Chapter 223

Cameron expressed his thoughts sincerely; that was all he intended to say. He held no deception or concealment. Seven years having passed since their misunderstanding, he harbored no nostalgia or expectations for Laura.

"Cameron, thank you for sharing," Dakota said, looking at his relaxed eyes and pursing her lips slightly. She was glad he had confessed his feelings and pleased with his recovery.

"Dakota, I should thank you," Cameron replied, his eyes warm. "Thank you for protecting me from Alan, at all costs." He felt her earlier determination.

She blushed and said softly, "I wasn't brave. Colonel Bailey protected you. I did nothing"

"Silly girl, you did a lot," he said warmly, smiling. Since his injury protecting Laura, Dakota had been attentive and supportive, even risking her own safety for him.

"Hmph, you're the silly one! I'm clever," Dakota retorted, wrinkling her nose.

He laughed. "Haha, okay, you're the smartest!" He felt his mood lift significantly in her presence.

She hummed softly, "Certainly!" She grinned at his long-lost smile.

"Come on, Dakota. Let's go back."

"Okay. By the way, Cameron"

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Nothing" Dakota wanted to tell Cameron she would always be with him, but fear of rejection held her back.

Sensing her unspoken words, he said gently, "What's wrong? If you have anything to say, just say it."

"It's nothing" Dakota averted her gaze, worried he'd see through her. Unbeknownst to her, he already had. He wasn't dense; he sensed her unease.

He gently held her shoulders, looking at her seriously and sincerely. "Dakota, tell me. Is it because of Laura?"

"No, I'm fine. What I wanted to say is If I had the strength, I wouldn't have let you be humiliated" Dakota quickly withdrew from his touch, blushing as she ran off.

He remained motionless for a moment, then, moved by her words, chased after her. "Dakota, wait for me!"

He followed her out of the banquet hall, smiling gently as she stopped at the door. He was about to approach her when he frowned, looking in her direction. A group of soldiers in camouflage uniforms, armed with live ammunition, marched toward the hotel. Alan led the charge.

"It seems he won't let us leave without a fight," Cameron murmured, a chilling look in his narrowed eyes. Coincidentally, he, too, wanted to confront Alan.

(Note: The promotional text for FindNovel.net has been removed as it's irrelevant to the grammatical cleanup.)