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
Cameron stared silently at Cade, which left him perturbed. He called for Fabian to come in."Mr. Monet will handle your store's affairs. Stop bothering Timothy.""Did you think I came here because I wanted you to help me solve what's going on with my business?"Cade didn't respond. However, it was clear what his assumptions were. Why else would she be here?"I wanted to wait for you to get off work."Cameron tilted her head as she blinked at him with clear eyes. Her beauty knew no bounds. She was so beautiful that her appearance alone made others easily forgive her for her transgressions even though they knew how vindictive she was."I can handle it on my own. There's no need for Mr. Monet to step in."She had already sorted out the evidence and was just waiting for things to heat up before posting it. It would also give the store free advertising. There was no other choice. They were so poor that they could hardly afford rent. Of course, they wouldn't have any extra income to
Cade shot Cameron a withering look."You own a shop that can't even afford rent for a year. Can you even hire a secretary?"Cameron fell silent. She wasn't in the mood to chat after the nightmare she experienced. His harsh words only left her even more disheartened. Who would believe that she, a daughter of the Yorksworth family and wife to Cade Carter, would be penniless?She unconsciously fiddled with the watch around her wrist as her vision went out of focus. The faint fragrance coming from Cade lingered in her nostrils. There was a vague feeling that something was wrong, but for a moment, she couldn't figure it out. Fabian was then heard knocking on the door from the outside."Come in," Cade said.Cameron finally realized what was wrong when Cade stood up. Wasn't he supposed to be at his desk?"What are you doing here?" she asked.Cade's dark eyes stared down at her pale face."You were squealing like a pig in a slaughterhouse and muttering non-stop. Why would I stay wh
Fabian stood awkwardly behind them. Beside him was a stone-faced Cade. The hysterical Nerissa was facing off against the imposing Cameron. It was obvious who was the pitiful one being bullied. Cameron didn't care what these people thought of her. So, she didn't even bother to explain herself. Cade remained silent, his expression frosty. Meanwhile, Nerissa turned into a whining creature. It was unfortunate, however, that no one bothered to pay attention to her.The atmosphere was far too awkward and eerie, prompting Fabian to explain stiffly, "Please don't get the wrong idea, Madam Cameron. Mr. Carter has a social engagement and happens to be leavingโฆ"Cameron behaved much more pleasantly toward Fabian. She no longer acted as aggressive and hostile as before."I see."Cade's dark expression turned even gloomier. "Are you a woman? Why are you so chatty?"Fabian felt so wronged. He acted the way he did all for the sake of Cade's marriage.Cameron's phone started to buzz once t
A nurse came in to have Cade's blood pressure taken, which cut the conversation short. While the girl took his measurements, she stole glances at Cameron. There was a slight blush tinting her cheeks pink.Cameron could feel the nurse's gaze on her, but she didn't even bother to lift her head. Instead, she offered a mild word of caution. "Don't be fooled by a man's appearance. Some people are only meant to be admired from afar. "I'm his wife. We've been married for two years. Yet, he has so many mistresses out in the wild. Three of them even came to me directly."The nurse's face turned red. She gingerly waved her hands. "There's been a misunderstanding, Miss. I'm not interested in your husband. I just think you're very beautiful. Ummโฆ Can I add you on Facebook?" Cade and Cameron were at a loss for words.The nurse was staring at Cameron with wide, expressive eyes. All that was missing was the nurse clasping her hands together to beg. In any case, Cameron was particularly ind
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 Cameronโฆ" 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 companyโฆGiven 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 assumptionsโshe 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 elseโฆ"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 youโฆ"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 attendantโ"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 thanโฆ" 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