Chapter 119 Chapter 119

Chapter 119 Chapter 119
“Now that we've reached this critical point, your father will certainly not let you get away with it. The scandal will reach his ears, and this time... I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you from Daniel's wrath.”
Nísia's eyes widened in pure terror.
“Mom... what do I do?” she begged, grabbing the hem of Rosana's blouse. 
“I don't want to be kicked out of the house! Where would I go if Dad threw me out on the street?!”
Rosana narrowed her eyes, her calculating mind finding a way out.
"I know your father's ruthless personality. Apologizing and crying won't do you any good. The only way to deal with Daniel is to make him see your value again. You need to be useful to him.
She bent down, holding her daughter's tear-stained face.
“Early tomorrow morning, I'll send someone from my family to pick you up. You'll hide with them for a while. Out of sight, out of mind. When the dust settles and the right opportunity arises, I'll bring you back as a winner.”
Nísia panicked, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
“What opportunity, Mom?! When will that happen? I still have to go to school, I have tests! I can't just disappear!”
“And you won't,” Rosana cut in, her voice firm and full of ambition. “Of course it won't affect your studies. Have you forgotten? The National Chemistry Competition is next week! That damn Katherine Lutz is also registered.
A cold, almost cruel smile spread across Rosana's lips.
”Wait for the preliminary results. If you crush Katherine and make it to the finals, bringing glory to the family, your father will be so proud that he'll forget this perfume incident. He'll forgive you. Otherwise... if you come back to this house now, you'll be his punching bag. And even if you scrub the floor on your knees for a month, Daniel may never look you in the face again.
Nísia swallowed hard. She remembered it very well.
Last time, because of a trivial mistake—just accepting a romantic note from Diego Willis—Daniel Lutz punished her with frightening fury, forcing her to scrub the floors of the entire mansion like a miserable maid.
This time, the crime involved the family's reputation and the wrath of the Arbex family. The punishment would be a thousand times worse. It certainly wouldn't be resolved with a bucket of soap and water.
She clenched her fists, wiping away her tears with the backs of her hands. Fear gave way to a poisonous determination.
She would hide. She would study. And in the Chemistry Competition, she would crush Katherine Lutz once and for all.
Nísia's voice broke, the rest of her arrogance crumbling in the face of harsh reality.
“So... I'll listen to you, Mom. What should I do?”
Rosana's eyes flashed with poisonous cunning, plotting their survival.
“Write a letter of deep self-criticism tonight. Make every word bleed with sincere remorse,” Rosana instructed, relentless. “I'll deliver it to your father myself. And remember: even though you're hiding at your grandmother's house, send him messages from time to time. Show concern like a devoted daughter, but don't you dare call him!”

Keep in touch strictly by text so he can't vent his anger in his voice.
Rosana paused, her eyes half-closed.
"Also, first thing tomorrow morning, go see Cicero Arbex and apologize in person. But pay close attention: don't you dare change your clothes or put on makeup. Just wear that wrinkled hospital gown. Look as fragile and sick as possible.
Nísia frowned, her pride as a rich girl wounded.
“Go in a gown? How embarrassing, Mom! I'll look like a beggar!”
“Do you still think you have the luxury of maintaining a shred of dignity?!” Rosana hissed, grabbing her daughter's shoulders and shaking her. “It's over, Nísia! The only thing you need to do now is save your image by appealing to the pity of others! Swallow your pride!”
While despair consumed the Lutz household, the atmosphere at the Arbex Mansion was one of comforting warmth.
After the turbulent banquet and the resolution of the scandal, Katherine made a point of personally accompanying Sasha Meneguel to the front door. Alan, always helpful, offered to drive her home safely in his car.
As soon as the luxury car disappeared through the entrance of the property, Katherine walked back to the East Wing, escorted by Anastasia and the Arbex brothers.
The contrast was striking. While her blood family tried to destroy her, this family protected her like a priceless treasure. In a silent agreement, no one even mentioned Nísia's disgusting name in her presence. They didn't want to contaminate the air with garbage.
Instead, their words were filled with affection, urging her to forget the fatigue of the day and rest.
Octavio, always the loyal little dog, took the initiative and ran to her room, returning with one of her most beloved stuffed pillows.
“Here, boss!” said Octavio, holding out a soft stuffed rooster. 
“This rooster is magical for helping you sleep. I sleep hugging it every night, but I'll lend it to you today to ward off nightmares.”
Katherine looked at the awkward rooster and couldn't help but smile sweetly, the coldness in her eyes melting away. She raised an eyebrow, amused.
“And what will you do if you can't sleep without it?”
Octavio puffed out his chest, lifting his chin with exaggerated heroism.
“It doesn't matter. I'll just stay awake all night on guard!”
She smiled slightly, about to tease him and politely decline the offer, but before she could open her mouth, a large, imposing hand crossed the air.
The stuffed rooster was mercilessly snatched from her hands and pressed hard against Octavio's face.
“You have the audacity to give this to her when the stuffed animal is covered in your drool?” João's deep, cold voice sounded right behind her, laden with a territorial jealousy he didn't even try to hide.
“Oh, big brother!” Octavio grumbled, pushing the rooster away from his face. “No! I don't drool while I sleep! Don't slander me in front of her!”
João just snorted coldly, adjusting the cufflinks on his suit.
Katherine glanced at the incredibly tall and powerful man beside her. She felt that lately, João was always around, like a protective and unwavering shadow that followed her everywhere. A shadow that exuded a dangerous warmth.