Chapter 13

Cameron opened the message and saved the number.

“Good evening, Mr. Morgan!” Dakota quickly messaged Cameron, adding an emoji.

“Good evening,” Cameron replied.

“Thank you so much for what you did earlier today!” Dakota wrote. If not for Cameron’s help, Bobby Kane would never have agreed to work with her family. He was literally her family’s savior!

“You’re too kind, Ms. Jennings. If you really want to thank me, how about a couple more coffees, haha!”

“Sure! But that won’t be possible for the next few days. My best friend, the one who called me earlier, is getting married. I’ll be helping her try on dresses and I’m a bridesmaid. I’ll definitely treat you to coffee afterward!”

“Bridesmaid? That sounds fun.”

“Yeah. I was studying overseas during Maddy’s last wedding. This is a chance to make up for lost time. Poor Maddy married such a loser back then.” Dakota’s anger flared. That loser not only disturbed Madison today, but also hurt her brother. It was despicable! Madison had told Dakota everything during their phone call.

“Heh. Really?” Cameron’s message showed awkwardness. He wondered if revealing his identity would cause Dakota to block him.

“Really! I get so angry thinking about him!” Dakota typed furiously.

“Then let’s not talk about him anymore,” Cameron replied, still sounding awkward.

“Mr. Morgan, the Venizon Cruise ship docks in Yrando in three days. Will you be there?” Dakota changed the subject.

“Yes.”

“Are you attending Maddy and Mr. Price’s wedding, Mr. Morgan?”

“Uh… no, I’m just there to look around the ship.”

“Alright. Who knows, we might meet again on the ship.” Dakota looked forward to it.

“Haha, yeah.” Cameron silently prayed they wouldn't meet. Madison would be there, and Dakota clearly still misunderstood him.

“By the way, can I ask you something, Mr. Morgan?” Dakota typed.

“What is it?”

“Um… have we met before?”

Cameron’s heart leaped. Had Dakota recognized him? “Why the sudden question?” he replied.

“I was wondering why you helped me earlier at Darth Holdings,” Dakota explained.

Cameron smiled. “Maybe it was fate. Do you believe in fate?”

Dakota’s heart pounded. Was Cameron confessing his feelings? “Um… what do you mean, Mr. Morgan? I don’t understand.” Her fingers trembled as she typed.

“Haha, don’t worry about it. I didn’t mean anything by it,” Cameron typed, unaware of Dakota’s thoughts.

Dakota’s heart raced. Was she right? How should she respond? Saying she believed in fate seemed rash. What if he was joking? It would be awkward.

Cameron mistook her hesitation for disinterest. He quickly typed, “Sorry, something came up. Let’s talk again later.”

“Okay, Mr. Morgan,” Dakota replied, immediately regretting her lack of boldness. Did Mr. Morgan actually like her? She quickly dismissed the thought. Someone as outstanding as him couldn't possibly be interested in her. She chided herself for daydreaming; he was just trying to lighten the mood.

She put down her phone and prepared for bed, but Cameron’s words kept replaying in her mind. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Meanwhile, Cameron lay awake in his villa, considering how to explain his relationship with Madison to Dakota.

Three days later, the Venizon Cruise ship docked in Yrando. Four soldiers guarded the entrance, checking identities. The ship had twenty-one lavish levels. Guests crowded the sixth-floor ballroom for Madison and Archie’s wedding. Numerous wealthy people offered blessings, drawn not only by Archie’s influence but also by the anticipated presence of Blackheart, who would be giving his personal blessings. Everyone wanted a piece of the world’s wealthiest man’s glory, hoping for a glimpse of him.

Cameron arrived at the entrance, dressed simply. Countless emotions flooded him as he gazed at the familiar ship, his companion for seven years as he built his empire.

He was about to enter when a sharp voice cut through the air, “What are you doing here, Cameron?”

He turned to see Pia, Skyler beside her, his arm still in a cast. Their faces were hard.

“Is there a rule against my being here?” Cameron asked, raising an eyebrow. “You two are here.”

Pia sneered. “We’re here for Madison’s wedding. What about you?”

“I’m taking a stroll,” Cameron replied flatly.

“A stroll? This isn’t a supermarket! You’ve been lingering. Are you trying to ruin my daughter’s wedding?”

“I’m not interested in Madison’s wedding.”

“Bullshit!” Pia snapped.

“Why bother, Mom? Even if he wanted to, could he ruin the wedding?” Skyler’s tone was disdainful. “He needs permission or an invitation. Does he think this is just any ship?”

“You’re right, Skyler!” Pia agreed. “His plan is doomed!”

“Exactly, Mom,” Skyler said wickedly. He still wanted revenge for his broken arm.

“Are you finished? Don’t obstruct me,” Cameron said flatly.

Skyler’s expression changed. He’d thrown a punch at air. He ground his teeth. “Why the act, you useless leech? Let’s see how you get on board without an invitation!”

“Watch closely,” Cameron replied, and walked toward the ship. He didn’t want to waste time on Skyler and Pia; they had different views of the world.