Chapter 69

Chapter 69

The stylist pushed a rack of dresses in front of her. "These are all evening gowns Mr. Garcia picked out for you. We've got some high-end and semi-luxury options. Which one catches your eye?"

Camila's eyes scanned the array of evening gowns. The rhinestones and lace were glamorous, but definitely not practical for escaping.

Her gaze settled on a pale blue sheath dress in the corner. The fabric was light silk, and the hemline only reached her knees, ensuring ease of movement.

"I'll go with the sheath dress," she said, pointing at it.

"The sheath dress?" The stylist was momentarily taken aback. "Are you sure? Tonight's a cruise party, and everyone will be in evening gowns. Won't a sheath dress be too..."

"It'll be fine. The sheath dress looks great," Camila interrupted with a faint smile.

Seeing her insistence, the stylist didn't push further.

The makeup artist nearby also smiled and said, "Perfect! I'll give you a makeup look with a touch of red at the corners of your eyes and pair it with pearl earrings. You'll definitely be the star of the night!"

After some time, there was a knock on the door, followed by Albert's deep voice, "The car is waiting downstairs. Are you ready?"

Camila stood up, gave her dress one last adjustment in the mirror, and replied steadily, "All set."

The black Rolls-Royce slowly pulled up to the cruise dock as night had fully fallen over the sea. The ushers on both sides, dressed in sharp tailcoats, bowed and guided them inside.

Camila initially thought this was just a regular private gathering until she overheard Albert's assistant whispering, "The chairman of Emberlyn Blue Horizon Shipping is waiting in the banquet hall for you to cut the ribbon." It dawned on her that Albert was using this party to finalize a new collaboration with Emberlyn's shipping magnate.

The Garcia Group had long aimed to surpass the Thompson family, and this deal was a key part of their ten-year plan.

The chandelier in the center of the banquet hall was dazzling. 

Albert suddenly leaned close to her ear, his warm breath carrying a hint of cedar, "You'll join me on stage for the ribbon-cutting ceremony."

Camila immediately curled her lips into a cold smile, her tone detached, "No thanks. The Garcia Group's business has nothing to do with me."

"It has everything to do with you," Albert's arm suddenly wrapped around her shoulder, his fingers lightly brushing the fabric of her dress, in a gesture as intimate as any couple.

"I told you, what's mine is yours. Everything I achieve will be shared with you."

Camila's expression remained unchanged. Just then, a group of businessmen in suits approached with champagne, clearly intending to toast Albert. 

She took the opportunity to gently free herself from Albert's grasp and instinctively stepped back, moving to the other side of the room.

But she hadn't taken more than a few steps when a high-pitched, familiar voice called out from behind, "Isn't that Ms. Wilson? I was wondering why I couldn't find you back home. Turns out you were hiding out in Emberlyn!"

Camila paused and turned to look. 

By the bar, a woman in a royal blue mermaid gown was swaying her hips as she walked over, the dress tightly hugging her curves with every step.

Camila frowned, searching her memory but couldn't recall knowing this person.

Lisa saw the confusion in her eyes and wasn't in a hurry. She adjusted the diamond earring by her ear, "Ms. Wilson doesn't remember me? I'm Lisa Tate. You might remember Heath. At your engagement party with Mr. Garcia, he even toasted you."

Camila suddenly remembered. 

Heath, the nearly fifty-year-old sleazy man who changed partners more often than clothes. This Lisa, who looked barely in her twenties, was clearly not his legal wife.

"Ms. Wilson, you're still as beautiful as ever, much more so than the young actresses you've been promoting lately." 

"By the way, where have you been hiding? Could it be true what they say online, that you attempted kidnapping and murder and fled to avoid prosecution?"

The surrounding conversations instantly quieted, and all eyes turned towards them.

"Of course not."

Camila acted as if she hadn't heard the malice in Lisa's words, lightly swirling her champagne glass, "If I were really hiding, why would I come to such a public event? Those online rumors are baseless. I couldn't be bothered to respond, so I came to Emberlyn for a peaceful vacation."

"Oh, I see."

Lisa dragged out her words, stepping closer, "But Ms. Wilson should still be careful. This matter is causing quite a stir, and I heard the police have new evidence. If you go back, you might be detained."

She paused deliberately for a couple of seconds before continuing, "But with Mr. Garcia protecting you, you have nothing to fear. Just be cautious tonight. If some fool spreads the word about your 'fleeing from justice,' and it reaches the media back home, it could be troublesome for you."

Camila listened and then nodded seriously, but in the next moment, she raised her voice, "You're right. But I was also thinking, if Heath's wife abroad finds out about you two, wouldn't your situation be worse than mine?"

The people pretending not to care suddenly perked up, subtly moving closer to eavesdrop.

Lisa's face turned pale, and her champagne glass wobbled. 

Though she had attended many events with Heath, it was always discreet, especially abroad, where no one knew her identity.

Camila's public revelation was like a slap in the face.

Lisa was furious but forced herself to stay calm, "Heath and I are truly in love. Who cares about titles? His wife is just a figurehead."

"Is that so?"

Camila suddenly smiled, as if losing her balance, and lightly bumped into Lisa.

The movement was small but enough to jostle Lisa's hand holding the glass. The amber champagne spilled out, mostly landing on Camila's dress.

Camila let out a small, deliberate cry, loud enough for Heath to hear.

Heath strode over, instantly understanding the situation. Without giving Lisa a chance to explain, he slapped her hard.

"You stupid woman, what have you done?"