Chapter 89

Chapter 89:

The redhead, named Brodie Glyn, froze, completely caught off guard. Running into Fernanda again? That was the last thing he’d imagined tonight.

Brodie hurried over, his posture practically a bow as he beamed an overly eager smile. “What brings you out here at such an hour p>

Ector, standing off to the side, couldn’t hide his bewilderment. “Fernanda, who is this guy? Do you know him?” he asked, his tone edged with concern.

“We’ve met,” Fernanda said with a calm smile before turning her sharp gaze to Brodie. “But I’m curious—what’s the story here? From what I heard, you’re saying my brother harassed your sister p>

“Brother? What are you saying?” Brodie’s face scrunched up in genuine confusion.

“Him,” Fernanda said, pointing at Kevin, who sat quietly nearby. “That’s my brother. I heard he got into some trouble here, so naturally, I came to see what’s going on p>

Brodie’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as the realization hit him. Kevin was her brother?

Brodie stammered, suddenly at a loss for words.

Sure, Kevin’s clothes screamed “rich kid,” but this was Zero Degree, Esaham’s go-to spot for affluent heirs. That wasn’t surprising. But this guy was her brother? Now, that was unexpected.

Brodie didn’t know her name, but he remembered one thing very clearly—she was no ordinary person. Leon, the owner of Zero Degree, had treated her like royalty, and even Soren, Leon’s most trusted associate, had shown her the highest respect.

Brodie stuttered, forcing out an awkward laugh. “Um, it’s just a misunderstanding, really p>

“A misunderstanding, you say?” Fernanda tilted her head, her brow arching as if puzzled. “That’s strange. Just a moment ago, you were all so upset, accusing my brother of harassing your sister in front of all these witnesses. And now, suddenly, it’s a misunderstanding? Care to explain what kind of misunderstanding this is p>

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Brodie chuckled nervously, his hands fidgeting. “Well, actually p>

“If it’s too complicated to explain,” Fernanda continued smoothly, “I can always call someone to clear it up. Since we’re here at Zero Degree, why not have Leon sort this out p>

“No, no! Wait!” Brodie’s face turned pale as Fernanda moved to leave. He lunged forward, grabbing her arm in desperation. “There’s no need to bother Leon over something so minor! Let’s talk this out, okay p>

“Then spill it!” Fernanda’s voice turned cold and sharp, the sudden shift making Brodie flinch.

The girl next to him stopped sobbing, her tears forgotten as she stared wide-eyed at Fernanda and Brodie.

The room grew eerily quiet, the usual buzz of Zero Degree fading as every eye turned to Fernanda and Brodie. The tension was palpable, and no one dared to speak.

The crowd wasn’t new to drama, and they weren’t slow to catch on. As they watched Brodie’s panicked expression, the truth became glaringly obvious. Kevin had been on his own, and Brodie clearly thought he’d be an easy target—hence the aggressive display. But now, with someone powerful stepping in to support him, Brodie wasted no time retreating, his bravado fading as quickly as it had appeared.

The crowd’s eyes were full of disdain as they looked at Brodie, their contempt unmistakable.

“Yes, just… just a misunderstanding,” Brodie stammered, nodding like a bobblehead. Yet for all his assurances, he offered no real explanation.

Suddenly, the sound of movement from behind caught Fernanda’s attention. She turned to see a group making their way down the stairs. At the front of the group was Soren.

“Brodie, are you stirring up trouble again?” Soren’s voice carried as he strode forward. “How many times do I have to tell you—one more stunt like this, and you’re banned from Zero Degree for good. Does that not ring a bell p>

Soren carried an undeniable authority as he approached, each word weighted with command.

Brodie stuttered, completely blindsided. He’d been under the impression that Leon and Soren were out of town. How was Soren suddenly here?

A cold wave of fear swept over him, and panic set in.

“Soren,” Fernanda said smoothly, greeting him. “Perfect timing. I was just about to come looking for you p>

Hearing Fernanda’s voice, Soren turned in her direction. The overhead lights had moved past, casting her in shadow. That explained why he hadn’t spotted her right away.

“Fernanda? You’re here. Why didn’t you let me know p>

“I’m here for my brother. Brodie accused him of harassing his sister, then turned around and called it a misunderstanding. None of it adds up. I asked for an explanation, but he wouldn’t give one. I figured with you here, he might come clean p>

As she spoke, Soren grasped the situation instantly. Without hesitation, Soren smacked the back of Brodie’s head.

“Still haven’t learned your lesson, have you?” Soren growled. “You crossed Fernanda last time, and now you’re messing with her brother p>

“Are you trying to dig your own grave p>

“No, no, wait!” Brodie flailed his hands, desperation thick in his voice. “Soren, you’ve got to hear me out p>

“I don’t want to hear it,” Soren cut him off sharply, raising a hand to silence him. “Apologize to Fernanda and her brother. Then leave. And don’t even think about setting foot in Zero Degree again. Got it p>

“What? Soren, no—you can’t do that!” Brodie exclaimed, the shock hitting him hard.

Soren paid no attention to Brodie’s protests and turned to Fernanda, saying, “He’s nothing more than a petty thug—uneducated and broke. Leon took pity on him and offered some help a few times, but it never made a difference. He’s always up to some scheme, whether it’s extorting people or staging fake accidents. Leon ignored it out of sympathy p>

With a heavy sigh, Soren gave Brodie a look of sheer disappointment. “This isn’t their first scam. They would bring in some girl, pretend she’s his sister, and claim she was harassed—then use it to extort money. Most rich folks don’t want the hassle, especially after a few drinks, so they just pay. That’s probably what happened here. Don’t worry, Fernanda. I’ll take care of it p>

Soren’s explanation made everything crystal clear for Fernanda. It was just another ploy to con wealthy patrons out of their money. Brodie’s uneasy look said it all—Soren had nailed it.

The crowd began to criticize Brodie and his group, calling their actions disgraceful and shameless. Humiliated, their faces turned red.

“I told you I didn’t do anything to her!” Kevin shouted abruptly before getting to his feet and storming off.

Ector gave Fernanda a reassuring pat on the shoulder before hurrying after Kevin.

Fernanda remained where she was, her gaze fixed steadily on Brodie. Her eyes were calm but piercing, carrying a coldness that sent a shiver down Brodie’s spine. He stood there trembling, utterly clueless about what she might do next.