Chapter 615
At the sound of Erika’s trembling voice, Robert snapped his head up.
Erika recoiled under his piercing stare.
Pointing an accusing finger at her, Robert’s voice rose again. “How could you overlook this? Didn’t you suspect Fernanda was recording you? Now we’re trapped, and the public is tearing us apart!”
Startled by his harsh tone, Erika’s tears spilled over, her lips trembling uncontrollably.
Michelle drew Erika close, encircling her with a reassuring hug while casting a disapproving glance at Robert. “Why lash out at her? It’s hardly Erika’s fault. Who on earth would’ve guessed Fernanda was playing us all along?”
“It’s a complete mess!” Selma interjected. “I warned everyone when she came back that she’d stir up trouble, but no one listened. Now she’s turned into a real menace.”
When Ector walked in, the first thing that hit him was the cloud of negativity hanging over the family, all directed at Fernanda. A surge of frustration washed over him, adding to his irritability. He shrugged off his coat and hung it by the door, his fingers threading through his hair as he made his way upstairs.
“Ector!” Robert’s voice cut through the air, desperate for updates. “What’s happening at the company? When can I return?”
Ector exhaled a weary sigh. “Dad, steer clear of the place for now. It’s crawling with reporters. If you step foot there, you’ll be mobbed. I’ll handle the paperwork and bring anything important for you to sign. Just lay low for a while.”
“But how long must I lurk in the shadows?” Robert protested. “Can’t we get a PR team to sort this out? We can’t let this spiral further. Our reputation’s on the line!”
Ector faced him, a half-smile playing on his lips. “Sure, hiring a PR team is an option—provided you give them something to work with. Can you prove Fernanda’s recording is a sham? Do you have any evidence?”
Robert’s mouth snapped shut.
He had no evidence; his own words had betrayed him.
That night, as those words spilled out, Ector was nearby, shocked at his father’s bitter resentment towards his own daughter over an ended engagement.
He’d always seen Fernanda as a boon to the Morgan family. It was she who forged a lucrative partnership with the Turner family’s Prestige Fashion Group after the company dissolved its ties with the Bloom Group.
But Robert refused to acknowledge Fernanda’s value, fixated instead on her role as Bobby’s fiancée.
Robert hinted that while Fernanda might have some talent, it simply wasn’t enough. She could have toiled her entire life and still not come close to the power of the Harper family. So why not take a shortcut and collaborate directly with the Harper family?
At that pivotal moment, Ector realized Voligny Company was unlikely to make any significant strides. Their chairman was short-sighted.
As he watched the group lounging in the living room, it was clear they felt no guilt. As Fernanda had pointed out, they would never admit to their mistakes.
With a shake of his head, Ector ascended the stairs.
Days later, Fernanda emerged into the public eye again.
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