lothing from her suitcase, her voice sharp and cool. "This

t moment was to hasten

g just a moment too long. The calluses on his fingertips were coarse, betraying more wear than most.

ately, Fernanda dismissed any

ar horn shattered the silenc

ad loosened his shirt, though his t

ssed something to Fernanda. "My apologies for any discomfort caus

sion of a panther, he s

he faint illumination of the streetlights, she observed him scale the wal

e the object he had le

able compensation-a fair recompense. Fernanda

etched across his face. "Miss Morgan, I hope you managed to rest last night.

ually and mutter

the rearview mirror. Reclined in her seat, she gazed out the

sed youth. Her calm sophistication and graceful demeanor set her apart, enh

Fernanda stepped into the

s, alive with vibrant streets an

ed into the upscale estate of Dawn Villas, coming to a

, Fernanda let her eyes wander over th

to vast wealth. Her lips curled into a faint, almost

From humble beginnings, he had climbed to wea

ldly cast aside her mother, choosing to r

y earned. She basked in the luxuries and respect that were never hers to claim. Worse still, Michelle had dared to flaunt her victory

rm. Michelle even had the audacity to claim she was Fernanda's real mother. But Fe

hardened, a flicker of steely det

eek justice, but Fernanda vowed sh

wung open, revealing the pair respo

suit accentuating his stature. His gold-rimmed glasses reflect

egance. Her fitted dress clung perfectly to her

greeted warmly, a smile playing on hi

g the storm of emotions swirling within he

le's waist, introduced her with a ges

living room, he remarked, "A

r eyes narrowed judgmentally at Fernanda's plain dress, her face contorting into a sneer. With an exagge

anda's. "Oh, Fernanda, Erika's just teasing. Pay her no mind. I've prepar

arm free and strode with determ

fusion crossed her face. She turned to Robert, her voic

"Fernanda was raised in the countryside. She's a bit un

she murmured, her resolve firming. "I'll guide her as she settles in, teac

on her back, his expression o

Michelle seated hers

insisted, placing a tender slice onto Fe

nd dropping it into an empty plate with a clear look of disgust.