"What gives me the right to hit her? I'm her father. Why wouldn't I have the right to do so?"Wilfred adopted the posture he used to reprimand new recruits in the army."Look at her. She's never satisfied. She acts like the world owes her something. She should see how kids living outside of civilization live. She's got it a thousand times better than them. What more does she want?""At least they wouldn't raise their biological daughters as adopted daughters outside of civilization," Cameron said.Her words were like a pause button. All the voices in the living room died down once she said her piece.Blaire stared at her. "Cameron…"She probably hadn't expected Cameron to know about it. She was so shocked that her tone changed.Before she could get another word out, she remembered that Nerissa was still watching from the sidelines. So, she forcibly choked back a reply and smiled stiffly. "Did you misunderstand something because of someone's gossip, Cammie? We can talk about th
Cameron didn't say anything more. After pulling her hand away, she walked straight past Cade. Once she stepped out of the courtyard, the streets slowly regained their liveliness. Many people were out on a post-dinner stroll, walking in pairs or groups with relaxed and contented expressions on their faces. The road was bustling with traffic. The neon lights lining the streets highlighted the city's splendor.She thought about the time she was first brought to the Yorksworth home. Wilfred and Blaire had gone to town to pick her up in person. It had also been at this time of day when she first set foot in the big city. She felt like an alien seeing the world for the first time. Her eyes were bright with curiosity.The door to the Yorksworth home slowly opened. Inside, a group of boys and girls were chatting. They were dressed in the most popular clothes of the season, making them appear glamorous. On the other hand, Cameron's clothes were faded and misshapen. Her sleeves and tro
Someone violently kicked open the bathroom door. Cade strode up to the tub and fished Cameron out of the water. His expression was as cold as ice."Have you lost your mind, Cameron? Pick a better place to die."Cameron gasped for breath. It took her a while for her vision to finally come into focus, but she was immediately greeted by the sight of Cade's furious expression. She glanced at the bathtub, but the woman was nowhere to be found. The water was also crystal clear. She let go of Cade's waist, her wet eyelashes fluttering downward. Her voice was hoarse as she spoke."I fell asleep." Then, she frowned. "I'm taking a bath. Why did you barge in?""Hah." Cade let out an exasperated laugh at her quip. "If I hadn't barged in, I'd be buying you a gravesite now."He had knocked on the door several times. It was Cameron's lack of response that made him kick it open."I don't intend to die." Even if she did, she would drag everyone to hell with her before perishing.Cameron unabas
Cade looked at Cameron as if she were a brainless idiot. There was contempt written on each of his features. He walked past her and went straight downstairs. When Cameron arrived downstairs, she saw that Diane had prepared two bowls of chicken noodle soup. Cade, who had a spoon in hand, was already eating. She got to her seat and sat down. Carrots, celery, and chicken floated in the broth with fresh parsley leaves sprinkled over top. It was an appetizing sight. The fragrance of the soup wafted up from the bowl.With how hot the food was, she absentmindedly stirred her soup. There was no telling what was on her mind. Her unfocused gaze swept across the dining room before finally settling on Cade."You haven't had dinner?""Mhm.""Do you like Nerissa?"The Carters had moved out of the neighborhood several years ago, which meant that the two families were no longer down the street from one another. However, there was no doubt that Nerissa was involved with Cade's coincidental a
The living room plunged into silence once the words left his mouth. Cameron looked down. Then, she spoke after a while."Nerissa isn't a good match for you. If you can't bear the loneliness, I can buy you a girlfriend through Amazon."Cade sneered, his mocking gaze sweeping over Cameron's face. "It's your fault that I have no interest in women anymore.""They offer men too if you'd prefer." Cameron's voice was clear as day. Despite her voice being pleasant to the ear, the words she spoke were hateful."So, you want to buy me a man?" Cade's expression was one of amused disdain, which was miles more terrifying than when he was outright cold. He ignored Cameron and headed upstairs. Cameron looked at the clumped-up fat floating on the broth, her gaze somewhat distant."Isn't it a good thing for us to get a divorce, Cade? You and I will both be free once we end our marriage."Cade narrowed his eyes and pressed his lips into a thin line. Her words sounded so funny to him that he co
"Late October?" Ms. Anderson's mother-in-law turned her head sharply to stare at her meek and unimpressive daughter-in-law. "You came here again? Is this the style you chose?" "No! I didn't!" The woman hurriedly tried to explain herself, but she could only deny the accusation blankly. She turned to Cameron for help, her eyes red with anxiety."The wedding is tomorrow, Ms. Yorksworth. It's too late to get it modified now. Can I exchange it for something ready-made in your store?"Cameron's response was chillingly indifferent despite the woman's pleas."Our store has policies in place for this sort of issue. If we were the ones at fault, besides refunding the cost of the custom dress, we'll also provide compensation at 100 times the cost of the dress."However, this matter affects the reputation of our store. I'm sorry, Ms. Anderson, but I don't agree that we handle the matter in such a vague fashion."Mr. Anderson and his mother's eyes lit up at the mention of the amount Cameron
Blanche snuck a glance at Cameron. However, with Cameron's face covered up, Blanche couldn't make out anything unusual in her expression."What has life done to you, Cammie?"Cameron said nothing. She pushed Blanche, who was eager for gossip, aside. "Tidy up and get to work. If we don't come up with enough funds for rent next month, we'll have to close down for good.""It's fine! Even if the store closes down, I'll keep following you and Ms. Sharon. I don't need a salary. All you have to do is provide me with food and shelter.""Are you going to come with me to beg for food in the streets too?""I can still lie down next to you. We'll be a three-man show. That means we get more food. Who knows? We might even have leftovers. I could even take an afternoon off."Cameron laughed. "Alright, stop joking around and get to work."The store used light-colored tiles, which made it susceptible to dirt. There were a lot of shoe prints left behind by the group of people. With the white wedd
