Chapter 64

Chapter 64:

Once Martin ended his call with Robert, he immediately dialed Bobby.

“Where are you?” Martin demanded as soon as Bobby picked up. “Get back here right now. We have a banquet at noon p>

At that moment, Bobby lay stretched out on a hotel bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling with a vacant stare.

“What banquet?” he mumbled, his tone lifeless as his eyes traced his reflection on the polished black-marble ceiling. “Dad, you know I couldn’t care less about the kinds of gatherings old folks like you are into p>

“This isn’t optional,” Martin replied sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Nursing a relentless hangover, Bobby winced as his headache worsened.

“Why?” he asked, his voice heavy with resignation.

“Because Robert invited us,” Martin explained. “It’s to celebrate Fernanda’s acceptance into Esaham University. You don’t have a choice.” He added with an edge, “Be in my office within an hour. If you’re late, you know the consequences p>

Martin hung up abruptly, ignoring Bobby’s annoyed outbursts on the other end of the line.

Bobby tossed his phone onto the bed and rubbed his temples in frustration.

Why on earth did he have to attend a banquet for that country bumpkin? What did it have to do with him anyway?

Did she seriously think getting into Esaham University would change how he saw her? Ridiculous.

But defying his father wasn’t an option. Bobby wasn’t in a position to stand on his own just yet.

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Martin didn’t even need to push hard—just the threat of canceling Bobby’s credit cards was enough to bring him to heel.

It was a foolproof tactic, every single time.

Bobby sulked on the bed, wallowing in self-pity, when the door suddenly swung open.

A woman with striking features stepped into the room, carrying a bag in her hand.

“Mr. Harper,” she greeted with a cheerful smile. “You’re awake. I brought you the clothes you wore yesterday. I had the hotel staff wash them. Once you change, can we head out? I’m starving p>

Bobby gave her a puzzled look and asked flatly, “And you are p>

“It’s me, Hannah Lee,” she replied, a bit taken aback. “We were out last night, drinking and singing. You got way too drunk, so I brought you here p>

“Alright, got it,” he said, though he barely recalled who she was.

He vaguely remembered the night—drinking and singing with a group of women—but their faces blurred together in his memory. They all seemed the same to him.

Picking up the clothes, he began dressing, one item at a time.

“You can leave now,” Bobby said without emotion. “I’ve got somewhere to be too p>

Hannah’s perfectly styled expression faltered with disappointment. “But you promised we’d go shopping and have lunch today. I was all set for it p>

Had he actually said that?

“Sorry, something came up. My dad needs me at the office,” he explained. “We can hang out another time p>

Despite her obvious frustration, Hannah nodded, her reluctance clear.

Bobby was certain nothing intimate had happened between them. He knew himself well—once he passed out from drinking, he was dead to the world.

After checking out of the hotel, he called for a taxi.

A heavy sense of gloom settled over him. Why did he still have to let his family dictate every part of his life, even down to his marriage?

Why was he being forced to attend a banquet he had no interest in, surrounded by people he couldn’t stand?

It didn’t seem fair.

The more he thought about it, the deeper his self-pity grew.

As soon as Bobby stepped into the Harper Group’s headquarters, he made his way straight to Martin’s office.

Martin, seated behind a desk piled high with papers, glanced up to see who had entered. The moment he saw Bobby, his face shifted into that familiar look he reserved only for his son—a mix of impatience and barely concealed frustration. The kind that said, “Here we go again p>

Bobby, feeling the weight of the stare, quickly glanced down at his outfit. A T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops—definitely a laid-back, summer look.

But Martin wasn’t impressed. He picked up the phone and instructed his secretary to escort Bobby to change into something more formal.

Bobby couldn’t stand suits. He hated how the tie always felt like it was choking him.

Still, after changing into a more appropriate outfit, Martin finally seemed to ease. His frown softened, and for once, he didn’t look like he was on the verge of an outburst.

“Dad, I really don’t want to go,” Bobby said, trying one last time. “There’ll be so many people there congratulating Fernanda. Even if I skip it, it’s not like anyone will notice p>

“Enough,” Martin snapped, growing visibly annoyed. “Even if the entire world shows up, you’re still expected to be there. You’re not just anyone. You’re her fiancé p>

The word “fiancé” made Bobby’s skin crawl.

It was a label he’d never asked for, a role he had no desire to play.

The drive to the restaurant felt endless, each of the thirty minutes stretching out like torture.

Robert had reserved a spacious private room on the second floor. On a large screen at the front, Fernanda’s admission letter to Esaham University was displayed in bold, proud letters.

It struck Bobby as excessive, but when he found out she had earned the highest score among all the candidates, he paused. For a fleeting moment, he begrudgingly admitted to himself that maybe the country girl had more substance than he’d assumed.

Most of the guests were familiar—regulars at these types of gatherings.

Still, Bobby felt stifled by the constant stares, as if he were the one being celebrated.

He had no need for their congratulations. This wasn’t his accomplishment.

Seeing that Martin was distracted, Bobby took the chance to quietly slip out for some air.

Outside, the sun blazed overhead. Bobby found a bench by the fountain and sat down, squinting up at the sky as he let the warm sunlight wash over him.

Only in the open air did the pounding in his head finally begin to ease, if only just a little.

As he scanned the area around him, Bobby’s eyes locked onto a familiar face, and he froze, momentarily stunned.

A rush of excitement surged through him. He straightened up and waved enthusiastically.

“Hey, over here p>

Fernanda turned at the sound of the voice and saw Bobby.

He quickly made his way toward her, and with every step, her figure came more clearly into view. She wore a light green knee-length dress, simple yet elegant, accentuating her delicate collarbones and slender legs. Her skin seemed to glow under the sun, radiating a fresh energy.

When he finally stopped in front of her, Bobby’s face lit up.

“What are you doing here p>

“Just having lunch,” Fernanda answered with a casual shrug, glancing toward the restaurant. “What else would you do at a restaurant p>

“I’m eating here too. What are the odds?” Bobby said, clearly pleased.

A wave of satisfaction washed over him. It felt like fate was playing a role in their story, bringing him and his angel together again and again. In that moment, his headache faded, and all his frustration disappeared. The world seemed just a little brighter.

“So, who are you having lunch with?” he asked curiously.

“No clue. I just know it’s in room 301 p>

Bobby’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Are you serious? I’m in room 301 too p>

Fernanda feigned surprise, barely hiding a smile.

“No way, really p>

“Did you get an invite too? To Miss Morgan’s celebration p>

“Yep,” Fernanda replied with a nod.

“That’s perfect!” Bobby clapped his hands, a grin spreading across his face.

Suddenly, what had seemed like a dreadful event didn’t feel so bad anymore.