Home / Romance / The Surrogate's Vendetta / SEVENTY-FIVE: Island Party

Share

SEVENTY-FIVE: Island Party

last update Last Updated: 2024-12-16 15:48:51

Camille was sleeping in for the first time in forever when the insistent buzzing of her cell phone rudely interrupted her leisurely morning. Without seeing the name flashing on the screen, she knew who exactly was ringing.

Who else would call her at this time on a Sunday morning but the man who thought he had the right to do pretty much whatever he wanted?

Drowsily, she reached for the annoying device on her nightstand, wondering what the hell he was up to this time. "Hello, Damien," she answered the call, her tone filled with grudges.

"C–Camille?"

instantly, her senses went on high alert, every indication of sleep leaving her body when she heard the strain in his voice. He sounded. . . weird. Like he was in pain or something worse.

"Damien?" Camille's voice took a sudden note of urgency. "Is something wrong?"

"Attacked," he mumbled.

"Attacked?" She sat up in the bed, her heart thundering against her chest as she heard the unmistakable twist of pain
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   SEVENTY-SIX: Confession

    The entire Island was vibrating with loud music and celebration. This was supposed to be the night Damien would never forget, but why was he not feeling the mood? He still couldn't believe it. CAMILLE WAS JEROME'S EX? How small exactly could this world be? He downed another glass of wine at a go. He couldn't tell if it was his fifth or sixth. Not that it mattered, because all his attention was fixated on Camille and Jerome who were chatting and laughing at the grill stand. He didn't appreciate how "chained to the hip" they'd been throughout the day. She'd always pushed him away even when he'd maintained a ten-meter distance from her, yet there she was perfectly at ease with Jerome's close affection. And why the hell did Jerome keep calling her "Cammie"? And why was she not saying anything about it? Damien's face grew dark as he watched Jerome gently remove something from Camille's hair. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened. He wasn't sure if his percepti

    Last Updated : 2024-12-28
  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   SEVENTY-SEVEN: Rejection

    Camille never imagined Damien would kiss her, but what was even more unbelievable was the fact she was making no attempt to push him away. His lips were so soft and warm. They felt like plushies as they pushed pleasantly against hers. She knew she should stop him before things got out of hand, but his long fingers were already driving through her raven hair, cupping the back of her head, and nudging her closer to him. How exactly could she resist? And then, the kiss deepened. Warmth spread throughout her body like wildfire. The chilly wind about them now felt like hot steam as it awoke every dormant sense in her body. Her treacherous mind had always presumed he was to be a good kisser, but nothing prepared her for this level of perfection. There were no tongues, no sense of urgency, just needy lips against needy lips, yet he managed to make her heart— which had been stone-cold for quite a long while— do a couple of acrobatic stunts within her ribcage. She wa

    Last Updated : 2025-01-08
  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   SEVENTY-EIGHT: The Autopsy Result

    Camille's mind could barely focus on the road as she drove towards the location the investigator had sent her— Dr. Philippe's current address. It had taken several months of diligent searching, but finally, the doctor who had conducted the autopsy on Vivienne's body was found, living in a small, secluded village on the outskirts of Forêt-bleue. It had been so not an easy task to find the man. Apart from the fact he tended to relocate to a different location every three months, he had changed every single thing about himself. . . down to his identity. Camille was both relieved and anxious. Relieved that they were finally blessed with an opportunity to figure out Vivienne's actual cause of death. But then again, she was filled with anxiety that meeting Dr. Philippe may turn out to be a futile attempt, considering the man had done everything in his power to stay hidden from the world. But whatever the outcome, she was not leaving this village without the truth.

