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Chapter 678
Chapter 678
Chapter 678
Chapter 678
As Arnold spoke, his muscular arms wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her closer with an
increasingly tight grip that seemed to fear her slipping away again.
Camille felt a ticklish warmth spread through her, her voice soft; she was playfully complaining yet more
of saying in a coquettish way, “You do realize you’re like a thief, don’t you? Quite perceptive of
yourself.”
“Camille.”
He called her name again, his voice laced with an addictive quality that brought a rosy hue to her pale
cheeks, “Actually, you’re a thief too. A thief who stole my heart.”
Camille had heard her mentor occasionally mention her family. He said she had an older brother who,
despite his dashing good looks, spoke the most cheesy pick–up lines that were oddly endearing.
Now, she could see her mentor hadn’t been exaggerating.
Seeing her silent, Arnold grew anxious and turned her to face him, “Are you still mad at me?”
Arnold Ashbourne.”
The way Camille suddenly used his full name made him even more nervous, his Adam’s apple bobbing
uncontrollably.
“I’m the illegitimate daughter of the Evert family; my background isn’t something to be proud of. The
Evert family hassle me so frequently, it’s a wonder I find any peace. Someone like me isn’t a good
match to you. Being with me, you’ll never have a day’s rest.”
As she spoke, a pain throbbed in her chest, as if she were being forced to carve off a piece of her
heart, “You deserve…better. Perhaps out of sympathy or pity, you felt the need to protect me. But once
the intensity fades, you’ll see. Love is just a fleeting illusion that brings nothing but trouble. With your
privileged background, even if you don’t seek out nobility, you could find a lady from a reputable, well–
read family. My life is full of blemishes. And what you see today is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Camille, a top fashion designer, used her flawlessly cool demeanor and her dazzling creations to mask
her intense inner turmoil and insecurity.
She felt rootless, like a drifting weed, never able to proudly tell anyone that she was a child of the Evert
family.
It wasn’t that she was blind to Arnold’s virtues or his genuine love for her, but the deep–seated sense of
unworthiness tore at her heart day and night, forcing her to stay alert.
If one day Arnold changed his mind, stopped liking her, if their love faced opposition from the whole
world, she would rather avoid that beginning altogether.
Tve known about your background for a long time.”
Arnold’s eyes reddened with her pushing him away like that, he couldn’t help but spit it out, “But what of
it? I still like you; I still look forward to seeing you.”
Camille was taken aback; her defenses cracked at his words, “You’ve been checking up on me?!
Arnold, are you letting your detective instincts take over with me?!”
“I just wanted to know more of you!”
Arnold, desperate, gripped her shoulders tightly, “Camille, do you think I’m doing all this for fun? I’m
doing it to get closer to you, to reach your heart, to be with you! I know what you’re worried about, but it
will never happen. You’re Evadne’s best friend, and she’s told me more than once how much she wants
you as her sister–in–law. As for my family, and my father, you have nothing to fear. If they aren’t open–
minded, then no one in the world is. My dad accepted Cassius‘ preference for men; he accepted
Thaddeus, who once hurt Evadne, so how could he possibly not accept you? Why shouldn’t he?!”
Camille felt a sour tightness in her chest and closed her eyes, shaking her head in denial, pushing him
away with her hands on his heaving chest, “Dr. Bright is the second son of the Bright family, and
Thaddeus is the CEO of the Abernathy group, both paragons among men. What am I, how can I
compare? It’s different. Don’t waste your time on me.”
The stubborn woman! Was she trying to kill him with frustration?!
Anold’s breath came in heavy, ragged gasps, his handsome face flushing red
Camille looked down, forcing herself to harden her heart and turn away. “I heard from my assistant that
you came to pick up some clothing? Is it because Evadne couldn’t make it, so she asked you to pick up
Dr. Bright’s tailored suit? I had my assistant pack it, she’ll give it to you. You should go back. I’m very
tired and need to rest.
