Cameron gazed upward and shot Cade a lazy smile. The look she gave him was filled with scorn and defiance. It was as if she were staring at an idiot. She turned to leave.Cade grabbed her by her arm and nearly lifted her off the ground. The pain shooting through her arm left her completely incensed."Do you have any idea what you look like right now, Cade?" She stared straight at him and enunciated every word. "You're like a jealous husband who's throwing a hissy fit for no reason."There was a dark look in his eyes as he spoke mockingly. "Jealous husband to who? You? You have a way of flattering yourself. There's not a shred of basic self-awareness in you at all.""Then who is it that's forcing me to make a choice? You're so angry that it seems like you caught me cheating…"Cameron smirked."Why don't you ask Mr. Monet what all this looks like?"Having been mentioned by name, Fabian looked incredibly distressed. He was frantically signaling to Cameron with his eyes to not mention
Cameron's words were blunt and harsh, leaving Cade laughing out of sheer rage."Are you stupid, Cameron? Others are capable of making the most out of any situation, but you somehow mess up even the best opportunities."She raised her hand and patted his chest. It looked as if she was brushing off nonexistent dust, but Cade had a feeling that she was actually wiping her hands on his shirt. She tilted her head and smiled, looking as sly as a fox."Are you saying that you're a 'good opportunity'?"He turned to look away to avoid her gaze. "You're still my wife in name.""What if I butt heads with the Ackerman family?"He turned his gaze back to her, his expression cold. "I'll find you a perfect burial ground only because you're my wife."There was a flicker in Cameron's eyes as her gaze grew unfocused."A burial ground? No, thank you. Just let me take my money to the grave. I don't want to end up a penniless spirit who still has to work even in the afterlife."She had already bou
Cameron silently cursed and turned back. Although the incident happened suddenly enough that Asher was caught off guard and had almost been dragged into the van, he was still an adult man over six feet tall and fully conscious. Even though his attackers came prepared, they couldn't easily subdue him and take him away in such a short time.She grabbed Asher's hand. The muscular man assumed that she wanted to compete with him in strength. So, he wrestled Asher away, a cruel sneer spreading on his fleshy face. With her small frame, he figured he could knock out 10 of her with just one punch.However, Cameron had no intention of playing a game of tug-of-war. She lifted her leg high and kicked the man in the face. The slim heel of her shoe hit him squarely in his middle, sending blood spurting from his nose. The man groaned in pain and let go of Asher to grab her ankle.All the massive hand managed to do was barely touch her. Before he could exert any force, Cameron swiftly grabbed h
Cameron had indeed outdone herself this time. Not only had she played the hero, but she also ended up putting herself in the hospital. She was surprised to see Cade, who had appeared out of nowhere."What are you doing here?"This was a small, unremarkable hospital. It was so shabby that Cade would never set foot here. The odds of encountering him here were practically nonexistent.He stared at her, but his gaze quickly shifted over to Asher. A cold smile played on Cade's lips as he asked curtly, "Did I interrupt your love affair by coming here? Where were you planning to go next? Are you going to check into a hotel next?"There was dead silence all around. "Have you already forgotten what I told you, Cameron?" His spine-chilling, yet aloof, voice sounded over Cameron's head. "I warned you. I'll kill you myself if you cheat on me."Asher frowned and stepped in to explain. "Ms. Yorksworth got hurt when she saved me. So, I brought her to the hospital as a way to return the favor.
Cameron didn't say a word, but she was clearly furious. She stared at the empty shoe cabinet for a short while before slamming the door shut.Diane sidled up to her and whispered, "Mr. Carter may seem rough on the outside, but he's a kind soul. "Mr. Monet has already called several times, but he's still hanging around on the couch. He definitely wants to drop you off at work and is just too embarrassed to admit it."Cade happened to overhear Diane's words when he approached. He shot her a glance. Even without him saying a word, Diane could feel a chill run down her spine and hurried away with a nervous laugh.After leaving the mansion, Cameron frowned at the sight of the person waiting by the car. He was not the household's chauffeur. Instead, he was Cade's private chauffeur. She took out her phone to make a call, but Cade suddenly bent down to gather her into his arms. Then, he carried her down the steps. The driver immediately hurried over with a wheelchair."Put me down," Ca
The home had thin walls. So, their argument could be heard clearly from outside. Cade's sudden appearance had Cameron staring at him."What are you doing here?" she asked.He shot her a look of disdain. "To stop you from being beaten to a pulp?"Wilfred was still enraged. "Stay out of this, Cade. I'm going to teach this ungrateful girl a lesson."He tried to pull his hand away but ultimately failed to free himself. It was the motions that gradually calmed his agitation. His eyes were filled with a complex mixture of disbelief and relief when he stared at Cade.How could Wilfred as a father not wish the best for his children? Cade was the son-in-law he had always wanted, but Cameron had married him through underhanded methods. It resulted in the two families growing distant.He felt guilt toward the Carter family for having raised an unscrupulous daughter. That was why he never spoke publicly about Cade and Cameron's relationship, nor did he associate the two together.But if the
Cade was going to bend down to check on Nerissa. However, upon hearing Cameron's words, he seemed at a loss for whether or not he should reach out for a split second.Blaire, who was outside, heard the commotion. Since it came from Cameron's room, she assumed that Cameron had fallen over because she had trouble moving around. So, she rushed in."Are you okay, Cammie?" Just as she finished speaking, she spotted Nerissa lying motionless on the floor. "What on earth… What happened to Nerissa? Cade, call an ambulance! Wilfred! Wilfred!"Cameron interrupted Blaire's cries. "She's faking it."Blaire stopped calling out for her husband. Cameron met her astonished gaze."If you don't believe me, poke her with a needle a few times. I guarantee that she'll be jumping off the ground then."Nerissa let out a weak groan the moment Cameron finished speaking. Her face contorted in pain. She slowly opened her eyes while clutching her head. Her eyes wandered around the room before she cast a conf
Cameron seemed to be in high spirits. All her repressed sentiments made themselves known. She propped up her chin with her hand as her smile widened. Every growing inch of her grin was a clear provocation. Her glossy red lips parted slightly. Cade noticed that she was about to start something. He frowned and quickly interrupted her before she could speak."Shut up."He thought that Cameron was trying to peeve him to get back at him for the cold treatment she had experienced in the last two years."Who was it that schemed to marry me in the first place?"Cameron tilted her head back and downed the wine in her glass in one gulp. The icy liquid slid down her throat and settled in her stomach. It didn't take long for the burning sensation to spread from her abdomen throughout her body.A soft blush surfaced on her pale skin. Her eyes shimmered, vivid and charming.Cade looked at the empty glass in her hand as the furrow between his brows deepened. "Are you a pig? Who taught you 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,