Chapter 4

Chapter 4:

“This isn’t a photo—it’s an online document,” Fernanda said evenly, her voice steady and clear. “Notice the Esaham University web address at the top p>

Erika was speechless. Her face drained of color as silence settled over the table.

Entry into Esaham University was famously difficult, possible only by excelling in the rigorous standardized exam or by passing the university’s specialized admission test. This test was reserved for the truly outstanding, drawing candidates from diverse fields and making the chance to compete incredibly rare.

How had Fernanda managed to secure a spot to take the admission test?

Suddenly, Robert snatched up Fernanda’s phone, his eyes scanning the screen over and over. Any frustration he had melted away, replaced by genuine excitement. A deep, joyful laugh burst from him as he declared, “Brilliant, Fernanda! Absolutely brilliant p>

How Fernanda had secured such an opportunity was of no concern to him. What mattered was the immense pride he felt, knowing she would have this chance.

With a tight smile and a voice edged with tension, Michelle replied, “Yes, well done p>

“What’s so great about that?” Erika scoffed, her tone thick with disdain. “It’s not as if she’s actually going to pass p>

“But it’s certainly better than not being qualified to try at all, right?” Fernanda replied smoothly.

A flush spread across Erika’s cheeks, her anger rising. She slammed her fork down, the sound ringing sharply through the room. “I’ve had enough!” she declared, before storming off in frustration.

After dinner, Robert and Michelle accompanied Fernanda to her cozy and thoughtfully prepared room.

The space was airy and uncluttered, perfectly matching Fernanda’s taste for understated elegance.

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“Across the hall is your sister’s room,” Michelle explained warmly. “Next to yours is your elder brother’s room. He’s often busy with work and rarely at home. Your younger brother, who’s currently at a summer camp overseas, has his room beside Erika’s p>

She continued, a gentle smile softening her features, “If there’s anything you need to make your stay more comfortable, please don’t hesitate to tell me, dear p>

Robert watched Michelle with a look of quiet approval.

“Thank you,” Fernanda murmured, her eyes downcast. “I think I’ll take a shower now p>

With that, Robert and Michelle excused themselves, leaving Fernanda in privacy.

As she stepped under the spray, cool water washed over her, drenching her face and giving a luminous sheen to her eyes. They sparkled beneath droplets on her lashes, enhancing the serene yet frosty allure of her features.

After showering, Fernanda blow-dried her hair until it was just damp. But as she left the bathroom, her heart skipped a beat.

The contents of her suitcase were strewn across the floor in disarray. She hadn’t brought much with her—just some clothes, basic toiletries, and a photo of Hiram Hammond.

As Fernanda rifled through the scattered belongings, a sinking feeling grew within her. The photograph was missing.

With sudden urgency, she got to her feet and quickly left the room.

In the corridor, she spotted a servant. Fernanda approached immediately, her voice edged with alarm. “Has anyone been in my room p>

The servant glanced up, a little startled. “Your sister was there a short while ago p>

A shadow crossed Fernanda’s face. “And where is she now p>

“She’s in the music room upstairs, playing the piano,” the servant replied.

Without another word, Fernanda turned and made her way downstairs, her footsteps echoing with determination.

The melodious sound of a piano drifted from the second floor, growing louder as she approached the music room. She pushed open the door with such force that it slammed against the wall.

Inside, Erika jerked away from the keys of an elegant mahogany piano, visibly startled by the sudden intrusion.

She spun around, her expression twisting into a scowl. “What in the world, Fernanda? You nearly gave me a heart attack p>

Ignoring Erika’s complaint, Fernanda strode purposefully toward her and seized her arm in a firm grip. “The photo from my suitcase—where is it?” she demanded sharply.

Erika’s nose crinkled in annoyance as she tried to pull away. “What photo? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replied, her tone a mix of confusion and defensiveness.

“Don’t play games with me!” Fernanda snapped, shoving Erika back against the piano. Her fingers gripped Erika’s chin as she demanded, “Where the hell is it p>

Under Fernanda’s icy stare, intensified by the damp strands of hair clinging to her forehead, Erika’s cheeks flushed deep red, her eyes filling with tears.

“I got rid of it!” Erika’s voice trembled with fear, her body shaking under Fernanda’s intimidating presence. “I threw it in the garbage outside. I thought p>

Fernanda’s response was swift and stinging—a sharp slap that sent Erika’s head whipping to the side, a bright mark blooming on her cheek.

“You’d better pray I find it,” Fernanda hissed, pointing a cold, accusatory finger at Erika. “Or you’ll regret the day you ever crossed me p>

With that, Fernanda stormed out of the grand villa, her heart sinking as she found the bins outside already empty.

The photo was a solemn memorial portrait of Hiram. Though not related by blood, he had cared for her with unwavering love and devotion. To Fernanda, he was her world—her only family. That cherished photo, a tribute to his memory, was something she couldn’t bear to lose.

Back in her room, Fernanda’s fingers flew over her phone as she sent a message with urgent precision.

The reply came instantly, soothing her anxiety. “Leave it to me, boss. I’ll make sure to get the photo back for you p>

Before she could feel any true relief, her bedroom door was thrown open. Erika stumbled in, clutching her cheek, her sobs loud and desperate as Michelle supported her. “Mom, Dad!” she wailed, her voice raw with anguish. “Fernanda hit me—on her very first day back! You can’t just ignore this p>