Chapter 88

Chapter 88:

“What?” Fernanda blinked, momentarily taken off guard.

“It’s about Cristian,” Ector said, his tone more serious. “Have you really thought this through? Do you want to be with him p>

“No, not even close,” Fernanda laughed, unable to hold it back. “I’ve never thought about being with him. We’re just friends, and nothing more p>

She kept laughing, but Ector didn’t even crack a smile. He stole a glance at her, and his brows furrowed even more.

Ector was sure that Fernanda hadn’t developed feelings for Cristian yet, but Cristian clearly didn’t feel the same way—he was relentless in his pursuit of her. Ector knew that someone like Cristian wouldn’t give up easily. Once he set his sights on something, he was determined to win it. Whether it was business or Fernanda, the principle was the same.

This was why Ector was worried—he was concerned about Fernanda’s future. Even if she never reciprocated Cristian’s feelings, he feared she’d be pursued relentlessly, which could be terrifying.

Noticing Ector’s concern, Fernanda turned to him, her expression serious. “Ector, I understand what you’re worried about. Don’t worry, I know where to draw the line p>

Ector knew she was sensible, but Cristian was clearly someone she couldn’t easily control. While he acknowledged her impressive skills, sharp intellect, and excellent grades, he knew that emotions didn’t always follow reason. He had seen many brilliant people whose personal lives were far from perfect.

Fernanda was still young, and he genuinely worried she might make…

…The mistake of trusting the wrong people.

The siblings fell into silence, each wrapped up in their own thoughts, until the quiet was broken by the sudden ringing of Ector’s phone. When Ector saw the caller ID, he recognized Kevin’s number. He answered without hesitation, only to be greeted by an unfamiliar voice on the other end.

Lɒtєst ϲh𝒶ptєrs ιn

“Are you this kid’s brother p>

“Yes, I am,” Ector responded right away. “Who are you, and why do you have my brother’s phone p>

“This kid is in trouble!” the man said, his voice menacing. “Since you’re his brother, come to Zero Degree and deal with it. We’re waiting for you. If you’re late, you will regret it p>

The call abruptly ended right after.

Seeing Ector’s frown deepen, Fernanda couldn’t help but ask, “Ector, what’s going on p>

“Someone just called from Kevin’s phone, saying he is in trouble,” Ector confessed, not holding back any details.

Fernanda glanced at the time—it was already past two in the morning. At this hour, it was probably a fight or something along those lines.

“Are they telling you to come over p>

Ector nodded, his expression serious. “Fernanda, I need to go over there now. Once we’re there, stay in the car. I’ll take care of things.” Considering Fernanda’s current difficulty getting around, he was concerned that getting her involved in any conflict might only make things worse for her.

Fernanda nodded, agreeing. “Okay p>

She hadn’t intended to get involved, as she knew her limitations. Plus, she wasn’t exactly on good terms with Kevin, so staying out of his business was easier.

But as they got there, she started to second-guess herself. Maybe she should go in after all, because Ector had pulled into the… parking lot of Zero Degree.

So Kevin had gotten himself into trouble inside Zero Degree? After parking, Ector gave one last reminder. “Stay in the car, Fernanda. I won’t be long p>

Zero Degree’s nightlife could get wild, and Ector preferred Fernanda to stay outside in case of further conflict.

Fernanda watched as Ector made his way inside, then, after a brief pause, she made up her mind to get out of the car herself. The doctor had given Fernanda a crutch when she left the hospital, and now she used it to steady herself as she hobbled toward Zero Degree.

The guards at the entrance exchanged curious glances as they saw Fernanda approach. They couldn’t help but be amazed at this determined girl—broken leg and all, she was still using a crutch to come out for a drink. Following the usual rule of treating guests with respect, they didn’t stop her. They opened the door and even helped her up the steps.

Zero Degree was as vibrant as always. The loud, energetic music and the flashing lights overwhelmed Fernanda, making her feel a bit dizzy. She rubbed her temples lightly, scanning the crowd for Ector and Kevin.

After taking a few steps, Fernanda noticed a crowd ahead, as if something was going on. She made her way toward the crowd, and as she neared, she heard a furious voice shouting, “How can you be so stubborn now? I’m going to knock some sense into you p>

Wait… Fernanda thought that voice sounded familiar.

There was a commotion as several people tried to pull the man back, attempting to calm him down. Then Ector’s calm voice rang out, cutting through the chaos. “Let’s handle this the right way. You really think acting like this will solve p>

“Anything p>

“Handle it? Fine. It’s simple—we want this kid to pay up, so hurry and make him pay p>

“Paying is something we can do,” Ector responded. “But my brother insists he didn’t harass your sister. He can’t be falsely accused of something he didn’t do p>

“Damn it, are you two working together? Everyone here saw this kid harass my sister! Do you really think you can just deny it and get away with it p>

“Yeah, we all saw it p>

“Yeah, he brought his glass right up to the girl’s mouth. If that’s not harassment, then what is p>

“I saw his hands all over! He saw she was alone and tried to take advantage of her p>

The crowd was quick to judge, while Kevin sat on the sofa, unable to defend himself.

“Ector, I swear I didn’t!” Kevin grabbed Ector’s arm. “I had too much to drink, but I remember everything. I didn’t harass her p>

Kevin’s denial only added fuel to the whispers around him.

Fernanda squeezed through the crowd, finally making her way closer to the front. To her left stood Ector, and on the sofa beside him sat Kevin. The flashing lights made it hard for her to clearly make out Kevin’s expression.

To her right, there were several rough-looking men, and the one at the front had bright red hair…

No wonder that voice sounded familiar. Fernanda realized now—it was the same redhead she’d met before.

The last time she was at Zero Degree, she’d had too much to drink and passed out on the sofa, and he’d been the one to harass her.

He had made a lasting impression on Fernanda with his sudden shift in attitude. At first, he’d been threatening, but once he realized she was connected to Leon, he’d gone from tough to overly accommodating.

Beside the redhead stood a girl, her head down, quietly sobbing. Fernanda guessed she was the one they said Kevin had harassed.

Fernanda was aware that the redhead was not a decent man. And she couldn’t even imagine Kevin harassing anyone in a nightclub. With his looks, Fernanda was sure plenty of girls would be into him. If he wanted company, he could easily invite someone to hang out—there was no need to harass a stranger.

Fernanda nudged the person in front of her and stepped right up to the front.

Ector noticed her, and his expression grew even darker. “Didn’t I tell you to stay in the car?” he said, frustration clear in his voice. “Why did you come over? It’s crowded here. What if you hurt yourself again p>

At Ector’s words, many people followed his gaze and looked over, including the redhead and his group.

The redhead had been casually scanning the room, but when he saw Fernanda, he froze, his whole body stiffening. Fernanda clearly saw his expression shift from cocky to shocked, then to nervous fear.

Her bright eyes locked onto him as she smiled, her voice cutting through the silence. “Hey, man, long time no see. Remember me p>