What kind of outrageous statement was that? How could Cade be impotent? Why would he need to prove himself?Fabian silently raised the partition, fearing that he would be silenced. He heard that men with hidden illnesses were often mentally unwell. It would explain Cade's abnormal behavior.Meanwhile, in the backseat, Cade stared at Cameron, his gaze sharp. It was as if he wanted to pierce through her with his eyes."Are you not satisfied with my skills?"Cameron gave it some thought, then responded seriously, "Someone who just lies there like a statue eight out of ten times doesn't get to ask that question.""I lie there like a statue? Who's the one crying about not being able to take it anymore halfway through? Who's the one who flips out and mercilessly leaves after having a good time on her own?" He looked down at her and sneered. "You better not come crying, Cameron." The hotel wasn't far. The car came to a halt while they were still in the middle of their conversation.
As Blaire spoke, she would constantly steal glances at Cameron out of the corner of her eye. Guilt ate away at her. She desperately wanted to do something for Cameron. The feeling was so overwhelming that even Andy, who had always been the apple of her eye, had to take second place.But Andy was unaware of any of this. He widened his eyes in disbelief and said indignantly, "Mom, what spell did she put on you to make you speak for her? Look at my face! What part of this is a test?"While speaking, he bent down to show Blaire his bruised face. "She almost killed me, and you're still defending her."Wilfred frowned at what he was hearing. "Shut up. Why is a grown man whining like a pig in a slaughterhouse over a few injuries?"He took one look at Andy's bruised face and said disdainfully, "To think you still have the nerve to complain just because you got beat up by a woman.""What else am I supposed to do? You won't let me hit a woman. What else can I do except get myself beaten u
Cameron couldn't be bothered to give Asher the time of day. Meeting Asher, the fish that had escaped the net, was enough to put her in a foul mood. He stirred up unpleasant memories in her. Of course, she wouldn't be happy.When Asher heard the sound of her wheelchair moving away, he didn't immediately chase after her. He took out a handkerchief to carefully wipe the dust off the photo.Although he and Melissa rarely met, they got along well."Hey, Mel."Asher put his handkerchief away. That was when his gaze paused momentarily on the bouquet of sunflowers in the middle. In that instant, an unreadable look flashed in his eyes.When he finally caught up with Cameron, she was already near the foot of the hill."When did you get the cast off?""You mentioned that you had something to say. Is that what you wanted to know?"Cameron didn't think she was close enough to Asher to call him for something minor like getting a cast removed."Not really. I wanted to ask if you'd like to ha
Cade could doubt whatever he wanted, but he could never doubt a fashion designer's tastes by saying something was unsightly. Cameron frowned as she scanned him from head to toe. He was always dressed impeccably. Yet, his appreciation for fashion was terribly basic.Cameron had initially been furious, but once a thought crossed her mind, her anger deflated."Forget it. What's the point of wasting my breath on you? How good can your taste be if you can fancy someone as two-faced as Mirabelle and even get engaged to her?"Her expression was filled with derision and scorn. Cade took a deep breath to forcibly tamp down his growing frustration and said coldly, "We weren't engaged. Our families were just in talks."Cameron genuinely did not know of this. From the moment she knew Cade and Mirabelle, everyone saw them as the perfect couple. When they made public appearances, they were always by each other's side.She stared at Cade with an unreadable look in her eyes. "You must be in lov
Back in the car, Cade would sporadically fiddle for the pack of cigarettes in the glove box next to him but retract his hand each time."You should lessen contact with Mirabelle."Cameron shot him a cold glance. She turned to face the window and paid him no mind at all."Don't mess with the Ackerman family or Mirabelle."Cameron remained silent, but her body language conveyed her resistance to his words. The sight of her stubborn defiance made him lose his temper."Don't come crying when things go wrong."The Ackerman family had gotten to where they were today through their endless array of tactics. They were not an entity that Cameron could contend with. After all, she had no background and had only just started her career.Throughout the journey home, Cameron ignored him no matter what he said. Upon returning to the Carter Mansion, she immediately got out of the car the moment it pulled to a stop. Then, she hurried into the home.When Diane noticed Cameron was back, she quick
Cade's heart clenched as he stared at Cameron's lips to take a better look. But with the constant ripples in the water, he couldn't be certain if she had actually spoken or if he was seeing things.The pressure of Cameron's hands tightened around his throat further. The coldness in her eyes was unmistakable, which gave Cade a suspicion that she truly wanted him dead.As her fingers squeezed tighter, the pressure sent a sharp pain through his throat, followed by the onset of suffocation. Cade grabbed Cameron's hand, flipped her over, and easily took control by pinning her down with one leg."Do you want me dead so badly?"He was breathing heavily. His wet hair hung down due to his towering stance as water dripped down continuously.A drop of water fell into Cameron's eye, making her blink instinctively. Cade's fingertips brushed behind her ear, lightly caressing it with flirtatious touches.With that, the air seemed to have become charged with tension. Cameron suddenly opened he