“Not just that, there’s another thing‘ Arnold’s cold voice came from behind her, “My badge, you still
have it, right? I have an important meeting at the courthouse later, and everyone needs to wear theirs.
Give it back to me
Camille stiffened, her heart pierced by a sharp icicle of pain.
“Alright”
Her voice barely a whisper, she reached into her jacket pocket and slowly drew out the badge she kept
close to her heart. Clutching it tightly in her palm, then she turned around.
And there was Amold, looking intensely at her, extending his hand.
Camille placed the badge in his palm, her lips pale with tension. As she attempted to retract her hand,
his strong grasp suddenly enveloped hers, pulling her forcefully.
Caught off guard, she stumbled into his embrace.
Amold, without hesitation, wrapped his arms around her waist and sealed her lips with a fervent kiss,
deepening it with every second, his desire for possession swirling between them.
Camille’s senses blurred, her body tingling with a current of electricity as she embraced him, lost in the
moment.
After what felt like an eternity, Arnold reluctantly broke the kiss, his fingers gently tracing her jaw, a
crooked smile playing on his lips. “You turned white just now, were you scared? Scared that I’d really
leave, that I’d really take it back. Am I right?”
Tm not, where do you get that confidence from?” Camille’s eyes brimmed with tears, her voice choked
with emotion.
is that stubbornness also something you picked up from your mentor?”
Amold sighed with a mix of adoration and helplessness, holding her close again, “What’s the use of the
whole world being right if I don’t like it? I only love you. What I love is the best thing in the world.”
In that moment, all hesitations and fears were shattered by his unwavering choice.
“Camille, be my girl, will ya?
Amold’s eyes gleamed with a sincerity as bright as the stars, “From now on, let me love you, cherish
you, take care of you. All that you’ve lost, all that you’ve never had, let me find it for you, piece by
piece. Please, give me this chance.”
Fancy words of love were never Amold’s strong suit. These few lines, hard–won from his heart’s
depths, were his limit.
Finally, Camille could no longer hold back the tumultuous emotions within her. Tears streamed down
her face as she gave a slight nod
In that moment, Amold felt as if the whole world burst into a kaleidoscope of colors, fireworks exploding
in brilliant splendor.
He gently cradled the back of her neck and kissed her deeply, their embrace tender and passionate.
Today, Evadne was swamped with work handovers from Cassius, which was why she couldn’t make it
to the Elmsworth rendezvous with Camille. Instead, she sent Arnold to pick up some clothes.
Getting the clothes was secondary, the main agenda was to create an opportunity for him and Camille
to meet. Even if Cupid was willing, without sight, how could sparks of love ignite?
Evadne slogged through half a day, skimming project proposals, delving into the profiles of corporate
executives, and grappling with the group’s financial situation. Although Thaddeus was there to assist,
she was still left with a spinning head and aching back.
“Ugh, I’m beat.”
The petite woman slumped into her man’s embrace, like a beautiful robot short–circuited, “How can
there be so much to do? Did Cassius even live a human life before?”
“Having second thoughts before you’ve even taken the reins?”
Thaddeus chuckled softly, his hands gently massaging her temples, “Let me give you a heads up from
someone who’s been there: this is just the beginning. Once you officially take over, a myriad of tasks
will await you. Then, you can really feel the pressure.”
“Second thoughts? Ha, that word doesn’t exist in Evadne’s life dictionary.”
Evadne raised her face, pouting cutely. “Just watch me. I’m not just going to do it; I’m going to excel.
Just like when I took over K Hotel. I said rd outdo you guys at Abernathy Hotel, and I meant it. Look at
me now, results shining bright, huh?”
Thaddeus adored her feisty spirit, kissing her forehead, “Looking back, none can rival you; in a league
of your own, my Evadne shines as the queen she is. What if I just give Abernathy Hotel to you? You’d
surely breathe new life into it.”
“Umm, let’s not go there. I know you and your father aren’t on the best terms, but let’s not overdo it.”
