He stood there, seething, the remains of the chair still in his grip.

“How dare Fernanda play me!” Robert roared. “She’s making a fortune off her old man’s name. How can she sleep at night with that kind of money?”

He failed to see the irony in his outrage, given that he had exploited Fernanda’s engagement to Bobby for his own gains and saw nothing wrong with it.

“Ector, you’re close to her.” Robert turned to his son. “Find her and get those stories pulled, at any cost!”

Ector massaged his temples and let out a weary sigh. “Fernanda’s not going to listen to me.”

“Then plead with her!” Robert grasped Ector’s shoulders, his eyes desperate. “Talk sweetly. Do it for me, will you? You’re clever; you must have a way. Help your old man. If you don’t, I’ll be buried under this public backlash!”

Robert had never felt the sting of public scrutiny before, but now, caught in its fierce grip, he was at a loss.

Erika had been avoiding stepping outside lately, but with the new semester looming, she found herself with no choice.

At Luminary University, a personal sign-in at the start of each term was mandatory.

So, with a heavy heart, she ventured to the university.

Swathed in a hat, mask, and scarf, her disguise was foolproof; she blended into the crowd, unrecognized.

After quickly signing into the university’s system at the library, she made a beeline for the campus gate, eager to return to the comfort of her home.

Suddenly, Erika’s gaze landed on a familiar face—Mayson.

There was a time when Mayson had not been shy about his affections for her, pursuing her with the zeal of a hopeful suitor.

But that was before the partnership between Voligny Company and Prestige Fashion Group began. Since then, he had significantly cooled his ardor.

Erika had always been the object of admiration, yet she never took these romantic overtures seriously.

Her interest lay with those who wielded success like a badge of honor—those whose influence overshadowed her own substantial family heritage.

Mayson had once ticked all those boxes, with a family enterprise that dwarfed her own in scope and wealth.

Erika had played it cool, tossing around maybes and what-ifs, thinking it would boost her mystique.

But now, seeing him indifferent, Erika couldn’t help feeling a bit rattled. She stepped forward and initiated the conversation.

“Mayson, long time no see.”

Her disguise had worked a little too well. Mayson squinted, not recognizing her immediately. It was only when he tuned into her voice that recognition dawned.

“Oh, Erika, it’s you.”

Unmasking herself, Erika smiled. “So, how was your winter break?”

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