Chapter 28

“Dakota, now that the contract is signed, do you feel a little more relaxed?” Cameron asked with a smile as they walked toward the company parking lot.

“Yeah,” Dakota replied, nodding slightly. Her face, however, lacked the expected joy and appeared downcast.

“Are you still thinking about what happened earlier?” Cameron inquired.

“Yeah,” Dakota said, nodding again, her tone filled with guilt. “I didn’t expect to see Maddy here. She misunderstood me, but I didn’t get a chance to explain. And now it’s affected you, too. I’m really sorry. When I get back later, I’ll explain everything clearly.”

Cameron shook his head coldly. “Do you think she’ll listen? Have you forgotten how she spoke to you earlier?” He knew Madison well: selfish, self-centered, and unwilling to listen to explanations once she’d made up her mind. Dakota’s attempt to reach out might only lead to more frustration.

“Regardless, I’ll try,” Dakota sighed. She didn’t want this incident to cause a rift between her and Madison, or to hurt Cameron.

Seeing Dakota’s concern, Cameron nodded encouragingly. “If this relationship is important to you, try explaining things. No matter the outcome, I’ll stand by you.”

His words stopped Dakota.

“What’s wrong, Dakota?” Cameron stopped and turned to her.

“It’s nothing,” Dakota said, shaking her head. She looked up at Cameron, gazing into his eyes. “Thank you, Cameron!”

“No need to be so polite,” Cameron smiled. Waving his hand, he said, “Let’s head back.”

Dakota suddenly remembered something. “Cameron, will Lord Blackheart return after leaving Yra?”

“Do you need his help?” Cameron asked, looking at Dakota.

“No,” Dakota replied, her gaze flickering. “I’m worried Archie will seek revenge on you…”

Cameron smiled gently, noticing her concern. “Don’t worry. Someone like Archie can’t hurt me. Besides, Lord Blackheart will only be gone a few days. He’s handling important matters for a big shot and should be back soon.”

“That’s good,” Dakota sighed in relief. “I hope I can clear things up with Maddy soon. Then maybe the misunderstanding between you and her will also be resolved.”

“It’s definitely possible,” Cameron encouraged.

Dakota hummed in agreement, nodding firmly.

Later that evening, after returning home, Dakota texted Madison:

“Maddy, are you still angry? What happened today was a misunderstanding. I didn’t know you and Archie were interested in that project. My family’s in a difficult situation, and I really needed that contract. Also, my relationship with Cameron isn’t what you think. We’re just friends. Please don’t hate him.”

Madison replied quickly. Dakota took a deep breath and nervously opened the message:

“Dakota, I believe you. I apologize for this afternoon. I was too emotional and said hurtful things. I hope you won’t take them to heart.”

Dakota sighed in relief. She replied, “Thank you, Maddy. Thank you for believing in me and understanding!”

“No need to thank me. We’re best friends, after all!” Madison continued. “By the way, my birthday’s the day after tomorrow. I’m having a party at Star Sea Karaoke. You have to be there!”

As Dakota typed, she sneered inwardly. Dakota, oh Dakota, she thought, naive or stupid? You stole my Archie’s project and got involved with my ex-husband. Do you really think a simple “misunderstanding” wipes the slate clean?

The final sentence of the original text, "Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality," is an advertisement and was removed as it was not part of the narrative. The similar advertisement at the end was also removed.