Chapter 49

Chapter 49
Reyna seethed with resentment as she gazed at the Buddhist monk, his bald head gleaming in the dim light of the ancestral home. Who did Fernandez think he was, sending her to this relic of a bygone era? The monk's strange outfit and beads only added to the absurdity of the situation.
As the monk began to chant, his eyes closed in reverence, Reyna rolled hers in exasperation. She scanned the room, taking in the talismans and offerings presented before the pictures of Fernandez's grandparents. The air was thick with incense, and the scent of white flowers hung heavy over everything.
The monk's eyes snapped open, and he fixed Reyna with a stern gaze. "Young Mistress Reyna, with that little clothing you're wearing, devils can easily tempt you."
Reyna sighed, her mutter under her breath barely audible. "Yes, it was one of the devils who sent me here."
The monk's expression was puzzled. "What did you say, Young Mistress Reyna?"
Reyna forced a smile, her voice dripping with insincerity. "Nothing, monk."
The monk nodded, his eyes returning to his beads. "Young Mistress Reyna, it's been so long since you last came here. I've been looking forward to your presence, and for you to come and pay respect to your grandparents."
Reyna's fake smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Yes, and you see I'm here."
The monk nodded, his eyes glinting with a knowing light. "Of course, yes. And I believe you know the routine here. You will have to eat tasteless food and only drink lemon."
Reyna's face contorted in disgust, her mind racing with curses for Fernandez. How could he do this to her?
Reyna's eyes widened in revulsion as the servants presented her with a serving of plain white rice and lemon juice. She scrunched up her face in disgust, her stomach churning at the thought of consuming such bland and unappetizing food.
The monk smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Young Mistress Reyna, you will have to chant a mantra with me, then you will eat your food."
Reyna reluctantly stood up, covering her head with the scarf provided by the servant. She joined the monk in chanting the mantra, her voice barely above a whisper.
Just as they finished, one of the security guards burst into the room. "Young Mistress Reyna, the master said you can come home now."
Reyna's eyes widened in surprise. Had Fernandez really changed his mind? She hastily removed her scarf and smiled at the monk. "Monk, I have a very important business to attend to. I will come and pay respect to my grandparents later."
The monk nodded, his expression serene. "Very well, Young Mistress Reyna. But don't forget to take the offering with you."
Reyna shook her head, a clever thought crossing her mind. "No, I won't have it. But I have someone who will want it." She smiled sweetly, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Fernandez dare to lock me here with the sadistic monk, then I will present the tasteless offerings to him."
The monk's expression remained neutral, but Reyna could sense a flicker of surprise in his eyes. She turned to leave, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of revenge.
Reyna sashayed into the living room, her stilettos clicking on the marble floor, her eyes fixed on the scene before her. Fernandez was sitting on the plush couch, Anna standing beside him, adjusting his tie with a forced smile. Reyna's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions. Had Anna fallen under Fernandez's spell overnight?
"Anna, what are you doing?" Reyna asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
Anna noticed Reyna's presence and hurried over to her, concern etched on her face. "Reyna, are you okay? I was worried sick about you."
Reyna nodded, her gaze still fixed on Fernandez. "I'm fine, but I don't think you are," she replied, her voice dripping with disdain.
Fernandez chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement, his voice low and husky. "Of course she can't be fine, Reyna. She's paying the price for your sins."
Reyna's eyes snapped back to Anna, confusion written across her face. "What does he mean?"
Anna's expression was tense, her voice barely above a whisper. "He means I made a deal with him to secure your release."
Reyna's eyes widened, her mind reeling with the implications. "You didn't have to do that, Anna. I can take care of myself."
Anna's smile was weak, her eyes pleading. "I had to, Reyna. I couldn't bear the thought of you suffering."
Reyna's gaze turned icy as she turned back to Fernandez. "Enjoy your victory while it lasts, devil. We'll get back at you."
Fernandez's smirk never wavered, his eyes glinting with triumph. "I'm shaking in my boots, Reyna. You're no match for me."
Reyna's eyes sparkled with mischief as she remembered the offering from the monk. She handed it to Fernandez, a sweet smile on her face. "The monk sent this for you. He said you must have it."
Fernandez's expression turned strange, his eyes widening in surprise, as he took the offering from Reyna. He called over a servant, his voice firm. "Throw this in the trash bin."
As Fernandez left the mansion, Anna and Reyna shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the hallway. "Devil!"
Reyna's face was etched with unease as she stared at Anna, her eyes filled with remorse. "I'm really sorry that you have to tolerate him just for me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Anna's expression softened, and she quickly shook her head. "Don't apologize, Reyna. I'd do anything for you."
The two friends engulfed each other in a warm, sisterly hug, holding each other tightly for a moment before disengaging.
Anna's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, "What was the thing you gave to him? And you mentioned a monk? I don't understand."
Reyna took a deep breath and explained everything - the monk, the offering, and Fernandez's reaction. Anna's eyes widened in surprise, and she exclaimed, "Lemon and tasteless food? Ha! He deserves it!"
Reyna nodded in agreement, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I know, right? He's been getting away with too much for too long."
Anna grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Now, let's get you ready for your interview. My bestie is going to be a star soon!"
Reyna nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "Thanks, Anna. I couldn't do this without you."
The two friends shared a warm smile, and Reyna headed off to get ready for her interview, feeling more confident and determined than ever.