Chapter 618
“It was good,” Mayson answered, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yours?”
“I’m not doing well,” she responded, her voice lowering, a touch of melancholy seeping through.
“Our family’s a bit like a puzzle—complicated and private. Outsiders wouldn’t really get it.”
Mayson was up to speed with the recent drama, thanks to his mother, who thrived on the latest gossip.
He had his reservations about how Erika’s family had treated Fernanda, especially after hearing Erika’s cutting remarks in that infamous recording. This had him questioning the real Erika.
Was she the poised and gentle soul he knew from school, or someone far more cutting?
Despite his past fondness for her, the incident had left a sour taste, and he had opted to keep his distance.
Running into her today threw him off balance.
“Actually, my brother is waiting for me outside,” Mayson said, looking anywhere but at Erika. “I’ve gotta run.”
He didn’t linger for a response but turned on his heel and walked away.
In truth, he had lied.
Vinson had indeed dropped him off, but he wasn’t waiting.
Mayson’s thoughts were in turmoil. Seeing Erika again was like stumbling upon a stunning facade that masked a sinister secret beneath.
Without thinking, he rushed to the campus gate, only to be surprised to find his brother’s car still there. He swung the door open and hopped in, closing his eyes as he took deep, uneven breaths.
A sudden feeling of unease prompted Mayson to glance toward the back seat, where he found two figures—a man and a woman. The man was his brother, Vinson, and the woman… was Fernanda.
Shock propelled Mayson into the seatback, his face etched with disbelief.
Vinson glanced at his brother and asked in a deep voice, “What’s with the look of shock?”
Mayson remained silent, at a loss for words.
Though perplexed by his usually upbeat brother’s reaction, Vinson didn’t pry. Instead, he suggested, “I’m taking a friend out for dinner. Wanna tag along?”
Mayson couldn’t recall how he replied; his mind had gone blank. When he snapped back to reality, he found himself sitting in a private dining room with Vinson and Fernanda.
From the corner of his eye, Mayson studied Fernanda, the woman at the center of all the recent online buzz. She seemed unfazed, managing to dine with both elegance and haste.
Suddenly, Mayson felt a tap on his hand. Turning, he locked eyes with his brother’s icy gaze and quickly diverted his attention back to his meal.
After the meal, as they exited the restaurant, two eager reporters sprang from their hiding spots.
Vinson immediately threw up an arm to protect Fernanda, his gaze sharp and commanding.
.
.