Chapter 45

"I'm sorry, Cameron. It's all my fault you got involved in this mess," Dakota said as they exited the Star Sea Karaoke building. Her lips were tightly pressed together, and she looked guilty. If Cameron hadn't come to help her, he wouldn't be caught up in this situation.

"Why are you apologizing to me? It's not your fault," Cameron said with a gentle smile. "This whole thing was orchestrated by Madison. You were just a victim."

"I never expected Madison to do something like this," Dakota said, sadness in her eyes. Before this incident, she had always believed their friendship was unbreakable. She never thought it was so fragile.

"Yeah," Cameron said, his eyes narrowing as a cold glint flashed across them. He couldn't believe Madison would go to such lengths, even conspiring with Caspian, to ruin Dakota's innocence.

"Do you hate her?" Cameron asked softly.

Dakota hesitated, wanting to speak, but only managed a weak smile. She felt angry at Madison for what she had done and for believing the worst about her. However, more than hatred, she felt profound disbelief and hurt.

"Then let's go back and hold her accountable," Cameron said without hesitation.

"No, please don't, Cameron," Dakota quickly protested. She didn't want him to take more risks for her.

"Given what happened, I doubt there will be further contact between Madison and me. But even though you helped me, everyone misunderstood you. And the situation has turned out like this…" She felt deep remorse. Seeing him misunderstood and insulted by Madison and her friends was even more painful than being misunderstood herself.

"Well, there's someone here who believes in me," Cameron said with a smile.

Dakota was taken aback. Realizing what he meant, she blushed and lowered her head.

"I was trying to be serious."

"Me too!" Cameron chuckled. Then, more seriously, he said, "To be honest, I don't care how they see me. As long as the people around me believe in me, that's enough."

Dakota was stunned. Her heart fluttered, wondering if Cameron saw her as more than a friend.

Chapter 45 (continued)

Thinking Dakota might still be concerned about the misunderstanding, Cameron continued, "Besides, we're going to the Caesar Hotel tomorrow for the banquet. When Timothy arrives, any misunderstandings will naturally be cleared up."

"What?" Madison was surprised. "Are we really going there tomorrow?" They had just fallen out with Madison, so she thought it wouldn't be a good idea to go.

"Of course," Cameron replied seriously. "Tomorrow's banquet was arranged because Timothy wanted to make amends. If we don't go, the banquet won't happen."

"What?" Madison was even more bewildered. She looked at Cameron with deep astonishment. "Cameron, what is your relationship with Mr. Dashner?" Remembering Cameron had called Timothy "Motities" earlier, she was even more curious about their relationship. She knew her own worth and knew that Timothy wouldn't go to such lengths just for her sake.

"We've only met once," Cameron replied honestly. He and Timothy had indeed only met once, on the battlefield in the Midlands ten years ago.

"Just once? Then why is he…" Dakota was too surprised to think clearly.

"What if I told you I'd dealt with Timothy before, and he's scared of me now? Would you believe that?" Cameron asked.

"You dealt with him?" Dakota asked, astonished.

"Yes, back when Timothy was still a small-time gangster," Cameron said, exhaling. "Did this answer disappoint you?"

"Of course not!" Dakota vigorously shook her head. In her eyes, Cameron was the most outstanding person.

"Thank you," Cameron replied with a gentle smile. "Let's go back now."

Cameron chose not to tell Dakota the whole truth about their encounter in the Midlands ten years ago. He didn't want her to bear that burden, or to see him as a ruthless warlord. All he wanted was to accompany and protect her quietly.

He looked up at the sky and asked softly, "By the way, are you really uninterested in settling the score with Madison? You don't need to worry about me offending anyone. Are you sure about this?"

"I don't want to," Dakota shook her head.

"Why not?"

"I won't tell you…"

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