Chapter 169

"Come, Archie, please have a seat," Pia greeted him warmly. "Would you like some water?"

She knew she had to cultivate Archie's favor. She considered her decision to encourage her daughter's divorce from Cameron a stroke of genius; he would only hold them back. By aligning with Archie, Pia's family stood on the brink of Yrando's elite, commanding respect and influence. She could already envision the fawning faces of her relatives, friends, and former classmates.

"No need, Mom, I'm not thirsty," Archie smiled, understanding her intentions. However, Laura's choice of representative—him or Madison—remained unclear. Until then, he preferred to keep his plans hidden. As for Madison and her powerful collaborators in the capital, he would soon seize complete control. He planned to divorce Madison once everything was settled.

Madison, oblivious to Archie's ambitions, remained lost in the illusion of their love. Affectionately, she suggested, "Dear, let's go to the waterfront tomorrow. Let's take Mom and Sky with us!"

"Sure, no problem," Archie agreed instantly. It was the perfect opportunity to check out the venue for Laura's celebration and gauge the spectacle she had planned. He felt all of Yrando would soon be at his feet. After the celebration, only one family would reign supreme—the Price family. Archie thrilled at the thought.

Elsewhere, Cameron tossed restlessly in bed. He couldn't stop thinking about Laura and the photograph she always carried. He wondered if she still harbored feelings for him. He couldn't understand her breakup text if she still loved him, or her coldness and ruthlessness when he'd gone to the Jones residence seeking answers.

He would never forget that sunset evening when he received the text. He'd been in disbelief, thinking it a joke, but her phone was off when he tried to call. His heart sank. He immediately went to the Jones residence for clarification.

The Jones family, however, seemed to have anticipated his arrival. They humiliated him, claiming a mere bodyguard like him was unworthy of Laura. They accused him of aiming too high, even throwing Laura's farewell letter at him.

The letter clearly stated Laura's regret over her hasty decision, concluding they weren't suited. The handwriting was unmistakably Laura's—identical to her love letters. Yet, he refused to believe it, convinced Laura must have had her reasons.

He demanded to see Laura at the Jones family's doorstep, but was denied entry, deemed "unworthy." Undeterred, he persisted. Sensing his resolve, the Jones family braced for a confrontation. Perhaps due to the commotion, Laura eventually appeared.

Cameron would never forget the cold, ruthless look in her eyes, or her piercing words: "Do you think you're worthy of me?" They echoed in his mind to this day.