Chapter 62

Aquarine Residence was a typical residential area, and also Dakota's family's home. Walking down the narrow corridor, Dakota felt slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry," she said. "My family sold our villa, so we've temporarily moved back here."

"It's okay," Cameron replied with a gentle smile, though he secretly furrowed his brow. He knew the Jennings family was facing difficulties, but he hadn't anticipated the severity of their situation. His previous help, it seemed, hadn't been enough.

"We're here," Dakota's melodious voice announced, interrupting his thoughts.

Cameron snapped back to reality, staring at the door marked No. 302. "Please be prepared, Cameron," Dakota warned. "My aunt has a very short temper." She took a deep breath, retrieved her house key, and opened the door.

"You kept us waiting, Dakota!" Florence stormed out, her curly hair and floral dress bouncing with each step. Her eyes widened when she saw Cameron. "Who's that, Dakota? Willie's still here! How can you bring a man home?"

Dakota frowned. What did Florence mean? Remembering Florence was her elder, Dakota suppressed her annoyance. "Aunt Florence, this is Cameron, my boyfriend."

"What? Your boyfriend? Do you want to give me a heart attack?" Florence was practically fainting. She yelled, "You know Willie is here! How can you pull a stunt like this?"

"I told you I don't like him, Aunt Florence," Dakota argued. "And I have the right to pursue my happiness."

"You!" Florence gritted her teeth.

"That's enough, Florence," Dakota's parents called from inside, having heard the commotion. "Let Dakota in first, then we'll talk."

"Get in!" Florence huffed, folding her arms and rolling her eyes.

Dakota offered Cameron an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that." Her aunt, Florence, had always been domineering.

"It's okay," Cameron replied with another smile.

They entered the living room.

"Hello, Dad, Mom," Dakota greeted her parents.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Jennings," Cameron added politely. This was his first time meeting them. Dakota's father, Leonard, wore a suit and looked stern, while her mother, Jane, in a light blue dress, appeared elegant.

"Hello, young man," Leonard smiled.

"Sorry, the house is a bit crowded. Please bear with it," Jane apologized.

"Not at all, Mr. and Mrs. Jennings," Cameron assured them.

Leonard and Jane seemed gentle, yet Cameron felt a growing awkwardness.

Suddenly, Dakota's uncle, Charlie, chimed in from the side, looking far from welcoming. "So, you're Dakota's boyfriend."

"That's right, sir," Cameron replied.

"What do you do for a living? How much do you earn per month? The Jennings family has standards for our in-laws," Charlie stated bluntly.

"I don't actually work," Cameron replied, not exactly lying; his current position didn't require employment in the traditional sense.

Charlie's eyes widened in disbelief. He glared at Dakota. "You don't work? You're unemployed? Dakota, how could you be with an unemployed man? Don't you know our family is deep in debt? Why would you bring another mouth to feed?"

"Uncle Charlie! Don't talk about Cameron like that!" Dakota retorted angrily. He was a guest!

"Hmph! I'm just telling the truth!" Charlie huffed, turning to a skinny man in a suit beside him. "Look at your boyfriend! And look at who I'm introducing—Mr. Ziegler! He comes from a rich family, is educated, and is a manager at Darth Holdings!" He continued, "Willie even took the day off to meet you! Greet him, Dakota! Stop being rude!"

The extraneous promotional text has been removed. The grammar and punctuation have been corrected for clarity and flow.