Only the haughty Ackerman family would use such a nonchalant tone while using the person whom their daughter had killed as a bargaining chip.Cameron let out a cold, mocking laugh. "You seem to miss her a lot. Aren't you afraid that she'll come visit you at night?"There was silence on the other end of the line. The woman was likely enraged. Even her breathing had grown heavier."Where do you want to meet?"Cameron didn't expect any conscience from the Ackerman family since they could disregard human life. Melissa was dead because of her. She didn't want Melissa's peace to be disturbed even in death."Since it's New Year's Eve, let's discuss it at home. Give me your address, and I'll send a driver to pick you up…"Cade looked up and gave Cameron a casual once-over. She was still on the phone, which meant that her attention was not on him. The feeling of being ignored irritated him. "Focus on your food. We still have to go shopping before we head back to the Opheros Manor. It's
Meeting someone during such a family-oriented holiday meant they were important to Cameron. The restlessness in Cade's heart was mollified, and the corners of his lips curled up imperceptibly. Even his voice carried a hint of joy."Okay." The garden, though not large, was carefully arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way, complete with rock formations, water features, and pavilions.Cameron leaned against the nearby pillar. "Do you have a cigarette?"Cade's expression turned cold in an instant. "No," he said stiffly.Cameron didn't have an addiction to smoking. She had just asked casually since the thought happened to cross her mind. Since he didn't have any on him, she didn't say anything more."Who are you meeting the day after tomorrow? I'll prepare a gift.""It's fine."Cade clenched his fists. Sometimes, he wanted nothing more than to strangle her.That was when the housekeeper came over to notify him that his father, Tyrone Carter, wanted to see him."It's almost ti
Cameron tucked her hands into her sleeves, her face unreadable as she watched Mirabelle stagger toward her. "I went through so much trouble to put on this grand finale," she said coolly. "How could I miss the ending?"Mirabelle's eyes were bloodshot, her voice shrill with disbelief. "It really was you, Cameron! You set everything up!" She fumbled for her phone. "I'm calling the police. You framed my father—he's innocent!""Framed?" Cameron let out a cold laugh. "And where exactly do you think the money came from for all those years you lived like a queen overseas?"Mirabelle froze mid-dial. Cameron's words cut deep. She stood there, stunned, then muttered, "Cade… I'll tell Cade everything you did. He'll stop you. I'll call Cade.""Are you sure you want to do that?"Mirabelle lowered her phone and burst out laughing. "I won't call. But what does it matter? You lost. You pulled all the strings, but in the end, I'm still standing. You can't touch me."She lifted her head, her eyes s
Cade turned, frowning in confusion. Mirabelle had just stumbled into the café, unkempt, disheveled, and utterly unlike her usual self. The grace and poise she once wore like armor were gone. Her hair was tangled, her outfit wrinkled, and one of her heels had snapped clean off.But it was clear—she hadn't come for him. The instant her eyes found his, she froze. Then, almost frantically, she adjusted her clothes and ran trembling fingers through her hair.She walked over, chin lifted, as if her heel wasn't broken, as if she hadn't just staggered in like a ghost of herself."Cade," she said, summoning the haughtiness of an Ackerman heiress. "Are you really willing to throw away everything between our families for Cameron?"She had begged nearly everyone she knew that day—men and women who owed her family countless favors. All of them had turned their backs. She finally understood what it meant to be on a sinking ship, swarmed by rats scurrying for safety.Mirabelle knew she should be
Fabian said, "Mr. Ackerman was taken away by the Office of Inspector General this morning. Madam Cameron and the Bark family are reportedly the ones responsible."The Carter Group hadn't broken any laws, nor had they been financially entangled with the Ackermans for over a decade. Still, the long-standing ties between the two families ran deep. If Victor Ackerman had skeletons in his closet, Cade would have a hard time avoiding the fallout.Cade propped his hand against his cheek. "What about my wife?""Madam Cameron…" Fabian had to steel himself to answer Cade. "Madam Cameron left the country. She applied for a long-term visa."Even with reporters hounding him, that sentence rang loud and clear in Cade's ears.A long silence stretched before he let out a quiet, bitter laugh.He had never realized how much Cameron had orchestrated behind his back. The Ackermans or the media could trip him up for now, but her betrayal cut deeper. Every move had been calculated.And the most absur
