009

As the evening progressed, Camilla found herself cornered by a group of socialites. They were the kind of women who thrived on gossip and backhanded compliments, their sharp smile hiding daggers. 

"Camilla, why don't you join us, let's have a little chat." One of them said, her tone was syrupy sweet.

Camilla's calculating gaze scanned them, she could already tell what they had in mind. 

Gossips. But she couldn't say no to them, feigning a sweet smile, she nodded. "Sure, why not?" 

One of them called over a waiter passing by with drinks. They had anticipated that Camilla would take the simplest and less superior wine, but to their surprise she grabbed a wine more superior and stronger than the ones they had collected.

They exchanged glances. Camilla pretended to notice it, and went ahead to sip her wine.

"So, Camilla, " one of them began, "How does it feel to be engaged to the most eligible bachelor in the city?" 

Camilla mentally scoffed, 'most eligible bachelor in the city' yet none of them agreed to give away their daughters to marry him. 

Hypocrites.

Camilla placed her glass on the table and glanced at the woman, returning her smile with her fake own. "It feels...unexpected and surprising." "But I'm adjusting." She said honestly.

Another woman, her diamond necklace glittering in the light, tilted her head. "Adjusting? My dear, if I were in your shoes, I'd be celebrating every second. A man like Cyrus doesn't come along every day."

Camilla smiled, "Right? I wonder why you didn't take the opportunity, I mean you have a ripe daughter."

The woman frowned slightly, but didn't say anything.

"You know, I'm quite happy none of you did, if not how will I be in this position. I mean, my husband is so sweet and caring, plus he has a lot of money, what more could I be asking?" Camilla smiled, pretending to blush at the thought of it.

The women exchanged glances, surprise etched on their faces. Although they managed to mask it, Camilla could already tell what was going on in their minds.

She had expected them to question her about the Louise incident, but none of them did. Maybe Margret had told them not to ask about it, or they just had their own reasons, Camilla thought.

Margret, who had been watching from a distance decided to intervene, as she knew the intentions of those women and was afraid Camilla might spill some things.

"Ladies," she said smoothly. "I see you're having a nice time, but I'm sorry to disturb you. I need to borrow Camilla for a moment." 

The women exchanged glances, but nodded. 

Margret led Camilla towards the bar. 

"You're making an impression," She said quietly, her tone neutral. "Though I'd advise you to be a bit more restrained. Those women may smile to your face, but they're vultures. One misstep, and they'll tear you apart."

"I'll keep that in mind." Camilla replied, her voice equally soft but firm. She wasn't about to let Margaret know what she was thinking.

Camilla returned to the women, but now there were also some men there. They were investors. She sat down and greeted them calmly. Camilla remained the picture of poise, effortlessly maneuvering through conversations, yet always aware of Cyrus lingering gaze.

She felt it, burning into her back as she conversed with the group of investors and women.

Stare all you want. She snorted under her breath.

“Mrs. Sterling,” a voice cut through her thoughts.

Camilla turned to see an older man, perhaps in his sixties, with sharp dark eyes and a kind assessing smile.

“Mr. Harry,” she greeted, quickly recognizing him from the magazines. He was one of the richest men in the city and a major shareholder in the Sterling Group.

 “I must say, I was quite surprised when Margret introduced you as Cyrus's wife. Had no idea that the young man would really settle down.  And you? You have quite a history,”

Camilla smiled, tilting her head slightly. 

Was this old man asking for her mouth?

“Every history begins with a spark.” 

Mr. Harry, let out a hearty chuckle, clearly amused. “A clever one, aren't you? But tell me, my dear, are you as strategic in business as you are in conversation?” 

Camilla knew an opening, when she saw one. She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice just enough to draw his attention further. “I believe strategy is the backbone of business, Mr. Harry. A company cannot thrive on power alone. It needs someone who understands the game.”

“And do you understand it?” 

“Why don't you test me and find out?”

Everyone was amused, their interest in Camilla deepened. 

“I think I will, Mrs. Sterling. But I won't make it difficult for you, especially, since you're pretty.”

Camilla smiled. She felt another pair of eyes on her then, but this time, she turned in time to catch Cyrus watching her with a hardened expression. But before she could process his emotions, he began to walk in her direction. Just then, the announcer voice interrupted her.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please make your way to the dance floor for the couple's dance.”

The guests clapped and Camilla turned, already knowing what was coming, when she saw Margaret appear out of nowhere, beaming.

By then, Cyrus was now close to Camilla. 

“Camilla, Cyrus, why don't you go up there and dance.”

Cyrus's expression darkened. “Don't you dare–”

“Hey, don't talk to her like that.” Camilla cut him off sharply.

“You'll dance or not? You should be glad someone is saving your ass.” Camilla scoffed.

Cyrus gaze on her hardened. “Did anyone ask you to?”

“Of course no one asked me to. You should be at least responsible, maybe nobody will be talking about your mental health. Acting so mighty, when you're just –”

“Enough, it's okay Camilla.” Margret said, taking their actions as a couples argument.

Camilla glanced at Cyrus and rolled her eyes at him, behind Margaret's back.

She deliberately stepped towards him and grabbed her hands, “Fine, I'm sorry. Come on, let's dance and not keep them waiting. I'll fulfill all your wishes tonight, once everything is over, okay?” she feigned a shy smile.

Margaret's heart couldn't help but burst with so many happy emotions. Her daughter in law is really sweet, she thought. Only if she knew that Camilla was acting.

Cyrus knew Camilla was trouble and was only acting nice in front of his mother, he knew she never meant her apology. But not wanting to be the spectacle of the night, he let out a slow breath and took her hand. 

Together, they moved to the dancing floor, as the first notes of a waltz began to play.

Camilla expected Cyrus to lead stiffly, given his aloof expression, but to her surprise, his grip was firm, his movements fluid. He moved like someone used to control.

“How much longer do you plan to keep this up?” He murmured against her ear as they glided against the floor.

Camilla smiled. “Depends. How much longer do you plan to resist the fact that you need me more than I need you? It's going to be a long time, especially when your mom is expecting a child, something I don't even see happening, heh.”

Cyrus furrowed his brows, his grip on her waist tightened slightly, but he said nothing.