CHAPTER 16

Cameilla stood in center of the apartment, her hands clenched at her side. Nathan and Dan watched her closely waiting her decision. Zayden's word echoed in her ears: Did you ever love me. But she couldn't let her emotions derail the mission.

"We proceed with plan B," she said firmly.

Dan leaned back in his chair, his brows raised. "Already? I figured you'd need time to—"

"I don't need time,* she cuts in, her voice sharper than intended. "Zayden already made his choice and it about time we make mine. Our enemies needs to be stopped, no matter what."

Nathan exchanged a glance with Dan, his smirk fading. "You sure about this? You aren't exactly radiating stability right now."

Cameilla's jaw tightened and she squared her shoulders. "I'm fine. Let's focus on the mission."

Nathan tilted his head, studying me with an intensity that made her skin crawl. "You’re not fine, Cam," he said, his voice quieter now, almost gentle. "You can pretend all you want, but Zayden’s got you rattled. Don’t let him screw with your head and compromise everything we’ve worked for."

"I'm not letting him screw us," she snapped, her anger flaring. "This isn't about Zayden. It about justice and getting this done with."

Dan held up his hands. "Alright, alright. Plan B it is. Just make sure you’re thinking clearly when the time comes," Dan chimed in, his voice carrying an edge of irritation.

Camellia nodded curtly as she sat back at the table. Plan B was simple: Get closer to Harrison, plant a recording device or extract an information from him, and then hand over the evidence to the police, alongside the recording of the Blackwood's shady business deal she had acquired the previous day. It was dangerous, but it's her best chance to bring them down.

Zayden's drive back to his estate was a blur. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as Cameilla's words played in his mind over and over again: Your family destroyed mine. Daisy burned down my family home.

Could this be true?

The thoughts gnawed at him, unsettling the foundation of his loyalty to his family. Daisy had always been manipulative, but arson? Destroying someone else like that. It was difficult to imagine, but then again he had never seen Cameilla lie with such convictions.

"She should have told me," he muttered, his voice a low growl. "Instead of making me feel like a fool, she should have just told me."

He shook his head trying to get rid of doubts. Cameilla had used him, betrayed him, and now she was walking out of his life for good. He can't keep chasing the shadows of whatever they had. He had made up his mind to focus on the one thing that still tied him to a future: He couldn’t abandon—his unborn child.

As he pulled into the driveway. He had resolved to bury his feelings for Cameilla. She was his past, a mistake he couldn't afford to repeat.

The grand hotel lobby was opulent, it's gold accents glittering under the crystals chandelier. Camellia walked in, her heels hitting the floor sharply. She spotted Harrison at the bar, his predatory smile widening as she approached.

"You look stunning as always," Harrison said, standing to greet her.

"Thank you," she replied forcing a smile.

He offered his arm, and she took it, allowing him to lead her toward the private suite he had reserved. Her heart pounded with a mix of determination and dread.

This was the exact moment she had been waiting for. The recorder in her pocket was her weapon and she wouldn't leave without getting what she wants.

But as the elevator door closed, trapping her with Harrison, a flicker of unease crept in. She shoved it down, reminding herself of her purpose.

"You're unusually quiet tonight," Harrison remarked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Just tired," she lied, offering a tight smile.

Harrison's gaze lingered on her assessing her. "Well I hope I can make the evening worthwhile."

The elevator ding, signalling their arrival. He led her down the plush hallway to his suite.

As Harrison poured two glasses of champagne wine, Cameilla secretly slipped her hand into her pocket to ensure the recording was still there.

Harrison returned, handing her a glass. He watched her intently as she took a sip, the weight of his gaze making her skin prickle.

"You know," he said, settling his glass on the table. "I have been in this business long enough to know when someone is hiding something from me."

Her grip around the flute tightened as she forced a smile. "Hiding something? From you? That would be a terrible idea."

"Exactly," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "That is why I always make it a point to stay ahead."

He shoved his hand into his jacket pocket, pulling out a sleek, black device.

"What is that?"

Harrison smiled, holding up the device. “A little tool I’ve found useful. It detects any hidden cameras or recording devices. You’d be surprised how often people try to double-cross me.”

Cameilla's heart raced as he powered on the device. A low hum emanated from it, the small screen lighting up with a radar-like display.

Her mind scrambled for a plan. She couldn’t let him find the recorder—it would not only expose her but also destroy everything she’d worked for.

Just as Harrison began scanning the room, his phone buzzed loudly on the table. He glanced at it, his expression darkened.

"Damn it," he muttered, before answering the phone, his voice sharp. "What is it? This better be important."

Camellia watched him pace across the room, her heart pounding as she seized the opportunity. Her fingers brushed the recorder, but she hesitated. Removing it now would be too obvious if he turned back.

"Fine," Harrison barked into the phone. "I'll handle it. Give me twenty minutes."

Harrison walked back to her. "Cameilla," he began, his voice smooth but firm, "something urgent came up. I won't be able to give you my full attention tonight."

Her stomach churned with relief. She needed more time to regroup and reassess.

"That's quite unfortunate," she said, managing a small understanding smile. "I was looking forward to spending the entire evening with you."

"Trust me, so was l. But business comes first. We would have to reschedule."

She nodded, hiding her relief beneath a mask of charm. “I understand. Let me know when you’re free, and I’ll make time for you.”

Harrison stepped closer, his gaze lustful lingering on her more than necessary. "I'll be in touch."

With that he opened the door for her. "Be careful on your way out."

"Always," she replied.

As the door closed behind her, she exhaled a shaky breath, her heart still pounding. The recorder was in place and Harrison hasn't found it—for now.

Camellia straightened her shoulders, her resolve hardening. The mission was far from over, but tonight she had taken a crucial step forward.