Chapter 4 Slapping Erika

"This isn't a photo-it's an online document," Fernanda stated in an even tone, her voice steady and clear. "Notice the Esaham University web address at the top?"

Erika was at a loss for words. Her complexion lost its color as silence enveloped her.

Entry to Esaham University was notoriously difficult, achievable only through the rigorous standardized exam or by excelling in the university's specialized admission test. This test was reserved for the truly outstanding, drawing candidates from diverse disciplines and making the chance to compete a rare gem.

How did Fernanda manage to secure a spot to attend the admission test?

Suddenly, Robert's hand was on Fernanda's phone, his eyes scanning the text again and again. Any annoyance he felt quickly dissipated, replaced by bubbling excitement. A rich, joyful laughter escaped him as he declared, "Brilliant, Fernanda! Absolutely brilliant!"

The way Fernanda managed to secure such an incredible opportunity didn't concern him. What mattered most to him was the overwhelming pride he felt, knowing she had this chance to take the exam.

With a stiff smile and a voice laced with tension, Michelle replied, "Yes, well done."

"What's so great about that?" Erika scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "It's not as if she's actually going to pass."

"But it's certainly better than not being qualified to try at all, right?" Fernanda retorted smoothly.

Color rushed to Erika's cheeks, her anger palpable. She slammed her fork down, the clatter echoing sharply. "I've had enough!" she declared vehemently, before storming off in a huff.

After dinner, Robert and Michelle walked Fernanda to her cozy and thoughtfully prepared room.

The room was airy and uncluttered, resonating with Fernanda's love for understated elegance.

"Across the hall is your sister's room," Michelle explained, her voice carrying a warm undertone. "Next to yours is your elder brother's. He's often caught up with work commitments and rarely at home. Your younger brother, who's currently at a summer camp overseas, has his room beside Erika's."

She continued, a smile softening her features, "If there's anything you need to make your stay more comfortable, please don't hesitate to tell me, dear."

Robert watched Michelle with a look of quiet approval.

"Thank you," Fernanda murmured, her eyes downcast as she spoke. "I think I'll take a shower now."

At that, Robert and Michelle excused themselves, leaving Fernanda to her privacy.

As she stepped under the spray, cool water washed over her, drenching her face and lending a luminous sheen to her eyes. They sparkled against the backdrop of water droplets on her lashes, enhancing the serene yet frosty allure of her features.

Once out of the shower, Fernanda blow-dried her hair until it was just damp. But as she emerged from the bathroom, her heart skipped a beat.

There, scattered across the floor, were the disarrayed contents of her suitcase. She hadn't brought many belongings here, which only included some clothes, basic toiletries, and a photo of Hiram Hammond.

As Fernanda rifled through the disarrayed contents of her suitcase, it dawned on her with a sinking feeling that the photograph was nowhere to be found.

With a sudden sense of urgency, she rose to her feet and exited the room swiftly.

In the corridor, she spotted a servant. Without hesitation, Fernanda approached the servant, her voice tinged with alarm. "Has anyone entered my room?"

The servant glanced up, a bit startled. "Your sister was there a short while ago."

A shadow crossed Fernanda's face. "And where might she be now?"

"She's in the music room upstairs, playing the piano," the servant informed her.

Without a word of thanks, Fernanda turned and made her way downstairs, her footsteps echoing with determination.

The melodious sounds of a piano floated down from the second floor, growing louder as she approached the music room. Reaching the door, she pushed it open with such force that it slammed against the wall with a resounding thud.

Inside, Erika jerked away from the keys of an elegant mahogany piano, visibly startled by the intrusion.

She swiveled around, her expression souring. "What in the world, Fernanda? You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

Ignoring Erika's complaint, Fernanda strode purposefully towards her and seized her arm in a firm grip. "The photo from my suitcase-where is it?" she demanded sharply.

Erika's nose crinkled in annoyance as she attempted to wriggle free. "What photo? I don't know what you're talking about," she retorted, her tone a mix of confusion and defensiveness.

"Don't play games with me!" Fernanda barked, shoving Erika back against the piano forcefully. Her fingers clamped down on Erika's chin as she snapped, "Where the hell is it?"

Under the harsh scrutiny of Fernanda's icy stare, accentuated by the damp strands of her bangs, Erika's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, her eyes welling up with tears.

"I... I got rid of it!" Erika's voice quaked with fear, trembling under Fernanda's menacing presence. "I threw it in the garbage outside. I thought-"

Fernanda's response was swift and stinging-a sharp slap that sent Erika reeling, her head turning sharply as a fiery imprint appeared on her skin.

"You'd better pray I find it," Fernanda hissed, pointing an accusatory finger at Erika, her tone as cold as steel. "Or you'll rue the day you crossed me."

With that, Fernanda stormed out of the grand villa, her heart sinking as she discovered the empty bins outside.

The photo was a solemn memorial portrait of Hiram. Though not bound to her by blood, he had nurtured her with unwavering care and affection. To Fernanda, he was her entire world, her only family.

That cherished photo, a tribute to his memory, was something she couldn't afford to lose.

Back in her room, Fernanda's fingers flew over her phone, dispatching a message with urgent precision.

The response was immediate and reassuring. "Leave it to me, boss. I'll make sure to get the photo back for you."

But before she could digest the relief, her bedroom door was flung open. Erika stumbled in, cradling her cheek, her sobs loud and wrenching as Michelle supported her. "Mom, Dad!" she wailed, her voice soaked in anguish. "Fernanda struck me-on her very first day back! You can't just overlook this!"