CHAPTER 14

Camellia stared out of the rain streaked window, the storm outside, matching the turmoil inside her. Zayden's words from that night replayed continuously, each one cutting deeper than the last. She had walked away to protect him, but the emptiness she felt was unbearable. But there was no going back. She had to focus on the mission and block out the ache clawing at her.

She adjusted her dress in the mirror, the sleek black fabric clinging to her curves in the right places. The neckline plunged down to her chest, almost revealing her nipple:it was perfect enough to entice any man, and the slit down to her thigh gave her the air of confidence that she needed. Tonight, she was meeting with chief judge Harrison and she couldn't afford any distractions.

Camellia arrived at the exclusive private bar early, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she scanned the room. The air was thick with cigar smoke and the soft hum of Afrobeat music played in the background.

Chief Judge Harrison entered moments later, his eyes landed on Camellia, and a satisfied smirk played on his lips as he made his way toward her.

"Miss Camellia," he greeted smoothly, his lustful gaze swept over her as he swallowed hard. "You look absolutely stunning, tonight."

She forced a smile, tilting her head in mock coyness. “I could say the same for you, Judge Harrison. You certainly know how to make an impression.”

He chuckled, gesturing for him to join him in a private booth. They spoke and Laughed over drinks, Cameilla making sure to rub his ego and then Harrison grew bolder with each passing minute. His hands brushed hers more than once, his smile darkening as he leaned forward.

“You intrigue me,” Harrison said, his tone low and suggestive. “A woman like you... deserves more than a drink. How about becoming my mistress? I can promise you comfort and protection in exchange for your loyalty.....and service.”

Her stomach churned at his proposal, but she maintained her composure. "That's quite an offer," she said, titling her head forward with a teasing smile. "I'll need time to consider."

He laughed, leaning back with satisfaction. "Take all the time you want. But remember opportunities like this don't come often."

Later that night as she left the bar, her phone buzzed with a message notification from lily, another stripper at the club: kassy's in the hospital. You should come.

Cameilla's heart clenched as she stepped into the sterile hospital room. Kassy laid on the bed, her face marred with bruises.

"What happened?" Camellia asked softly.

Kassy voice trembled as she spoke. "It was him. Harrison. He...he doesn't stop when you say no. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she looked away, ashamed.

Cameilla's fists clenched at her side. She had suspected Harrison’s cruelty, but not to this level. He is not only corrupt, but also a rapist?

"The doctor said the bruises.... they are internal," lilly whispered, her voice breaking. "He enjoys hurting women."

Camellia couldn't take it any longer. "We should report him to the authorities. Get the medical report as evidence."

"Leave him, Cam," kassy added, a hint of fear etched in her voice. "That would just complicate things. He's too powerful."

Camellia knelt beside Kassy, taking her hand. “You’re not alone in this,” she said firmly. “lll make sure you are safe from now on," she said firmly, the determination in her was unmistakable.

Kassy’s lips quivered, but she nodded, a flicker of hope in her eyes.

The next morning, Zayden leaned back in his car, staring at the bustling street outside Cameilla's apartment. For days, she had been a ghost—no calls, no texts, and no appearances at the bar. His unease had grown with each passing hour.

He replayed their last conversation in his mind, her tearful goodbye cutting deeper than he cared to admit. He had tried to convince himself to let go but the thoughts of her, facing danger alone made it impossible.

Unable to resist any longer he decided to find her.

When he reached her apartment, the muffled voices inside made him pause. He frowned, pressing his ear closer to the door.

"We need solid evidence against Harrison,” Dan said, spreading photos and documents on the coffee table. “Not just rumors or bruises. Something irrefutable.”

Cameilla paced the room, her mind racing. "He is being careful, but also arrogant. If we push him in the right direction, he will slip."

Nathan leaned back, his arms crossed. "And what's your plan. Seduce him until he confesses? It seems that's your specialty."

Her head snapped towards him, her eyes blazing. "Say that again," she said coldly.

Nathan smirked, unfazed. "Look at you, Cameilla. Playing mistress to one man and cozying up to another. How long are you willing to go for this vendetta."

"As far as it takes," she said firmly, stepping closer. "I'm willing to give all of my self away if that will bring down those monsters, the Blackwoods and Harrison. Don’t mistake my methods for weakness. At least I'm not like your coward father."

Nathan's smirk faltered as she sprang up from his seat. "Don't you dare insult my father, you slut," he cursed, his eyes blazing with unrestrained fury. "You might not be a coward, but you are a betrayal. You are fucking your father's killer. He must have fucked you so well that you are now head over heels for him."

His words hit Cameilla like a sledgehammer, but she quickly masked the hurt that spread on her face. "No...I'm not a betrayal. And I'm definitely not in love with Zayden," she said firmly, even though deep down she knew it wasn't completely true. "I'm just fooling him to gather evidence and make up for your father's competency," she snapped back.

Before Nathan could retort, a knock on the door silenced the room. Cameilla walked over, her pulse quickening.

Zayden stood there, his presence commanding as always. His sharp gaze swept over her, then the men behind her. His jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened.

"What's going on here?" He asked, his voice calm but laced with danger.

Camellia frozen, the weight of her double life crashing down on her. She opened her mouth to talk, but no words came out.

Finally, she has been caught. Redhanded. And now, there's no escape route.