Chapter 3

My gaze then went straight past Stella and landed on Adam.

"Next time, remember to memorize your attending physician's name when you play the hospital charade again, Mr. Green. Otherwise, it's going to be pretty hilarious if you can't answer the questions that the reporters throw at you."

Adam froze, his face turning even paler than before.

Stella just shielded him behind her even more and yelled at me, "Shut the fuck up, Drake Cameron! You're not allowed to hurt him anymore!"

I looked at her protective stance and found it utterly ridiculous.

"Hurt him?" I sneered. "The person who truly hurt him is you. You were the one who gave him false hope, making him think that he could climb all over me to get ahead in his career. You're the main reason why this tragedy is even happening in the first place, Stella Turner."

…

The Turner family's blacklist was swift and decisive. All of my projects were suspended, and my management team was also forced to scatter. Only Josh remained by my side the whole time.

The internet was also flooded with insults directed at me. Some extreme fans even tracked down my home address, splashed paint on my door, and sent me blood-stained razor blades.

Josh reported everything to the police, but it was all to no avail. The deranged fans were like flies drawn to a fresh kill as they came after me in waves.

Stella and Adam were smug about the whole thing. They attended a charity night together, with Stella looking affectionately at Adam right in front of the camera.

"I promise that I'll quickly settle the private matters on my end and give Adam a proper title soon."

The entire world was cheering for their relationship. On the flip side, I was now the bitter ex-husband who kept standing in the way of true love.

Fiona called me once again, her voice laced with victory as she gloated. "Feeling regret now, Drake? I warned you before that you're still too much of a greenhorn to go against someone like me.

"Now, if you'll get down on all four and crawl to me and beg on your knees, and post a two-page apology on your socials with you taking all of the blame, saying that you only did it and spread untrue, malicious rumours because you were jealous of Adam, I will consider giving you a way out."

I found her offer absolutely ridiculous.

"I think you've forgotten something, Mrs. Turner," I replied. "I'm from the Cameron family."

My dad was Stanley Cameron. Even though he'd already retired at an early age, he still held a significant position in the diplomatic circle. Also, my mom, Janet Mullen, was the dean of one of the nation's top music academies with countless successful students all over the world.

I had never been a gigolo who ever needed to rely on Stella or the Turners to survive.

The only reason I'd never used my family connections in the past was simply that I hadn't wanted things to turn ugly. I thought of preserving a shred of dignity for myself and for Stella.

But now, it seemed like they didn't need it anymore.

Fiona's voice turned cold. "You still prefer being a stubborn old mule, I see. Then don't blame me for being ruthless with you. I will personally show you what it means to be driven into a corner, Drake Cameron."

After her call ended, I received a call from Dad. His voice was still as low and steady as ever.

"You've been wronged, Drake," he said. "Just do whatever you want to do to get back. I will always support your decisions."

My eyes turned hot with tears. All of the pent-up grievances of the past few days finally burst forth.

"I'm fine, Dad," I replied.

I hung up. Then, I wiped my tears dry and dialled another number.

"Hi. Would you be interested in discussing a business deal with me?"

The person on the other end of the line chuckled, their voice clear and pleasant. "Of course I am, Mr. Cameron. If it's you, I'm always interested. So, tell me. How do you want to play this game?"