CHAPTER 19

Camellia paced her apartment, the weight of Harrison's visitation heaved on her mind. She couldn’t ignore the risk—it felt like walking into a trap—but this was her chance to get closer the truth. She'd imagined how everything will play out: prepared the recording device, have it hidden clearly in her bracelet and give him a calm response to questions asked.

She glanced at her laptop again, where the fragments of her evidence from the previous investigations were displayed. Today, the memories of the fire haunted her more than it used to be in the past. Maybe because of Zayden's words.

"And your parents, I'm sure they don't want you to lose your innocent self in this."

But now that she's closer to getting the culprits, she shouldn't give up, right?

Her fingers hovered around the phone, before she eventually typed out the message. “Saturday works. I’ll see you then.”

At the blackwood mansion, Daisy sat at the edge of her bed, her usual composed demeanor shattered by Ben's latest discovery. A folder lay open before her, it's contents detailed and damning.

"She's their daughter," Ben said, his voice low and firm. "Cameilla Carson. The family from the fire, and that's why she's investigating."

Daisy’s fingers tightened around the folder. The memories came rushing back: the blaze that consumed the Carson's apartment, the screaming, the chaos. It had been her most daring scheme, orchestrated with ruthless precision to eliminate the family to protect her son, Alessandro.

Alessandro was the one who had been behind the wheel the night Dan’s father died. Drunk and reckless, he'd been returning home from his wild eighteenth birthday celebration when he crashed into the older man, ending his life in an instant. However, instead of facing the consequences, Daisy had orchestrated a cover-up. She’d found a desperate gambler—Nathan’s father—and promised him a reduced sentence and a way out of his crushing debts in exchange for taking the fall for the accident. But once the deal was made, Daisy had betrayed him, failing to uphold her end of the bargain.

Since then, Alessandro had remained out of the country, far from any suspicion, his life untouched by the wreckage he had caused that night.

"I thought they all died," she said, her voice trembling with surpressed anger. "You can't even do your job right," she snapped at Ben.

Ben bowed his head, a silent apology. "The parents didn't make it, but the daughters, Cameilla and Catherine—they survived."

Daisy mind raced, if Cameilla was digging into the past, it wouldn't take her long to discover Daisy's role in the fire. And Zayden....his interest in the fire now made perfect sense.

Her nails digging into the leather of the folder. "So that's why Zayden is interested?" She said. "He's trying to protect her."

Ben stepped forward, his tone cautious. "Do you want me to handle her?"

Daisy hesistated, her thoughts raging war against itself. Killing Cameilla would solve the problem, but it would also draw more attention.

"Not yet," she said. "But I want her watched—every move she makes, every person she talks to. And if she steps out of line…” Daisy’s lips curled into a cold smile. “You know what to do.”

Zayden stared at the message on his phone, his jaw tightening. The country's renowned private detective he hired message had been clear: Daisy had a direct connection to the fire. He knew Cameilla couldn't be lieing, but....she never expected him to be that heartless.

He pulled out a file he's been piling, but none held any tangible evidence to tie her to the crime, and charging her to court with just speculations is a futile effort. She'd cover her tracks, but not so perfectly. For now, he will keep digging.

His phone buzzed again, another call from the private detective.

“She knows,” the voice said without preamble. “Daisy knows who Camellia really is. She’s already making moves to neutralize her.”

Zayden clenched his fists. “If she touches her…”

"She hasn't yet, but it's only a matter of time," the voice interrupted firmly. "You need to act fast, or she might not get out of this alive." The call ended.

He grabbed a whiskey bottle from the shelf, pouring himself a generous glass. As he stared at the amber liquid, memories of his past with Camellia flooded his mind. Her laughter, her fiery spirit—it had drawn him in from the start. But now, that same fire was leading her straight into danger. But he wouldn't allow it, even if it means destroying his family.

Meanwhile across the country, Daisy couldn't stay calm. She had called Harrison to meet up with her at a private bar in town.

Daisy straightened her dress, and entered into the bar. Harrison was already there, leaning back on the couch. He had a cigarette between his fingers and a glass of bourbon on the table.

"You're late, Daisy," he said without looking up, his tone laced with irritation

Daisy ignored his tone, taking a seat in front of him instead. “I had urgent matters to attend to. Ben brought me something interesting today.”

Harrison arched an eyebrow, meeting her gaze. "Interesting?"

"Yes," Daisy replied, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Cameilla Carson. She isn't just some stripper or Zayden's pet project. She is the daughter of the Carson family."

"Yes," Daisy confirmed. "The same family we dealt with years ago. Turns out she survived with her sister, and now she's poking nose everywhere."

"I suspected that," Harrison said. "She approached me on purpose. But how do you find out?"

"She approached you," Daisy repeated, her voice louder than intended. "That girl is a slut." Daisy gave Harrison a accusing looking, while he raised his hands in surrender.

"I haven't touched her yet, Daisy. But....now, that I discovered her, I should fuck her, before disciplining her."

"She's tenacious, isn't she—just like her foolish father," Daisy spat, her voice cold. "She’s been gathering evidence, digging into our past. And Zayden, of course, is playing the knight in shining armor.”

Harrison let out a bitter laugh. "Zayden is too sentimental. That is his weakness. He always have a soft spot for lost causes." He took a drag on his cigar, the smoke curling around him. "But if she's investigating us, then that's a big problem."

"She's already a problem," Daisy snapped. "She's already close to the truth, and if Zayden is helping her, then it won't be long before they uncover the truth."

Harrison smirked, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Then we play along. Let her think she’s gaining the upper hand. Feed her just enough to keep her busy while we tighten the noose.”

Daisy titled her head forward, intrigued. "What of Zayden."

Harrison's smirk widened. "Zayden's emotions are predictable. Let him think that he's protecting her, then we strike when he least expect. By the time he realises, it's already too late."

Daisy’s lips curved into a wicked smile. "I like it,' she said, standing up. "I'll keep an eye on Cameilla. But don’t underestimate her, Harrison. She’s smarter than you think.”

"And you do well not to oveestimate her," she said cooly. "She's a nuisance, and not a threat."

As Daisy left the bar, her mind churned with thoughts. Harrison's arrogance must blind him to the danger, but she wouldn't make the same mistake. Camellia mist be dealt with.

Inside the bar, Harrison leaned back in his chair, the smoke from his cigar curling upward. He picked up his phone and sent a message to one of his men:

"Keep an eye on her. Report anything unusual and if she steps out of line...you know what to do."

His lips curled into a cold smile as he stared at the glowing screen. "Saturday is just two days from now," he whispered. "Let the game begin."