Evadne waved her hands frantically, trying to dodge the suggestion, “If you really gave it to me,
wouldn’t that be an over–the–top display of ‘filial piety? It might really piss Mr. Frederic Abernathy off. I
couldn’t bear the thought of being responsible for that.”
Thaddeus let out a wry smile, ruffling her hair affectionately.
“Why haven’t we heard from Arnold yet? Do you think he and Camille hit it off? Maybe they went ahead
and did what grown–ups do when they’re in love?” Evadne’s mind raced with excitement, squirming in
her man’s arms.
Thaddeus replied seriously to her cheeky musings, “Broad daylight, I doubt it. Plus, it’s Arnold’s first
love; he probably isn’t that bold?
“Arnold’s a brave one, his wild soul just caged in a prosecutor’s uniform.” Evadne turned over to pin the
man down, her fingers teasing his pronounced Adam’s apple, “Besides, what does daylight have to do
with it? When you men are in the mood, being able to pick a spot is already something, let alone caring
about the time of day.”
Thaddeus swallowed hard, his eyes darkening. For a couple still in a middle of infatuation period, her
words were a clear invitation, and his restless hand had already begun its silent journey up her thigh.
Suddenly, Evadne’s phone rang, shattering the building atmosphere of desire. Clutching his neck, she
answered the phone, “Arnold, finally a peep from you! Did you see Camille?”
“Evadne, come out with Thaddeus. We’re at your front door.”
As the couple stepped hand in hand out of the Silverlake Harbor estate, they were stunned. Beneath a
sky painted with the glorious golden hues of sunset, Arnold was embracing Camille, their lips locked in
a public display of affection.
“Whoa, whoa, WHOA!!” Evadne yelped with electric excitement!
Her shout pierced the sweet bubble they were in, causing Camille to hurriedly push Arnold away, her
face aflame with embarrassment.
Thaddeus squeezed Evadne’s trembling, excited hand, “Calm down, you’ve scared Ms. Evert.”
“I can’t calm down! I’ve got a sister–in–law! I’ve got another sister–in–law!” Evadne beamed, playfully
punching his chest.
Arnold, unfazed, confidently took Camille’s hand and brought her over.
“Evadne, let me introduce you once again.”
He turned to his beloved, his voice filled with tender affection, “This lady right here, is Mrs. Camille
Ashbourne.”
“I am not,” Camille murmured shyly, her face growing even redder.
“Nice to meet you, Camille,” Evadne grinned from ear to ear.
“Hello, Mrs. Ashbourne.” Thaddeus followed suit, the epitome of emotional intelligence, “And
congratulations, Arnold. Evadne and I look forward to taking part in your wedding party.”
“Haha, you rascal,” Arnold gave out a praising smile.
Now, Arnold truly saw his brother–in–law in a new light – and he liked what he saw.
“Ms. Ashbourne, please, don’t tease me,” Camille pleaded, too bashful to even lift her head.
“Camille, I knew it, you were bound to be my sister–in–law. No escape.”
Evadne clapped her hands in delight, “Ah, Cassius has found someone, and now you too. I must tell
Emeric tonight. The news will surely cheer him and do wonders for his health.”
“I’ll go tell dad myself. It’s the respectful thing to do, the right way to honor Camille,” Arnold held
Camille’s hand tightly, his voice solemn.
Camille felt her eyes moisten again, overwhelmed by the moment. People often admired her talents,
but she knew her reputation for being difficult wasn’t the best, and few truly respected her.
Apart from Evadne, Arnold was the second person to give her both love and respect.
She never knew she could be cherished like this. To be adored, it turned out, brought such a blissful
feeling.
“Come on, since you’re already here, let’s swing by my place!” Evadne was barely able to contain her
excitement as she tried to usher Camille toward her home
“Evadne, let’s hold off on that for today.”
Arnold was aware that he had only just started to win Camille’s heart. He knew he had to tread
carefully, to advance step by step. If he rushed things, Camille might feel overwhelmed, “Camille and I
came over because she has something important to discuss with you, face to face.”
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