Cameron, for once, didn't retort. She was in a pleasant mood today. Having to go behind her mentor's back and drop out of school was one of her regrets. She couldn't bring herself to contact Benjamin or meet up with him in the past two years for fear of seeing the disappointment cross his eyes. Now, this burden had finally been lifted.It was already past 9:00 p.m. when she and Cade returned to Capeton. Cameron, who had woken up early and experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, felt exhausted and dizzy when she got into the car. Her head throbbed with every slight movement. However, she didn't sleep very well and was also particular about her sleeping environment. It took her a long time to fall asleep despite the familiarity of the Carter Mansion, let alone in a car.So, despite her closing her eyes and pretending to sleep throughout the journey, the discomfort didn't subside.As the car pulled into the Carter Mansion, the headlights illuminated a figure. The driver took a clo
Just as Cade was about to speak, Cameron stubbed out her cigarette and slammed the window shut with a resounding bang. He pulled his arm out of Mirabelle's grasp with a blank expression. "Stop being so superstitious. Whether your year goes well or not has nothing to do with birthday wishes. Let's go. I'll have the driver take you home."Mirabelle clutched the ribbon wrapped around the cake box in frustration as she watched his retreating figure."You won't even spend time with me on my birthday, Cade?"She knew it was best to say nothing and simply look at him with a pitiful look in her eyes. That would better highlight the contrast between her and Cameron. No man of sound mind would be attracted to such a bossy and unreasonable woman like her.However, Mirabelle was overeager. She remembered what she had done and knew Cameron wouldn't let her off the hook. Back then, it was Cameron who backed her into a corner by leveraging what little affection the Yorkswork family had for he
Violet assumed the posture of a superior reprimanding a subordinate."I heard from Nerissa that you grew up in the countryside and how your biological parents were uneducated. They might not have taught you proper manners, but considering the ties we have with your adoptive parents, I will remind you that respecting your elders is what makes a child likable."Despite her words, she still discreetly checked her surroundings as she walked over. It was only after she made sure that the seat Cameron chose was picked at random that she could sit down.No one believed Mirabelle's original statement. However, Violet, as her mother, wholeheartedly trusted her daughter. She was extremely wary of the person who had caused her daughter great harm."My parents weren't just uneducated. They were scumbags, the kind that would go to hell when they die," Cameron said maliciously, though with a lighthearted smile."But anyone who tried to teach me manners ended up dead. Are you sure you want to do
Rather than say something, Cameron looked at Cade with a wry smile. It was as if she was going along with it.The sight of her smile had Cade's temples throbbing violently. He said through gritted teeth, "Isn't the Carter Mansion massive enough for you? "Besides, why did you choose to accept a house from the Ackerman family when you have better choices out there? They resent you for what you did to Mirabelle. Do you think they'd give you a house out of the kindness of their hearts?""What did I do?" Cameron raised an eyebrow in amusement. "If it weren't for me, she wouldn't be living such an extravagant life. She goes through new designer goods every day for an entire year."The Ackerman family, being in politics, was constantly under scrutiny from rival factions. Even if they were rich, they couldn't flaunt their wealth.But things were different abroad. Mirabelle let herself loose and was thriving like never before.Cade, recalling her disabled hands and ruined career, paused
It was loud over at Asher's end of the call, so he told her to wait and went somewhere quiet. Asher replied, "My family plans to do so, but they only mentioned it once. What about it?"At this moment, Cameron felt that Melissa had been wronged. These people whom she called family couldn't care less about her death and even used it to their advantage. Now, her family was even going to marry her brother off to her enemy. "Did you know who was behind your sister's death? She loved you so much. Yet, you're marrying her enemy?"Cameron's thoughts were stuck in her throat. She realized in despair that even if Asher were to marry Mirabelle, she had no right to interfere.Cameron remembered the night Melissa died. She was kneeling in the living room of Laurier residence, repeatedly slamming her head on the floor as she begged Mr. and Mrs. Laurier, "Mr. Laurier, please don't settle it privately. Mel is also your daughter. If you don't help her, no one will."Her forehead was red and swoll
Cameron stared at the clear handprint on Cade's face as she subconsciously rubbed her aching palm. Then, she assured Asher who was worried on the other end of the call, "I'm fine. I'm hanging up.""But you were just…" Cameron ended the call before he could finish.Cade's expression was dark, but Cameron looked pale as a ghost. Worried she might be sick, Cade could only hold back his boiling anger. After seeing her end the call, he asked coldly, "Why did he call you?"Cameron ignored the grim expression on his face and answered honestly, "I was the one who called him."Cade remained silent. He wondered what Cameron was thinking when she stared at his numb cheek with those deep eyes.Right when he thought she would say something, Cameron put away her phone and quietly walked away.Cade stopped her in an instant. He suppressed the urge to strangle her and said through gritted teeth, "Shouldn't you apologize for hitting me without good reason?""Sorry."Her insincere apology furt
As Blaire walked home, she was lost in thought. Looking at the empty living room, she recalled all the happy moments in her life. She could picture Andy and Nerissa playing, and Cameron was always in the background, going unnoticed.But it wasn't like that when Cameron first arrived. She would take the initiative to talk to them and try her best to get along with the family. She would even call Blaire "Mom" softly. When did she become so quiet and defensive?Blaire tried her best to recall with her hand on the door, but it had been too long. There was no way she could remember.She was overwhelmed with guilt, self-blame, and regret. Unable to bear it any longer, she headed to the study. After being married for all these years, it was the first time she went in without knocking.Wilfred glanced at her for a split second and prompted, "She's not willing to come back?"When Blaire said she'd ask Cameron to join them for a meal, he could already predict the outcome. Though she didn't
" So, if I don't agree to divorce you, you're prepared to kill me? Like what happened to Craig?" Although Craig didn't die, he was as good as dead.Cade added, "Don't worry, even if I were to die, I'd bring you with me. Not only that, I'll have us buried next to each other."His smile was obvious, making it seem like he said it on purpose. "If you keep saying things that make me upset, I'll get people to place our ashes together. Dream on if you want to leave me."Following a loud splash, cold water dripped down from Cade's hair along his cheeks, flowing down to his sharply defined jawline. Cameron threw the empty mineral water bottle aside and said, "Being so obsessed is a kind of mental illness. You should go and get it checked." Cade was speechless.Cameron pushed him aside. "If you're sobered up, then move aside."Cade shivered from the cold and shot Cameron a fierce glare. "Cameron, did you just splash cold water on me?"Cameron shot him a disdainful look and pushed past h
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