Blanche spent the entirety of the afternoon closely monitoring the situation online. As expected, the family had no shame at all. After the video went viral, they started a live broadcast to tearfully accuse Cameron of behaving arrogantly and maliciously."She wore a mask and sunglasses the whole time. It was like she was refusing to acknowledge us. "The wedding is tomorrow. With the gown looking like that, we have no other choice but to postpone the wedding. "The hotel, wedding ceremony, guests' accommodations, and flight tickets amount to nearly 100 thousand dollars."We're not asking for much. We just want her to reimburse our losses as per her store's policy. But not only did she refuse, she had us forcibly removed from the premises.""My kind-hearted daughter-in-law even spoke up for them, saying how it's not easy for young women to run a shop. She suggested that we take a ready-made dress from the store instead. But that designer, Ms. Yorksworth refused," the middle-aged
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
Cameron crossed her arms over her chest and gave the bouquet in Cade's hands a nonchalant glance."What are you trying to pull, Mr. Carter?""Fabian said it was Women's Day today.""So what?"There was silence all around. The sound of soothing music could be heard through the door. Cade was silent for a while. "We're not getting a divorce, Cameron."It was the same old topic that Cameron had grown too weary of. She turned around and felt for the cigarette box on the table. There was already a layer of cigarette butts in the ashtray next to it. Judging by the color of the lipstick marks, more than half of them were hers.Cade frowned. He clearly disapproved of her smoking but kept himself from stopping her.Smoke curled from between her lips. The flickering embers of the cigarette reflected in her eyes, softening her indifferent gaze. Through the thin haze, Cameron's lips curled into a wide, unrestrained smile. Every time she smiled in this way, it always filled Cade with a
Cade began unbuckling his belt as he spoke. When it came to this sort of thing, men often had a strong sense of competition, especially in the presence of a woman they were interested in."Such a dark atmosphere isn't right for our situation."Cameron didn't like him to begin. In such a dark atmosphere, there was no telling what kind of grotesque creature she might imagine him to be. It would be strange if she felt attraction for him.She leveled a steady stare at him. Cade's shirt was half undone, showing his tense muscles underneath. Under the influence of alcohol, his skin took on a faint reddish hue. There was a heart-pounding tension in the air as if something was about to ignite. Occasionally, his slightly heavy breaths could be heard."You haven't been working out recently, have you?" Cameron asked.Cade was confused.Cameron pressed her hand against his chest, right below his ribs, and gave it a little push. After a moment, she commented, "Your muscles are a little soft
Cade tossed his phone onto the table in frustration when he saw who entered. He pressed his hand against his brow."Leave. You should see Diane for a work uniform.""Are you feeling unwell, Mr. Carter?" Rosalia approached the desk with a glass of milk in hand. "I learned how to give massages. Why don't I…" "Get out."Cade abruptly got to his feet and avoided Rosalia's outstretched hand, causing the milk to spill all over him. He glanced down at his now-stained shirt with a dark expression and pressed his lips tightly together. After a long pause, he asked through clenched teeth, "Did my wife ask you to send this up?" Every syllable was pronounced with the gnashing of teeth.Rosalia froze under his piercing gaze."It really was Mrs. Carter who asked me to bring it to you, sir," she stammered."Leave. From now on, you will not enter my study unless you have permission."Rosalia had come to work as a housekeeper to land herself a wealthy husband. She had even bribed the manager
On the next day, Cameron was discussing the fashion show with Monica when she suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind. "Cammie…" It was Blaire.Although Monica didn't fully know about Cameron's past, she didn't like Blaire at all. What kind of mother wouldn't protect their own child, after all?However, it wasn't appropriate for her to intervene as much even though she was Cameron's close friend. After all, it was Cameron's family matter.Monica stood up with her notebook in hand and said, "Well, I just remembered that there's still a few more invitations to send, so I'll go and take care of that. Let's discuss more about the fashion show later."After saying that, she glanced at Blaire and left without even greeting her.Cameron got up and nodded at Blaire. "Is something the matter?"She thought that her distant attitude last night had made it clear enough that she didn't want any more involvement with the Yorksworth family. She didn't expect that Blaire would come and loo
Cameron pushed the door open. She looked tired as she laid down her bag. As she changed her shoes, she caught sight of the food on the dining table out of the corner of her eye."Diane, didn't I tell you I wasn't coming back for dinner? Why did you make so much food?"Diane glanced upstairs. "It's for Mr. Carter. He hasn't eaten yet."The moment Cade was mentioned, Cameron dropped the topic. She rubbed her sore shoulder as she headed upstairs. "I see.""Madam…" Diane called out hesitantly, looking troubled. "Mr. Carter asked you to call him down for dinner when you got home.""Me? Call him down for dinner?" Cameron stopped in her tracks and turned around in confusion. "Why?""Mr. Carter seems to be upset. Did you two have another fight?""So If he's in a bad mood, I'm supposed to go upstairs and invite him down to eat? Should I also say 'Your meal is ready, my liege!' while I'm at it?" Cameron scoffed. Her sarcastic smirk quickly faded. "He can eat if he wants. If he doesn't,