Chapter 210

Madison's expression froze in disbelief. Did Lena just refer to Cameron as her friend? Cameron was equally surprised; he hadn't expected Lena to defend him. This woman was surprisingly righteous.

“Colonel Bailey, you… you just said Cameron is your friend?” Madison stared at Lena incredulously.

“Who are you calling useless?” Lena raised her eyebrows.

Madison's heart skipped a beat. “I meant Cameron,” she explained hastily. “He's my ex-husband. He leeched off me for five years and cheated on me. I couldn't take it anymore, so I divorced him. You… you're not being deceived by him, are you?”

Lena's gaze turned cold. “Are you questioning my judgment?”

Madison's face paled. “No… no, of course not…”

“Then shut up,” Lena said angrily.

Madison remained silent, unwilling to provoke Lena further.

Archie interjected, “Colonel Bailey, please calm down. My fiancée may have been too blunt, unintentionally offending you. She's just concerned someone with ulterior motives might be deceiving you. The man beside you is indeed my fiancée's ex-husband, a well-known ‘boy toy.’ He's now with Dakota, solely interested in the Jennings family's influence in Yrando—trying to freeload off them. And you, as a colonel, associating with such a freeloader would damage your reputation!”

Lena glared at Archie, her brows furrowed. “So, are you also trying to lecture me?”

Archie bowed his head, attempting sincerity. “Of course not… I was just offering a friendly warning. I meant no harm.”

Lena ignored him. “Then dispense with your hypocritical kindness. I have eyes; I can see for myself.”

Archie’s mouth twitched in an awkward laugh.

Lena said impatiently, raising a hand, “If there’s nothing else, get out of my way. You’re obstructing my view.”

Archie’s expression soured as he was dismissed. He couldn't understand how Cameron had gained Lena's support. Before this, Lena had repeatedly clashed with Cameron!

Madison, clearly displeased, interjected, “Let’s go, dear. If they don’t appreciate it, we have no reason to stay. People who don’t understand might think we’re jealous of that worthless person and stirring up trouble.”

Archie offered a sarcastic laugh. “Hehe, yes, after all, Ms. Jones originally organized this banquet for us.”

Lena furrowed her brows. “You’re saying Laura organized this banquet for you?”

Archie replied confidently, “That’s right, Colonel Bailey. You may not know, but this banquet was a surprise for Madison and me. Ms. Jones will choose one of us to represent her in Yrando.”

Lena raised an eyebrow. “Laura chose you as her representative? Are you sure? That seems unlikely. Laura doesn't seem the type to lack insight. Moreover, I heard she organized this banquet for Cameron.”

Archie, barely concealing his arrogance, affirmed proudly, “Absolutely. After all, the person who can get Ms. Jones to organize such an event is unique—not just in Yrando, but in all of Leving!”

Lena smiled playfully. “Then can you tell me why I heard Laura organized this banquet for someone else?”

Archie was taken aback. “Who?”

Lena glanced at Cameron.

(Note: The repeated promotional text has been removed.)