Chapter 213
The hall fell silent. Everyone sensed the mockery in Laura's tone. It seemed she was deliberately tricking Archie. Furthermore, why did the name Cameron sound so familiar?
Right! Wasn't he the same man who crashed Archie and Madison's wedding on the Venizon Cruise and was framed by Madison? That incident had alarmed Lord Blackheart, who furiously abandoned Madison and her family on the ship. Unexpectedly, Laura had chosen him again!
Whispers rippled through the crowd. People wondered about his sudden prominence.
“This guy's luck is unbelievable…” “He cured Lord Blackheart's illness, gained his favor, and now he's in Ms. Jones' good graces!” “What does Ms. Jones see in him? Why choose him to represent Yrando?” “Who knows…” “Shh! Keep it down. Don't let Ms. Jones hear us.”
All eyes turned to Cameron. He heard the whispers but remained unconcerned. However, Laura cared. She wouldn't tolerate negativity toward Cameron.
Standing confidently at the microphone, she spoke clearly and firmly.
“Some of you know Cameron; others don't. Some may disagree with my choice, believing him unworthy. But let me be clear: Cameron is my choice. He is exceptional. From now on, any discontent toward Cameron is discontent toward me, Laura Jones.”
Her soft voice carried undeniable authority. A shiver ran down everyone's spine. Laura was clearly asserting her dominance.
Pia's heart churned. How could her former son-in-law, this "useless man," become so highly regarded by Laura? And hadn't Archie said Laura was hosting this event for them?
Turning to Archie, Pia said anxiously, “Archie, what's going on? Did Ms. Jones make a mistake?”
Archie's face reddened. He clenched his fists, his gaze shifting nervously. He was mortified.
Madison covered her mouth, incredulous. Wasn't Laura supposed to surprise them? And yet, Cameron was the chosen one?
“Ms. Jones must be joking!” she muttered. Turning to Laura, she asked, “Ms. Jones, are you mistaken? Are you joking?”
Laura's gaze turned icy. “Didn’t you say you wanted a surprise?”
“Yes,” Madison replied.
“I intend to fulfill that promise, right here, right now.”
Hope flickered in Madison's eyes. “What kind of surprise?”
“I’m shutting you down, on behalf of the Jones family,” Laura declared.