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 leaving…"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. Umm… 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
Cameron was ready to go to bed once she finished her dinner. Although she seemed calm on the surface, she had spent the day on edge. The shop didn't belong solely to her. Monica also had a stake in it. It couldn't be ruined because of her personal grudges with Nerissa.Cade suddenly asked, "Where does it hurt?"Cameron paused while lifting her blanket. "Huh?" she asked."This afternoon in my office, you kept saying it hurt."He stared intently at her. Cameron had a rosy complexion, showing no signs of the fragility she had earlier in the day when she murmured in pain while her eyes were shut. Now, her clear gaze was filled with incomprehensible astonishment.If he hadn't sat beside her, and she hadn't opened her eyes only to whimper that she was in pain, he might've believed that she was still dreaming.Seeing her putting on an act of clueless innocence made him feel as if he were being ridiculed. Why would he still believe her after being deceived over and over again?Camer
Cade looked up, and his gaze swept coldly over Fabian. "Is your salary paid by me or her? If you're so worried, why don't you quit and be her secretary instead?"Fabian was flummoxed. Why was Cade acting like he had eaten explosives for breakfast? Was it because Cameron would rather take a cab than get in his car?He blinked mischievously, eager for gossip, and asked, "Mr. Carter, are you sure you don't like Madam? I think Madam would be voted 'Most Beautiful Woman' every year if she was a celebrity."He was implying that Cade had no taste. If Fabian married such a beautiful woman, he would cater to her every whim. Even if he had to go without food and drink, he would gladly save his money and let her spend it. But, apparently, Cameron lived very frugally. Two weeks ago, if someone had told Fabian that the woman named Cameron who struggled with paying the rent on her shop was actually Cade's wife, he would never have believed them.Cade said, "The oleander growing at the side o
Diane was delighted that Cade was asking about Cameron of his own accord. She quickly put on a worried expression. "Madam went upstairs as soon as she got home, and she didn't even have dinner. She looked rather peaky, and she seemed unwell."Cameron had kept her head lowered, and her fringe had covered her face, so Diane hadn't seen the injury on her forehead.Cade frowned slightly but did not say anything else. Diane sneaked a glance at his expression and asked tentatively, "How about if you bring Madam some dinner when you go upstairs later?""If she won't eat unless she has to be requested to do so, then forget it.""Madam has a weak stomach. If she doesn't eat on time, she might get gastritis again. It was so painful for her the last few times that she was in tears—"Cade paused halfway through eating. He cut her off expressionlessly. "She won't starve if she eats one meal less."Diane sighed and went back to the kitchen quietly. Although Cameron had said that she wasn't
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,