CHAPTER 11

Cameilla stormed into the lavish Blackwoods construction building, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. The opulence around didn't faze her one bit: she was a woman on a mission. Her fury bubbled just beneath the surface as she marched past stunned employees and marched straight to Daisy's office.

"Miss, you can't go in there," Daisy's secretary protested, rushing to block her path.

"I don't care," Cameilla snapped, her voice steady and commanding. "Move aside."

The secretary hesitated, her professional demeanor faltering under Cameilla’s intense gaze. Before she could respond, Cameilla pushed past her and flung open the double doors, revealing Daisy seated at the head of a long conference table surrounded by board members.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Cameilla. Daisy raised a brow, her expression calm but with a flicker of annoyance. Well, this is unexpected. And rude. Who let you in here?”

Camellia's chest heaved with barely restrained anger as she ignored the questioning stares and stood her ground. "We need to talk. Now."

Daisy sighed, feigning exasperation. “As you can see, I’m in a meeting. I suggest you leave before you embarrass yourself further.”

Ignoring her, Cameilla stepped further into the room, her voice rising. "You threaten my sister at the hospital. You think you can intimidate her to control me?"

Gasps rippled through the room, but Daisy's expression remained calm as she dismissed them with a wave of her hand. "The meeting is proposed," she said, her voice icy. "Leave us."

The board members fled out, murmuring amongst themselves as their curious gazes fell on Cameilla. Once the door was closed behind them, Daisy rose up, her posture exuding dominance.

"You've really got some nerves to barge in here," she said her tone laced with contempt. "Do you even do who you're dealing with?"

"I know exactly who you are," camellia shot back, stepped closer. "And I'm not afraid of you. “I’m here to protect my sister. Stay away from her.”

Daisy’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Protect her? From what, exactly? I paid her a visit out of concern. Or are you accusing me of something?”

“You know exactly what you’re doing."

Daisy laughed coldly, stepping closer to her. "You’re nothing more than a nameless stripper who clawed her way into Zayden’s life. You think that gives you power to waltz in here and dictate terms."

Cameilla's fist clenched in ant, but Daisy wasn't done yet.

“You don’t belong here,” Daisy sneered. “Women like you—uneducated, desperate—should know their place if they want to last long in this world. Did your parents not teach you any manners?”

The words hit Cameilla like a slap as tears welled up in her eyes. But she pushed it back, and stood her ground. She would never give Daisy the satisfaction of seeing her crumble.

Before she could respond, the door swung open and Zayden strode in, his gaze sharp as it flicker between them.

"What's going on here?" He demanded, his tone firm.

Daisy turned to him, her tone softening. "Zayden, I was just dealing with a.... disruption."

“Is that what we’re calling it now?” Zayden said, his eyes narrowing. He walked to Cameilla’s side, his protective stance unmistakable. “What are you doing here?”

"She threatened Catherine," Cameilla said, her voice trembling.

Daisy raised a brow, her lips curling into a mockery of concern. "Threatened? I simply visited the hospital to express concern. If she took it as a threat, that’s her problem, not mine.”

For the very first time, Zayden voice dropped into a dangerous growl. "Stay away from her family. I'm warning you Daisy, you won't like if you cross the line again."

Daisy’s eyes widened briefly in disbelief as if she couldn't comprehend his tone, but she quickly masked it, her expression turning icy. "You're defensive of this one," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "How peculiar."

Ignoring her, Zayden turned to Cameilla. "Let's go."

As he led her out of the office, the curious stares of employees followed them. Once they were in the privacy of his office, Zayden released a sigh, running a hand through his hair.

"I'm sorry," he said, her tone filled with regrets. "You shouldn't have to deal with that."

Cameilla crossed her arms, her anger simmering beneath. "She's is dangerous Zayden," she said, her voice trembling with unshed tears. "She doesn't just intimate me—she wants to ruin me. And I think it's because of you."

Zayden closed the distance between them. "I know," he said gently. "I'll make sure, she doesn't hurt you or Catherine. You have my word."

His eyes searched hers. Her defenses crumbling momentarily as the weight of the situation bore down on her. Without thinking, Zayden reached out, cupping her cheek. His thumb brushed away a tear she hadn’t realized had fallen.

"You're not alone in this," he murmured.

Before she could respond, Zayden leaned down and kissed her. It was soft and hesitant at first, as if seeking her permission. When she didn't pull away, the kiss deepened, offering a fleeting moment of comfort amidst the chaos.

Zayden withdrew from the kiss, stepping back slightly. "There's something else I need to ask you."

Cameilla titled her head, still catching her breath. "What is it?"

“There’s a Blackwood family dinner tomorrow night,” he said, his tone measured. “It’s a formal event, and I need a plus one. I want you to come with me.”

Her brows furrowed, and she opened her mouth to protest, but he continued before she could speak.

"Please....I know it’s the last place you’d want to be,” he admitted, “but having you there would mean a lot to me."

Camellia nodded, but her face turned curious. "Why me Zayden....and not Charlotte?"

At the mention of his wife, Zayden’s jaw tightened. He glanced away for a moment, then returned his gaze to her, his eyes steady. “Charlotte and I are married on paper, Cameilla. Nothing more. She’s not someone I want by my side, especially not at an event like this. It involves the mighty men in the country."

Cameilla raised a brow. "And you think I'm a better fit."

“You’re more than a ‘fit,’” Zayden said firmly. “I trust you. And unlike Charlotte, you don’t play games. You’re real, and that’s what I need in a room full of people who thrive on pretense.”

Camellia tilted her head slightly. "You trust me too much, Zayden. Interesting, that's because you don't know anything about me."

He chuckled softly, stepping closer. “Maybe not. But I know enough to see that you’re strong, smart, and capable of holding your own. That’s all I need to know.”

Camellia swallowed hard, keeping her emotions on check. Zayden doesn't know the real reason she had approached him, seduce him and also agreed to marry him.

Still his words stirred something in her, a flicker of guilt but she pushed it away quickly.

As he walked her to the door, Cameilla's heart raced. What if he finds out? The dinner could be the perfect opportunity to uncover more about Daisy, the scarred man and the connection to their scarred home.

"Seven o'clock, then," he said, holding the door open for her.

"Seven," she confirmed, stepping out.

As she walked away, Camellia couldn't shake off the weight of his trust. It made all her mission complicated.

"Why would he trust me so much," she muttered, before slipping into the backseat of the taxi.