Chapter 218
Laura's expression changed as she saw the man entering the banquet hall. Alan. As expected.
"Who are you?" Cameron frowned, feeling an inexplicable hostility toward Alan.
"I'm Alan Xander, deputy general of the Leving First Military Region, and Laura's fiancé," Alan said with a provocative smile.
"Fiancé?" Cameron was stunned.
"Yes, we're marrying in two weeks. Hasn't Laura mentioned it?" Alan's provocation intensified.
"Ms. Jones, is that true?" Cameron looked at Laura in shock.
She nodded, her gaze averted slightly. "Yes."
He was dumbfounded. "So you have a fiancé?"
"Cameron, I—" Laura began, but Alan coldly interrupted. "Laura, you don't need to explain anything to him. Cameron Morgan, I've heard all about you. You were simply there seven years ago when Laura needed protection. Do you think she'll never forget you? Laura needs a man of equal status—that's me! Otherwise, she wouldn't have left you seven years ago—"
"Alan, that's enough," Laura interrupted softly, her family dependent on the Xander family's influence. She was, nominally, his fiancée.
Alan's eyes twitched. He hadn't expected Laura to defend Cameron. He knew she'd gone to Yrando because of him, and nearly suffered injury because of this "bastard!" Jealousy flared, but his smile remained.
"Okay, Laura. I won't say anymore." He turned back to Cameron, his eyes warning. "Since Laura said so, I won't embarrass you. Leave now!"
Cameron, however, refused to leave until he had Laura's answer. He took a deep breath and looked at her. "Ms. Jones, can you answer my question? I'll leave once I have your answer."
"You punk! Don't push it!" Alan's gaze sharpened, angered by Cameron's defiance.
"Alan, calm down. Let me talk to him," Laura sighed, then looked solemnly at Cameron. "Cameron, as you see, Alan is my fiancé. It's my choice. So, is my answer even important?"
"Of course it is!" He clenched his fists, staring at her. "Regardless of seven years ago or now, I want to know something. Perhaps you think this is absurd, but if you're having difficulties, please tell me. Believe me, if you tell me the truth, Alan can't force you to marry him! Even the combatant commander couldn't change the outcome!"
(Note: I removed the seemingly extraneous promotional message at the end.)