Chapter 75

Chapter 75:

As the clock neared two in the afternoon the next day, Fernanda was preparing to head out.

Robert had decided to skip the office that day and was lounging in the living room, engrossed in the TV. The rest of the Morgan family, except for Ector, had gathered there to keep him company.

When Robert saw Fernanda descending the stairs, he straightened slightly and watched her.

“Fernanda, you heading out?” he asked.

“Yes,” Fernanda replied with a nod.

Erika and Kevin exchanged a brief glance with her but remained silent. Aware of Robert’s presence, they refrained from saying anything unpleasant.

Erika, who had been in a good mood moments earlier, found her irritation flaring the moment she saw Fernanda.

“This is the perfect time to enjoy yourself during the holidays,” Robert commented, his tone reflecting his constant belief that Fernanda’s choices were always right. “Are you going out with Bobby p>

“Yes,” Fernanda answered casually.

Robert’s expression brightened as he handed her a card.

“Take this, Fernanda. When you’re out with Bobby, don’t let him pay for everything. If you see something you like, buy it. It’s nice to treat yourself every once in a while p>

“No need for that, I’m good,” Fernanda replied, declining the card.

When she first returned, Robert had already given her a card, and that had been more than enough. She didn’t want to risk getting caught in a situation where, if Robert’s mood shifted, he might ask for it back and make things awkward.

g Ɐ lnσ ν𝓮 ℓs․com, your storytelling home

Robert was someone who always prioritized profit, and Fernanda wasn’t eager to get too entangled in that kind of dynamic.

She slipped on her shoes at the door and walked straight out of the villa.

“Look at her attitude!” Selma huffed, visibly irritated by Fernanda’s apparent disregard. “She just acts like we don’t exist. You treat her kindly, and she takes it for granted. She doesn’t deserve anyone’s kindness p>

Robert, frowning at Selma’s comments, came to Fernanda’s defense.

“Fernanda’s just a bit aloof, but she doesn’t mean any harm. She didn’t grow up here, so it’s natural that she’s not close to us. Don’t expect too much from her. Things will improve in time p>

“Do you really think she’ll change her attitude?” Selma scoffed, clearly skeptical.

Robert’s brow furrowed, and his mood darkened. Fernanda had brought him pride—outsiders praised her as his daughter—yet it stung to hear his own family belittle her.

Noticing Robert’s discomfort, Michelle gently nudged Selma, signaling her to quiet down.

With the tension rising, Robert switched off the TV and stood up from the sofa.

“I don’t want to hear any more negativity about Fernanda,” he said, his voice cold and firm. “Fernanda is my daughter. She’s part of this family, and we should be supporting her, looking out for her—not tearing her down and letting others make a mockery of us. This stops now p>

Without waiting for a response, Robert turned and walked upstairs.

Selma immediately recognized that his words were aimed at her, and her anger flared.

“Listen to that,” Selma fumed, her eyes blazing with anger. “Isn’t he criticizing me? Now he’s defending that girl. What’s so great about her? I don’t think she’s any better than Erika p>

“Mom, don’t get upset. She just got accepted into Esaham University, and Robert is just happy for her,” Michelle said gently, taking hold of Selma’s arm. “Let him enjoy it for a few days p>

Selma rolled her eyes dramatically. If this kept up, wouldn’t Fernanda start running wild at home?

Kevin, who had been lounging on the sofa, glanced at the time and sat up straight.

Selma’s gaze snapped to him. “Kevin, where are you going p>

“I’m heading out for a race,” he said casually.

“A race?” Selma blinked, confused. “What kind of race p>

“A motorbike race,” Kevin replied, quickly tossing his phone, earphones, and charger into his bag before slinging it over his shoulder.

Selma hurried over, grabbing Kevin’s arm with concern. “Those races are dangerous. You can’t go p>

Kevin clicked his tongue in annoyance and brushed her hand off his arm. “Relax, it’s not dangerous,” he said dismissively.

His grandmother could be incredibly overbearing and full of advice, always nagging at the most inconvenient times.

“I’ve seen those people zooming down the street, speeding like maniacs. How can that not be dangerous?” Selma stepped in front of him, blocking his path. “You kids never understand. L—Ouch p>

Before she could finish, Kevin shoved her aside. She collided hard with the hallway cabinet, letting out a sharp cry of pain.

Without a second glance, Kevin opened the door and left.

Michelle and Erika rushed to help Selma to a seat, easing her down gently.

Selma lay on the sofa, pressing her back into the cushions, her face contorted in pain.

“That bump really hurt. Kids these days just don’t listen p>

She winced, trying to shift her position. But despite her irritation, her concern for Kevin lingered—after all, he was her grandson. What if something serious happened to him?

Exactly at two o’clock, Fernanda arrived at the entrance of Dawn Villas and spotted Cristian’s car waiting by the roadside. As she approached, the car door swung open.

Today, Cristian was dressed in a dark blue motorcycle outfit paired with black boots—a sharp contrast to his usual suit and tie. He looked energetic and full of life in this new look.

Fernanda, as always, wore a simple T-shirt, casual pants, and sneakers, giving off a neat and fresh vibe.

Cristian and Fernanda made their way onto the outer ring highway of Esaham, heading out of the city. The motorbike race took place twenty kilometers outside Esaham, at Ylery Mountain. Halfway up the mountain, an open area awaited them, already buzzing with activity. Participants were gathered, geared up and ready to compete.

Rows of motorcycles were neatly lined up on the open ground, showcasing an impressive variety of models—each one sleeker and more striking than the last.

After parking the car in the lot, Cristian stepped out, and Fernanda immediately noticed a crowd of attractive guys and beautiful girls. The guys were mostly dressed in motorcycle gear or casual sportswear, while the girls sported a mix of styles. Some wore ultra-short skirts that highlighted their long, slender legs, radiating youth and energy.

As soon as Bobby spotted Cristian’s car pulling up, he rushed over eagerly. When Fernanda stepped out, his face lit up with excitement.

“Wow, did my cousin invite you too?” he asked, beaming with joy.

“Yes,” Fernanda nodded, her gaze sweeping over Bobby before she smiled and offered a direct compliment. “You look quite handsome p>

Bobby’s smile widened even more.

His bright red motorcycle gear made him look like a fiery ball of energy, as if he were ready to burst into flames. Cristian walked over just in time to hear Fernanda’s compliment to Bobby. His brows furrowed slightly.

She praised Bobby, but why hadn’t she said anything about him? Wasn’t he handsome too?

Bobby, oblivious to Cristian’s subtle annoyance, eagerly grabbed Fernanda’s hand and led her toward the racetrack, excitedly explaining the race rules.

“These are the bikes we’ll be using later,” he said, motioning to a row of motorcycles. “Pick one for me. I’m sure the one you choose will bring me good luck p>

“Alright,” Fernanda agreed with a nod.

“I believe your choice won’t let me down,” Bobby added confidently. Even if the motorcycle wasn’t the fastest, he trusted his own skill. He was always a showstopper when riding, after all.

Eager to show off in front of her, he began introducing some of the finer motorcycles with lively speech and animated gestures.

Fernanda listened attentively, but suddenly, she felt a cold, unfriendly stare settle on her. She turned and found herself locking eyes with Ava, whose gaze was icy and piercing.

Ava’s face was tight with tension, her hands clenched at her sides, jealousy practically radiating from her as she watched the closeness between Fernanda and Bobby.