Chapter 65

Chapter 65
Anna's heart finally felt calm after her emotional conversation with her mother. However, the guilt still lingered, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that Fernandez had kept her mother's illness a secret from her for far too long. If she hadn't found out, she would have never known about her mother's condition.
As she sat in the car, Anna recalled asking her mother if her father knew about her illness. Her mother had sighed and said, "He doesn't know anything, Anna. He's too caught up in his own world." Anna's anger flared up again, thinking about her father's priorities: alcohol and gambling.
She had asked her mother if she wanted to leave the apartment and move elsewhere or even with her, but Mrs. Anderson had declined, saying she was okay where she was. Anna was grateful to Fernandez for arranging a good surgeon for her mother, and the fact that her mother would soon be operated on with a fifty percent chance of success.
Anna pulled out her phone and dialed the number to Antonio's mansion. "Hello?" the voice on the other end answered.
"Is Fernandez there?" Anna asked, trying to keep her tone neutral.
"No, madam. He's left for the office. And Miss. Reyna not here either," the voice replied.
Anna's jaw clenched in frustration and guilt. "Drive me to Antonio's Group," she instructed the driver.
As the car navigated through the city streets, Anna's emotions swirled. Guilt, and determination battled for dominance.
As Anna stepped out of the car, her heels clicked on the pavement, echoing through the lobby of Antonio's Group. She entered the building, her determination palpable. The receptionist, a warm smile on her face, greeted Anna. "Madam, you're here. It's been a while."
Anna nodded, her expression firm. "Yes, it is. Is Fernandez busy? Can you help me call Mr. Thompson? I wouldn't want to disturb Fernandez if he's busy."
The receptionist's smile faltered for a moment before she nodded and made the call. "Mr. Thompson, Madam is here to see Mr. Antonio. Is he available?"
Anna's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with thoughts of confrontation.
Mr. Thompson's voice came through the phone, firm and clear. "The boss is not busy, madam can come and meet him."
The receptionist nodded, her eyes darting to Anna. "The boss is not busy, madam. You can go and meet him."
Anna nodded, her heels clicking on the floor as she boarded the elevator. Fernandez, oblivious to Anna's appearance, looked up from his work, his concentration broken by Mr. Thompson's entrance.
"What is it?" Fernandez asked, his voice firm.
Mr. Thompson hesitated before speaking. "Madam is here to see you."
Fernandez's eyes widened, his mind racing. He stood up, his movements swift. "Leave me, Mr. Thompson. I need to speak with Madam alone."
As Mr. Thompson exited, Fernandez paced in his office, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. What did Anna want? Why was she here?
Through the transparent glass wall, he saw Anna approaching, her expression determined. He rushed to sit down, his eyes fixed on the file in front of him, his heart racing with anticipation.
As Anna entered his office, Fernandez's eyes flickered up, his gaze locking onto hers for a brief moment before he returned to the file in front of him. But he wasn't reading anything; his entire focus was on Anna.
Anna's voice broke the silence, her tone laced with guilt. "Fernandez, I hope I didn't interrupt you?"
Fernandez finally looked up, his expression unreadable. "What are you doing here? And where's the Anna who didn't want to talk things out?"
Anna sighed, her shoulders sagging as she walked towards his desk. She pouted sadly, her eyes downcast. "I'm really sorry, Fernandez. I should have listened to your explanation."
Fernandez's eyes narrowed, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "What are you sorry for? Is it for slapping me or for giving me the cold shoulder and being angry unnecessarily?"
Anna's eyes flashed with defensiveness, but she bit back her retort. She couldn't deny that Fernandez had a right to be hurt. Instead, she spoke from her heart. "I'm really and genuinely sorry for whatever has happened. I was wrong to jump to conclusions and lash out at you."
Fernandez's expression softened slightly, his eyes searching hers. "I appreciate the apology, Anna."
Anna's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "And also, thank you for arranging the best doctor for my mother. I really appreciate it."
Fernandez nodded, his expression gentle. "I'm just glad I could help. How is your mother doing?"
Anna's eyes welled up with tears, her voice cracking. "She's...she's doing okay. The doctor says she has a fifty percent chance of recovery."
Fernandez's face softened, his eyes filled with compassion. "I'm so sorry, Anna. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you."