Diane went to make a phone call. After a while, Cameron heard footsteps approaching her. The footsteps were soft, muffled by the chilly weather and the carpet underfoot. Cameron immediately told the person about her condition without checking who it was. "My shoulder blades and neck hurt, and I'm feeling a bit dizzy."After saying that, she felt a hand on her back. Cameron instantly sensed something was off. The hand resting on her shoulder was unmistakably a man's—large palm, slender fingers. Though she already had a good idea of who it was, she still turned around to confirm.Cade was sitting on the couch sideways. He came to ask Cameron something and wasn't prepared to give her a massage. When he met Cameron's cold gaze, he instinctively started kneading her shoulder blades.Although Cade never studied massage techniques, he'd done it often enough to know the basics, such as where to press and how to make it feel good.Cameron didn't know what had gotten into Cade, but she a
Nerissa was furious. She remembered all the resentment and disdain she had to endure these days and couldn't help but lash out without accounting for the setting they were in.They were at a high-end restaurant, where guests were required to wear formal attire. This meant people were also particular about other people's behaviors. Nerissa's outburst instantly drew a lot of attention and contempt.Mirabelle felt embarrassed, so she pushed Nerissa away and said, "You should leave. I'll come find you tonight. I have an appointment right now."Cameron followed a waitress to a table that wasn't too far from theirs. Seeing that Nerissa was about to give in to Mirabelle's lies, she couldn't help but sneer. "What a fool."Mirabelle and Nerissa immediately turned around when they heard Cameron's voice. When they saw Cameron, they both frowned and asked at the same time, "What are you doing here?"Cameron looked at Nerissa, who seemed like she was going to shred her to pieces, and said mock
Cade's comment was about material and visual satisfaction. But to others, it could easily be interpreted differently.Mirabelle was close by and particularly attentive to their conversation. Although she didn't hear everything, she understood the gist of it.Mirabelle had known Cade since childhood, and even during their awkward teenage years, she had never heard him ask such a childish and thoughtless question. She was also unaware that he would compare himself to others.Cameron clenched her jaw and tightened her grip on her cutlery. "Shut up, Cade.""Shut up? Didn't you call me here to get on Mirabelle's nerves?" Cade sneered and said, "You're not doing it right."Cameron was silent. She thought that Cade had been driven mad. Otherwise, why would he act so abnormally?"Have you seen how other women assert their claim?"Cade was provoked to his limit. He spoke without thinking, and he felt a sudden urge surge within him that was hard to suppress. As he asked the question, he h
Instead, Cade was met with Cameron's back as she walked away without hesitation.When Cade returned to the office, Fabian was in the middle of eating his takeout. The dish was beautifully presented and had a rich aroma.The moment Fabian saw Cade walking out of the elevator, he shot up from his seat and greeted Cade. "Mr. Carter."Cade nodded as he walked to his desk. He ordered, "Order one for me as well.""What… But Mr. Carter…" Fabian choked on his meal and coughed. He swallowed the question, "Didn't you go for lunch with Mrs. Carter?" and instead asked, "What would you like to eat?"Before Cade left, he had already settled that afternoon's work and was prepared to take the rest of the day off. Yet, he was dismissed by Cameron barely half an hour later as if he was of no value to her.Cade shot a cold glance at Fabian, not saying a word. Fabian immediately straightened up and asked in a clear voice, "What dish would you like to order?""Anything." After that, the office door
Cade replied, "My apologies, Mr. Ackerman, but I'm married. If I visit Mirabelle alone, it might harm her reputation."Victor was taken aback by his refusal. He paused for a moment and gave a dry laugh before saying, "I forgot to consider that you haven't divorced that Yorksworth woman. It must've been tough on you these two years."Cade knew that Victor was testing the waters. So, he replied without hiding anything. "Cameron is a good wife. I won't be divorcing her."Victor did not respond. He knew that he wouldn't be continuing the topic anymore. From Cade's attitude, it was clear that the hopes of him getting together with Mirabelle were slim to none. He never expected Cameron to be capable enough to secure her position as Cade's wife.After some small talk, the conversation shifted back to the day's main topic. Though it was almost certain that Victor had secured his position as president, there was still no official announcement. So, he felt uneasy. He'd also reached out to al
Cameron stared inscrutably at Cade. Just as he thought she would make another sarcastic remark, she inclined her head slightly, spat out the water that was in her mouth, and tilted her head back. She opened her mouth partially for his inspection. She was being oddly compliant.Seeing Cameron's lips and tongue up close had Cade's throat inexplicably closing up. He swallowed instinctively. Everything he said just now was a reflexive reaction to seeing how much pain Cameron seemed to be in. However, he immediately regretted it because it sounded inappropriate.Cameron didn't seem to notice his complicated emotions as she maintained her posture to facilitate his inspection. Due to her open mouth, her speech was somewhat muffled."Is it serious?"Cade quickly collected his thoughts and took a hard look. "It's a little red."The atmosphere then grew quiet. The restaurant's bright lights cast a glow over them. With each passing second of their eyes meeting, there was an undeniable te
The moment Victor returned to the Ackerman residence, Mirabelle approached him and said with a hint of pride in her voice, "Did you take care of it, Dad? I told you that Cade would help even if you didn't ask. "You could've just stayed home and waited for the notice. But, you insisted on going out rather than believe me."The sight of his daughter's proud expression had Victor taking a deep breath, as if about to say something but held back."Have you met Cameron since your return?"Mirabelle's smile faded. She curled her lips up in annoyance. "Why are you mentioning her out of nowhere? "You should get in touch with her more often to build rapport."She was practically jumping out of her skin. Her voice had cracked from outrage."Have you lost your mind, Dad? Do you want me to get along with Cameron? If it weren't for her, I'd already be married to Cade by now. You wouldn't have had to go through his secretary just to get an appointment.""Cade never explicitly agreed to take
Cameron's arrogant and domineering image was already deeply ingrained into Cade's mind. So, his first reaction upon hearing the words was disbelief. Who was capable of making things difficult for her? It would be a blessing if she didn't make things difficult for everyone else.When Cade didn't respond, Fabian assumed he wasn't planning to intervene. While contemplating the matter, he mumbled to himself, "There was so much alcohol. If she drinks it all, she might have to go to the hospital to get her stomach pumped."Cade's hand, which was reaching for his wine glass, froze midair. He shot Fabian an icy glare. "If you're that worried, feel free to drink in her place."Fabian inwardly felt satisfaction surging through him. Cameron wasn't his wife. Why should he be concerned when he wasn't the one being distracted because of her? Still, he maintained a respectful demeanor."One bottle and I'm out, Mr. Carter. Beer will do me in. But the drinks they ordered for Madam Cameron are har
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