    Last Updated : 2025-01-09
  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   SEVENTY-NINE: The Plan

    "When did this happen?" Juniper asked as she and Camille followed right behind Kevin into The K&J Agency building. The modeling agency was in its usual state, bustling with stunning faces and impeccably toned physiques, as the models and staff went about their daily routines, oblivious to the devastating tragedy that had just struck. "The night before yesterday!" Came Kevin's succinct answer as he absentmindedly nodded to the salutations of his employees/subordinates." "The night before yesterday?" Camille repeated as her mind went back to that day. The day she'd been dragged to Damien's Island birthday party. She'd been out unwinding while someone's daughter had been violated when she could have done something to stop it. "If only I'd been around. . . I could have helped the poor girl." "This isn't you're fault, Cam," Juniper countered, her hand reaching out to pat her back. "No one knew this would happen. Let's focus less on self-blame and more on sending Dy

    Last Updated : 2025-01-11
  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   EIGHTY: Dylan's Downfall

    [NEWS BROADCAST: Good afternoon, and welcome to our afternoon news broadcast. Today, we have a shocking story that has sent shockwaves through the modeling industry and the entire region of Forêt-bleue. Dylan Dupont, an A-list model and the only son of The influential Dupont Family has been accused of sexual assault. Earlier this morning, a video testimony from the victim was released online along with videos and photos as clear evidence of the assault. The allegations against him are disturbing, and what's even more alarming is that this is not an isolated incident. According to reports, multiple women have come forward, claiming that they too were sexually harassed by Dylan in the past. These brave women have testified against him, sharing their own horrific experiences with the model. Report also alleged that Dylan's family, who own one of the most prestigious law firms in the region, has been responsible for covering up his crimes for the past years, using their influe

    Last Updated : 2025-01-16
  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   EIGHTY-ONE: Repercussion

    Juniper had a full-blown smirk of satisfaction, playing on her lips as Dylan poured out his heart—pathetically—over the phone. "You're the only one I can trust. My parents have turned their back on me and I have no one else. I can't go to prison, Juni. I won't survive in there." "Dylan. . ." "I swear on my life, I didn't do it on purpose. I was drunk and that little bitch took advantage of the situation to frame me. Please, help me again this once, and I promise to be indebted to you forever." Juniper loosened a deep sigh. "To be honest, Dylan. I don't know how I can help you get away with this one," she responded, her voice laced with false concern. "This isn't a minor issue. There is enough hard evidence pinning you to the crime." She paused for a moment, and let out another sigh. "But I have a way to help you evade the police. I can help you stowaway abroad and settle there for a while until things blow over here—" "I'll take it," Dylan accepted readily. "I'll do whatever it

    Last Updated : 2025-01-23
  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   EIGHTY-TWO: Repercussion II

    Juniper clapped twice, and immediately, a dozen women began to roll the stand on which the barrel settled toward their direction. "I'm sure you must not remember most of us, but everyone in this room you have caused great pain," she continued. "And you are about to face the repercussions of your actions." Dylan's body stiffened from anxiety as Juniper moved away, giving way for the women to match forward. One of them who held up a heated, T-shaped branding iron, glowing red in the dim-lighted room, neared the remaining gap between them with an ominous smile dancing across her lips. He needed no one to tell him who she was. She was the little bitch who had created this whole mess he was dealing with right now. She looked him squarely in the eye, her voice emerging in a sinister whisper. "Remember me? I told you that you'll pay for this, didn't I?" Dylan fumed, his nostrils flaring aggressively. "You little bi— Ahhhhhhhhhh!" The scream yanked out of his mout

    Last Updated : 2025-01-27
  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   EIGHTY-THREE: Next Target

    "I wish I could have been there to see him suffer," Camille breathed, her voice tinged with regret. Juniper nodded in agreement. "Same here, but you were handling the most crucial task of all. Knowing the Duponts, they'll likely launch an investigation once they realize their son is missing. That's why it was necessary to remove all evidence of our wiretapping and cameras from Dylan's house to prevent them from tracing it back to us and potentially uncovering our involvement." Camille adjusted her position in her seat. "Well, now that we've taken care of Dylan, it's time to focus on our next target: Audrey. Since we already know her little, dirty secrets, getting the truth out of her will be a cakewalk." "Of course. I'll find a way to meet her." Juniper concurred matter-of-factly. "Last I checked, she's currently filming a movie abroad. I've already sent the guys to keep an eye on her and inform us as soon as she returns to France." "Great," Camille nodded, he

