a stated in an even tone, her voice steady and clear.

. Her complexion lost its col

exam or by excelling in the university's specialized admission test. This test was reserved for the trul

to secure a spot to at

ain. Any annoyance he felt quickly dissipated, replaced by bubbling excitement. A rich,

y didn't concern him. What mattered most to him was the overwhel

ce laced with tension, Miche

ed, her voice dripping with disdain. "It'

t being qualified to try at all, r

ed her fork down, the clatter echoing sharply. "I've had enou

le walked Fernanda to her cozy

ed, resonating with Fernanda's

"Next to yours is your elder brother's. He's often caught up with work commitments and rarely at h

there's anything you need to make your stay more co

helle with a look

her eyes downcast as she spoke.

e excused themselves, leavi

d lending a luminous sheen to her eyes. They sparkled against the backdrop of wat

hair until it was just damp. But as she emerge

er suitcase. She hadn't brought many belongings here, which only inc

of her suitcase, it dawned on her with a sinking fe

ncy, she rose to her feet a

sitation, Fernanda approached the servant, her voi

it startled. "Your sister w

anda's face. "And whe

stairs, playing the piano,"

rned and made her way downstairs, her

louder as she approached the music room. Reaching the door, she pushed it op

keys of an elegant mahogany piano,

souring. "What in the world, Fernand

towards her and seized her arm in a firm grip. "The pho

e free. "What photo? I don't know what you're talking about,"

back against the piano forcefully. Her fingers clamped do

tuated by the damp strands of her bangs, Erika's cheeks

fear, trembling under Fernanda's menacing presen

p slap that sent Erika reeling, her head turning

nting an accusatory finger at Erika, her tone as co

e grand villa, her heart sinking as s

nd to her by blood, he had nurtured her with unwavering care and

e to his memory, was something

rs flew over her phone, dispatchin

ring. "Leave it to me, boss. I'll mak

g her cheek, her sobs loud and wrenching as Michelle supported her. "Mom, Dad!" she wailed, her voi