004

CAMILLA'S POV.

*** Five Years Later ***

“The charity gala is tomorrow, I'm getting my dress fitted right now.” I said to my mom over the phone which was firmly placed between my ear and my right shoulder. 

“You know why you're there, Camilla. You have to bag the deal with the CEO of NH industries. We can't afford to lose it, and I just hope the kids won't be a problem.” She sighed heavily. 

“Don't worry mom, the kids won't be a problem at all. You know they haven't been out of Paris in five years, so this is their chance, I want them to enjoy it.”

I took a deep breath as my stylist tightened the corset behind my back. 

“Okay then, just don't let them get in the way of your work.” 

“They won't.” And just as I said that, they ran out of the room, screaming and chasing each other like tiny predators on the hunt for prey. I groaned heavily, ending the call with mom and handing the phone to my stylist. 

“Kids!” I screamed and they abruptly stopped, their innocent eyes blinking at me. 

“What is this?” 

“It's Luca, he stole the last chicken nugget!” Luella complained, shrieking.

“I didn't steal it! I called dibs.” Luca sharply answered.

I looked over at Louis and he only shrugged, dividing himself from whatever was going on. He had always hated being involved in his siblings' fights.

“That's enough. I'll get you more chicken nuggets later, okay? Right now, mummy's busy so can you please keep it down for the rest of the night?” I pleaded desperately.

“Okay mummy.” 

I smiled at them, but my smile faded quickly when they ran out of the room still screaming their heads off. Only Louis stayed, smiling broadly at me. 

“I like this dress, mummy.” 

“Then this is the dress I'll wear.” 

I admired my reflection in the mirror one more time, impressed with the beautiful patterned red dress that screamed wealth in every way. 

I just couldn't wait to get done with the gala and head back to Paris. I didn't want to run into the very thing that I had avoided for the past five years, and yet I couldn't shake the feeling.

 …..

The moment I stepped into the gala, a strange feeling overwhelmed me. Perhaps it was the flashing cameras, or the imposing gazes from the other guests as my presence was announced. Ignoring the glares, I walked in with my head held high, my assistants trotting behind me. 

I joined the other guests in the large dinner hall, and I was directed to my seat. I looked around the round table, but there was no sign of the man I had come to see, he hadn't arrived yet. 

I was anxious to meet him, mostly because of the tales I had heard about him. People called him ruthless and almost impossible to please. He was a cold man who never tolerated anything that would affect his business. 

Sighing, I sent a text to the babysitter who I had hired to take care of the triplets, trying to find out if the kids had driven her crazy yet. And just before I could read her response, I sensed a shift in the atmosphere. 

“He's here.” One of my assistants leaned in and whispered to me. My heart missed a beat, and I unconsciously adjusted my hair and my dress.

Was he the reason for the uproar in the hall? Maybe he was far worse than I had imagined. 

“He’s so hot.” One of the ladies on the other table cooed. I turned my attention to them.

“I think he's cruel. Didn't you hear about the tussle between his company and his stepbrother's company?” The other lady questioned, her eyes roaming the hall as if she didn't want anyone to hear. 

The CEO of NH industries had a stepbrother? 

“It's not his fault that he's a better businessman. Maybe Bryan should step up his game.” 

My blood ran cold. 

Bryan? 

It had to be a different Bryan. It just had to be.

“Ma'am, he's here.” My assistant nudged my shoulder and I jolted from my thoughts, getting to my feet and preparing to meet the CEO. 

I shut my eyes briefly, repeating the short speech I had prepared in my head, when I heard an awfully familiar husky voice that forced my eyes to snap open. 

“Are you Miss Camilla Martin?” 

I staggered back, my chest tightening at the sight of the man who had left his mark in my life five years ago… the father of my triplets, and the man I had sworn I would never run into again. 

“Noah Montgomery.” He extended his hand for a handshake with a defiant look and I froze.

Montgomery? 

Bryan Montgomery’s stepbrother!?