Jeff’s gaze softened as he made an offer. “How about I give you a ride instead? We’re passing by the school on our way home. It’s not really safe for a girl to be taking a cab alone at this hour.”

Fernanda played the route in her mind, realizing it was indeed on the way. With a nod, she responded, “That’s kind of you, thanks.”

When they reached Jeff’s car, he moved to open the front passenger door for her, but Fernanda spoke up first. “I’ll sit in the back with Sloane. She’s had quite a bit to drink, and I’d rather keep an eye on her.”

Sloane had been mixing drinks all night, starting with beer and moving on to whiskey, which explained her current state of inebriation. Jeff smiled at Fernanda with genuine warmth, his gaze full of gratitude. “I really appreciate it. Thank you.”

The dim streetlights bathed Jeff’s face in a soft glow, adding an air of tranquility to his demeanor. His eyes, framed by his glasses, reflected a quiet kindness.

With careful hands, Jeff assisted Sloane into the car before turning to Fernanda, inviting her in and gently closing the door behind them.

The engine hummed to life as the car rolled forward, and Jeff kept sneaking worried glances at Sloane through the rearview mirror, his concern palpable.

Fernanda couldn’t help but notice Jeff’s demeanor. It reminded her of her brother, Ector—just as compassionate and attentive.

The silence in the car felt heavy, so Jeff reached for the stereo, turning it on with the volume lowered. A familiar ballad filled the space, the soft voice of the female singer carrying a hint of sorrow, drifting through the air.

Breaking the silence, Fernanda said, “You and Sloane really have an amazing sibling relationship.”

Jeff’s eyes flicked toward her in the mirror, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. “It’s just like what you share with Ector. What brother wouldn’t want to look after his sister?”

Fernanda just smiled and did not answer him.

“By the way,” Jeff said, shifting the topic. “Do you happen to know if Ector is planning to marry Lynda?”

Fernanda blinked, taken aback. “Lynda?”

Jeff nodded. “Yeah, she majored in law, and both she and Ector graduated from our school. I heard when Ector first joined the student council, she was already the president. Word is, she had quite the soft spot for him.”

He paused, letting the thought linger before continuing, “Then, when she graduated and was supposed to leave for grad school, rumors say she stayed behind at our university… all for Ector. Once she wrapped that up, she went overseas to pursue her PhD.”

Jeff’s voice was gentle and comforting, the kind that seemed to blend perfectly with the soft melodies drifting from the car’s stereo, like the voice of a late-night radio host telling stories of a forgotten era.

“Ector wasn’t ready for a relationship back then. He was too focused on his studies to return Lynda’s feelings. Most of us thought their story had ended there…”

But then something caught my eye. The law firm Lynda started, Graystone Law Firm, sent out legal notices to people slandering Ector online. That’s when I realized they were still in contact. I guess that made me wonder—are they together now?”

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