    Last Updated : 2025-01-31

Latest chapter

  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   116: Rescue Mission

    Camille geared up, preparing herself for the battle ahead of her. It was already evening and she still hadn't gotten any other response from Jerome, causing her to grow increasingly anxious. Yesterday, as soon as Adrien had left her house, she had reached out to Jerome and the Crown Prince, updating them on the latest developments. Jerome had requested a Search and Seizure Warrant before they headed out to find Juniper, but his superior had denied the request. Time was running out, and Camille couldn't afford to wait any longer. The thought of Juniper spending another night in that godforsaken place, staggering on the brink of death, was enough to send chills down her spine. She was going to take matters into her own hands and head to the location immediately. With everything in order and her plans in place, Camille used the secure burn phone to contact her brother, alerting him of her arrival. As she ended the call with her brother, her main phone buzzed to l

  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   115: Long-lost Brother

    Three days had passed since Juniper's disappearance, and Camille was losing it at a fast rate. She had gotten everyone related to Juniper involved in the search, and exhausted every means possible to find her, but all their investigation had yielded nothing. No CCTV footage, no dashcam recordings, no single eyewitness had come forward. . . not even her car was found. It was as if Juniper had vanished in thin air Camille knew this wasn't ordinary. Yes, Juniper was capable of disappearing like this, but not without telling her. Someone was behind this. And she could only think of one person. ANTIONE CLERMONT! But where could he have kept her? It couldn't be at the Bellerose Mansion for sure. He wasn't that stupid. Even as Camille returned home, her mind still raced with thoughts and questions. But her attention was abruptly diverted when she reached the front door. She stopped mid-step, her hand hesitating on the door handle, as she realized that the s

  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   114: Tortured By The Monster

    *TRIGGER ALERT: VIOLENCE* Juniper moaned softly, her eyes fluttering open as she slowly began to regain consciousness. At first, her vision appeared foggy, but then slowly, it became clearer and her eyes adjusted to the dimly lighted room. And in a split second, the memories came flooding in, replaying the events that took place prior to her passing out. This was Antoine's plan, no doubt. He must've sent the Krakens to waylaid and bring her to this place. But where was she, by the way? Her head throbbed like hell, making it difficult to stay focused, but she fought back the dizziness and managed to survey her surroundings. She couldn't figure out where exactly she was, but one thing she could tell for sure was this place was reserved for nothing but torture— Or worse. . . MURDER! Beside her, assorted hand-held tools splayed on a table, an electrocuting machine settled next to it, and straight ahead. . . a couple of hangman's noose dangled from a

  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   113: Truth Exposed

    Camille was starting to get impatient, wondering what was keeping Juniper. It was 8:00 p.m. already, almost an hour past the time they'd agreed to meet but she was nowhere to be found. She'd rang her cell over and over— but to no avail. Why wasn't she here yet? Was she caught in traffic? Or perhaps was she unable to clear her schedule? If that was the case, she would've informed her beforehand. Juniper would never leave her hanging this way. Camille shook her head, waving off the unsettling thoughts that were starting to pile up in her mind. For now, she would just go to the meeting and worry about Juniper later. Lisette Austin must be waiting at the restaurant by now. The poor girl was already frightened by the consequences of speaking the truth, leaving her waiting could cause her to lose courage and change her mind. She couldn't let that happen. On reaching the restaurant, Camille wasn't surprised to find Lisette already seated at the table reserved

  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   112: Juniper In Trouble

    Antoine still couldn't believe his wife had lost her mind. Even as the doctor had explained it over and over he couldn't wrap his head around it. He'd partially hoped his wife was putting on an act to avoid being detained but that wasn't the case, not at all! SHE HAD GONE BONKERS! What was he going to do? All of a sudden, the mansion felt so quiet and lonely. It hadn't been long since he'd lost his daughter, now his wife was conformed to a psych ward. His family were no longer here. The people he'd acquired all this wealth and power for were no longer here to enjoy it. He was left all by himself in this huge, empty mansion. This wasn't what he planned. Why was his life moving out of track? A soft knock on his door momentarily distracted him from his turbulent thoughts. Following his permission, his private investigator entered into his study. "Good day, sir," he greeted politely. "I brought news about Mr. Michaelson, the American investor." Antoine's i

