave. He pointed at two suitcases on the floor. “When you visit the hospital, bring these along. I don’t want them coming back for them.” With that, he strode upstairs without another word.

Left alone, Erika clenched her fists, fury barely beneath the surface. She shot a resentful glance at Fernanda, who returned it with a chilling, mocking sneer that conveyed sheer indifference.

With Crowell finally gone, Fernanda felt a newfound lightness. She turned and made her way back to her room.

That evening, Ector arrived, arms laden with a stack of textbooks. “I’m not sure where you stand with your preparations, but these are the books traditionally used for past entrance exams,” he explained as he handed them to her. “Even if your heart is set on the e-sports major, you’ll still need to tackle the general exams. Esaham University requires all applicants to undergo the same comprehensive testing across different subjects p>

“Okay,” Fernanda replied, accepting the books with a nod. “I’ll make sure I’m well prepared p>

Ector studied her closely, concern flickering in his eyes. With the exams less than a week away, her casual acceptance made him wonder if she had even begun to study. Despite his worries, he chose not to voice them, not wanting to add to her stress. “All right, then. I’ll leave you to study. Just remember, I’m right next door if you need anything p>

In truth, Ector’s visit had a dual purpose—not only to deliver the textbooks but also to ask Fernanda some pressing questions. Yet, upon seeing her, he found himself unable to broach the topics he had intended.

Standing on the balcony, Ector glanced back and caught Fernanda’s gaze fixed on him.

Her eyes shone, penetrating and incisive, as if they could pierce his very thoughts.

“Speak your mind,” Fernanda urged gently, her voice tinged with understanding. “Why keep it bottled up inside?” It was clear she had seen through his facade.

With a heavy sigh, Ector adjusted his collar, feeling constricted, then retreated inside. He settled into the plush sofa and admitted, “I confronted Cristian today p>

Fernanda paused, her finger marking her place in the book. “Why would you do that p>

“I warned him to stay away from you,” Ector replied, concern straining his voice.

A subtle smile played on Fernanda’s lips. “And what did he say p>

She half-expected Cristian to dismiss the warning—his demeanor was always so bold and commanding.

“He refused,” Ector responded grimly. “He admires you so much that he can’t stop himself from wanting you p>

Fernanda was no stranger to such declarations. They no longer affected her.

Ector leaned forward, confusion creasing his brow. “Fernanda, you’ve only just returned to Esaham. How did you come to know Cristian?” He considered that their paths might have crossed at the recent Harper gathering, given Cristian’s ties to Bobby. Yet the ease with which Cristian spoke of her puzzled him deeply.

Noticing Fernanda’s silence, Ector mistook it for distress. Compelled by remorse for his bluntness, he hurried to clarify. “Fernanda, I don’t mean to intrude on your personal matters. My concern is only for your well-being. If you choose to pursue something with Cristian, that’s entirely up to you. Please, just take care p>

His soothing, warm tone and the genuine worry etched on his face gradually eased her tension, causing her posture to relax.

“I’m still engaged to Bobby. Are you saying you wouldn’t mind if I became involved with Cristian?” she questioned.

Ector shook his head gently and smiled reassuringly. “The choice of whom to be with is yours alone. It’s not my place to meddle. However, I fear this situation is more complicated than it appears p>

Ector’s tone was heavy with concern. “This is more complicated than it seems. It could bring unwanted complications and leave you vulnerable p>

Fernanda stood and walked to the refrigerator. She fetched a bottle of water, poured a glass, and handed it to him.

“I’m not going to be with Cristian,” Fernanda declared, her voice calm and unemotional. “His identity means nothing to me. I’m simply not interested p>

“He has taken a liking to you and intends to pursue you,” Ector replied.

“I can manage,” Fernanda said, her tone unwavering. “There is no need to worry p>

Though she was only nineteen, Fernanda spoke with such confidence that Ector found himself believing her completely. He nodded. “All right then.” He took a sip of the cool, clear water, its tranquility mirroring her composed manner.

While he still did not understand the nature of her connection with Cristian, her assuredness eased his concerns.

“I actually have a question for you,” Fernanda said, turning her attention back to Ector. “Why are you so caring toward me p>

“Because you’re my sister,” he answered simply.

Fernanda offered a gentle smile. “Sister, yes, but only a half sister p>

Ector’s expression changed as he rose abruptly. “You know that p>