Chapter 271

"So, what's the deal?" Cameron stopped, looking at Tara. He knew she was hiding something.

"Kelvin's been bugging me to be his girlfriend," Tara explained. "I've rejected him repeatedly, but he won't give up. He threw this party for me, so"

"So you want me to pretend to be your boyfriend to get rid of him?" Cameron asked.

"Yeah," Tara nodded.

"Why not just refuse to go?" Cameron suggested.

"I wish," Tara said, "but Kelvin made it clear the party's for me. He's invited me multiple times. If I don't go, it's disrespectful."

"You know the Zimmer family's influence," Tara continued, looking worried. "I'm weak and powerless, while Kelvin is arrogant and overbearing. I'm afraid my family will suffer because of me."

"I see," Cameron nodded, smiling. "Dr. Smith, you could have told me this earlier."

"I was afraid you'd refuse," Tara admitted, biting her lip.

"So you're not worried I'll bail?" Cameron raised an eyebrow.

"You won't," Tara shook her head.

"You trust me that much?" Cameron was surprised.

"Yes," Tara nodded.

"Well, I can't let you down now, can I?" Cameron chuckled. "So, you agree?"

Tara's eyes lit up. "Helping you out isn't impossible, but you'll get something in return, right?"

Cameron grinned, teasing her. After all, she'd always teased him, especially after accidentally reopening his wound in the hospital. Now it was his turn.

"What do you want?" Tara bit her lip.

"What do you think, Dr. Smith?" Cameron rubbed his chin, playfully scanning Tara's figure.

Tara blushed. She had a vague idea of his implication but agreed. "Fine, I agree."

"You haven't even heard what I want yet?" Cameron was surprised.

"Don't all you men have that on your minds?" Tara said indifferently.

"So, you agree?" Cameron raised an eyebrow, surprised by her ready acceptance.

"Better to give in to you than let that jerk Kelvin win," Tara said flatly.

"You hate him that much?" Cameron asked.

"Absolutely," Tara gritted her teeth. "That scumbag has forced himself on countless girls. Some even had abortions because of him. If I weren't so powerless, I'd kill him with scissors!"

"I never thought he could be so despicable," Cameron said, his gaze turning cold. "In that case, I won't ask for anything in return. Consider it an act of kindness."

"Really?"

"Of course. Do you think I'm a flirt like you?" Cameron smiled.

"You're the flirt here," Tara retorted, blushing slightly.

"Give me the time and place," Cameron said seriously.

Tara's heart skipped a beat. She realized she'd misunderstood him.

"Tomorrow, 8:00 p.m., Platinum Duke Hotel. I'll pick you up," Tara said, her tone softening. "Alright, see you tomorrow."

Cameron waved and left.

"Need a ride?" Tara asked.

"No, I have things to do. You should go see your grandpa," Cameron replied.

"Okay, take care. See you tomorrow," Tara waved goodbye, tears welling in her eyes as she watched him go.

The extraneous text at the end ("Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet") has been removed. The passage has been cleaned up for grammar, punctuation, and flow. Some minor phrasing changes were made for clarity and conciseness.