  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   111: About Her Father

    "Hey, I heard what happened at the company. Are you okay?" Camille asked Juniper, her eyes glistening with worry. But Juniper brushed off her concern with a casual smile. "As you can see. . ." She swept her hand all over her body. ". . .I'm totally okay." Camille's brows creased. "Oh, yeah? Then what are all these?" She retorted, pointing at the band-aids on her legs and arms. Juniper waved a dismissive hand, dropping into a nearby couch. "Just bruises I sustained from trying to subdue Florence. Nothing serious." Camille remained silent. She dealt Juniper a look of skepticism, her eyes narrowing into slits. When Juniper met her gaze, she lifted her shoulders slightly and said, "I'm serious. I didn't get shot or anything. I was quick enough. I mean, I learned from the master herself." Camille released a breath she had no idea she was holding and sank into the seat beside her. "So how did things go at the police station?" She asked. "Well, Florence is cu

  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   110: Apprehended

    A WEEK LATER. . . As the newly appointed Chairperson of Bellerose Fragrance, Juniper presided over the board of directors in the boardroom, where they assembled to discuss the appointment of a new CEO. After she'd invested over a billion euros to restore the company's finances, which had been severely depleted by the scandal, the shareholders had made a unanimous decision to elect her as Chairwoman. Now, it was time to fill the CEO's seat. Juniper couldn't be more happy to finally be rid of the Clermonts from the Bellerose Fragrance. Just a little bit more and she'd totally wipe them off the Bellerose Empire. Halfway into the meeting, the double doors abruptly burst open, and in came Florence Clermont, storming into the room like a wild beast. "You heartless vultures!" She bellowed, her eyes blazing with fury. "My daughter's body is barely cold in her grave, and you're already conspiring to replace her!" The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Florence,

  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   109: Au Revoir

    Immediately, Chloe's eyes veered to the doorway— and so did everyone else in the board room. It was Mr. Michaelson, the American investor who had bought her father's shares and had promised to vote against her resignation. For the first time that day, her heart lept with joy. Finally, things were starting to look hopeful. Finally, she could breathe a sigh of relief. Mr. Michaelson took one of the empty seats at the table, still apologizing for his unpunctual arrival. And soon after he settled in and introduced himself, Juniper leaned forward again and spoke into the mic. "Oh, Mr. Michaelson, thank you for making it to today's meeting. As you must already know, we are here to vote for or against CEO Clermont's resignation. Currently, the vote is a tie. Half of the shareholders are against her resignation, while the remaining half are for it. Your vote will be the tiebreaker and will determine the outcome of our meeting today." She paused for a breath. "So, what's

  • The Surrogate's Vendetta   108: The Vote

    IN THE CHAIRMAN'S OFFICE. . . "I have decided and I can't put up with your scandals anymore, CEO Clermont," Juniper said firmly with zero shards of humor. "You have to step down from the CEO position." Chloe couldn't believe her ears. And so did her father, Antoine. "WHAT?!" They exclaimed simultaneously. Juniper met Chloe's gaze squarely. "You need to take responsibility for this situation. Your scandal is bringing bad press to the company. The best you can do at this point is to apologize to the public and resign from the CEO office." In a sudden outburst of emotion, Chloe vaulted to her feet. "You crazy bitch!" She thundered furiously. "This is all your plan, isn't it? This is what you wanted. Will any of this be happening if you haven't leaked that video?!" Juniper's face wrinkled with a grimace. "Mind your tone, Ms. Clermont," she grounded out, her voice vibrating with authority. "Don't you dare use such derogatory term on me, especially here in the company. I

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status