Cade crossed the room as Cameron, already seated, leaned her cheek against her hand, skimming the menu. "Want a drink?" she asked casually.His heart skipped a beat.Cameron's appearance radiated deliberate perfection. From her flawlessly styled hair and expertly applied makeup to her impeccable outfit and carefully chosen accessories, every detail was considered. Even her expensive "Allure" perfume hinted at a desire to captivate.A private dining room meant for couples with only spouses in each other's company…Given the setup, sharing a drink seemed like an implicit invitation.Cade pressed his lips into a line, trying to ignore the rising curve of a smile. "Sure," he replied, his tone deceptively even. "We'll start with two bottles of Magnolia's Pulpit," Cameron said.Cade choked on his water, coughing as he asked, "Seriously?"Who would start a date with such a strong distilled spirit? With two bottles, no less.Cameron propped up her chin and raised an eyebrow. "Is that
Cameron stared at her screen, where Gale had just sent a single word. "Ready." Her lips curled up involuntarily.Cade noticed the smile. He didn't know who she was messaging, but it irritated him for some reason. After a long pause, he exhaled slowly and asked, "What if the Ackermans refuse to settle?"Cameron didn't bother to answer. She knew Violet and Victor would soon be in hot water, so she hadn't considered the aftermath. However, to Cade, her silence only confirmed his assumptions—she was reckless, unprepared, and acting purely on emotion. He clenched his jaw and finally stopped holding his breath. Then, suddenly, he pulled the car over with a sharp twist of the wheel. "Did you think it through before turning yourself in? What if the psych evaluation comes back clean, and the Ackermans insist on pressing charges? What then? You hurt Mirabelle badly. You think you'll have it easy in prison with the way they dote on her?" In contrast to Cade's exasperation, Cameron remaine
With Cade covering Cameron's mouth, there was no chance for her pointed words to offend anyone in the room. His palm was cool to the touch. It was a sensation she disliked. So, she couldn't help but tilt her head.When Cade noticed her movements, he gently stroked her cheek as if he were calming a child who was throwing a tantrum.Victor spent years in a position of authority, giving him an air of unspoken authority. His gaze hardened, and his lips pressed into a firm line as he watched Cade. "Cade, don't jeopardize the long-standing relationship between our families over a woman.""If that's how you see it." Cade glanced at the door. "Aren't you doing the same for a woman?"Victor snorted contemptuously. "How can a cheap girl who was merely adopted be worth anything compared to Mirabelle?""How is my daughter, a Yorksworth, worth any less than yours?" Blaire stood at the doorway as she took in the occupants of the home with her sharp gaze. She had been feeling restless ever sin
Mirabelle frowned. "Excuse me?"As soon as she finished speaking, Cameron walked up to her, grabbed her by her hair, and forcefully bent her over.Cameron held up the guest list Monica had sent her and shoved it in Mirabelle's face. "Call them. Tell them to be there by 3:00 p.m., or else…"She tightened her grip threateningly. "You can kiss this head of hair goodbye."Mirabelle pressed down on her scalp where it had been pulled, her voice distorted with pain when she spoke."Let go, Cameron! Are you out of your mind?""Didn't I tell you not to involve anyone else in our feud?""Can't take it anymore?"Mirabelle endured the pain of turning her head to flash a disdainful sneer at Cameron."This is just the appetizer. If you go against me, you'll eventually crawl out of Capeton with your tail between your legs. I'll call your business partner right now and pin the catastrophic failure of this event on you…"Seeing Mirabelle's condescending expression brought Cameron back to the
The kiss lifted the dark cloud that hung over Cade's mood over the past few days.The next day, as Fabian brought in documents for him to sign, Cade asked, "When is Cameron's show?"Fabian was taken aback for a split second but quickly replied. Fortunately, he was well-prepared and kept track of Cameron's events for the year in advance."Has the invitation been delivered?"Fabian swallowed, almost wanting to laugh to mock Cade. Given Cade's strained relationship with his wife, Cameron would sooner invite a dog than have him around. However, all Fabian could do was revel in Cade's misery in his mind while keeping a businesslike facade."It was probably already delivered. The front desk brought in a stack of mail yesterday. I haven't sorted it out yet."He had already sorted out the mail this morning. Everything had gone straight to the trash."Clear my schedule for the day. Make reservations at a restaurant for a celebratory dinner.""Yes, sir."On the day of the show, Monica
That was obviously an excuse to get Cade out of the picture. Knowing what Mirabelle had done to Cameron in the past, leaving the two of them alone was out of the question. Besides, it wasn't convenient for him to move the car, so he refused without a second thought."Get the attendant—"However, Cameron cut him off before he could finish."Ms. Ackerman is a guest. You should fulfill her requests if she has any."Cade cast her a cold glance. "Shut up." Why should he dance to Mirabelle's tune?Cameron stared at him. "Run along."He gritted his teeth as rage crossed his face. After a brief pause, he sneered and turned to leave. As soon as the door shut behind him, Mirabelle's calm expression slipped. "Did you make me come here just to show off how much you two love each other?""You call that love? I think we have different definitions of what 'love' is then. He's nothing more than…" Cameron's fingers lightly traced the cup's rim as she smirked and said, "A lap dog.""You fu