Chapter 63

"Hello, Dakota," Willie said, rising to greet her.

"Hello," Dakota replied politely, despite her dislike for Willie.

"Dakota, is that any way to treat Willie?" Charlie immediately chided.

"Uncle Charlie, I've told you, I don't like him! Besides, I have a boyfriend!" Dakota frowned. She genuinely disliked Willie and was aware of Charlie's ulterior motives: marrying her off to Willie to benefit the Jennings family.

"Dakota!" Charlie gritted his teeth, pointing an accusing finger. "You brat! Willie is an outstanding man! He's everything a woman could want—loyal, too! And look at your boyfriend! He doesn't even have a job! He's a useless piece of trash!"

"Uncle Charlie, please don't talk about Cameron like that. He's excellent! You're just too blind to see it!" Dakota retorted, agitated. She refused to let anyone speak ill of Cameron.

"Excellent? You call an unemployed man excellent?" Charlie sneered. "Look at Willie!"

"I'm not lying, Uncle Charlie! Besides, if you like Willie so much, why don't you marry him off to your daughter?" Dakota countered.

Charlie was speechless. He'd never seen this fierce side to the usually gentle Dakota. He'd considered introducing Willie to his daughter, Terra, but Willie's unattractiveness had resulted in an immediate rejection from Terra, whom Charlie cherished and wouldn't force into anything.

"Dakota, how dare you speak to your uncle like that? Where are your manners?" Florence scolded.

"Sorry, Aunt Florence. I lost my temper. But you shouldn't have insulted Cameron," Dakota said, regaining her composure.

"He's a jobless bum. What's wrong with criticizing him?" Florence retorted sharply. "You're not even married, and you're already siding with him. Has that brat bewitched you?"

"Mrs. Jennings, please stop scolding Dakota. As you said, she's never been in a relationship. She shouldn't be blamed for being misled," Willie interjected, offering an understanding smile that belied the hostility in his eyes toward Cameron. Dakota's inexperience, along with her appearance and temperament, made her everything he desired. He wouldn't let another man take her.

"Dakota, look how well Willie treats you! He's so understanding!" Florence praised.

"I told you, Aunt Florence, I don't like him!" Dakota insisted, turning to Willie. "Willie, you're an outstanding man, but I don't like you. And Cameron isn't lying to me."

Willie's mouth twitched. Unable to persuade Dakota, he decided to warn Cameron. "Sir, I don't know how you deceived Dakota, but I advise you to leave her. I won't let you hurt her!"

"Is that so?" Cameron found Willie's self-righteousness amusing.

Willie's eyes darkened, seeing Cameron unfazed. "You're determined to have Dakota, then?"

Willie huffed. "Let's be clear. Do you think someone like you—jobless, from no prestigious family—is worthy of Dakota?"

"I think we're quite compatible," Cameron smiled.

Dakota blushed, though she knew Cameron was taunting Willie, she felt a surge of joy.

Willie's mouth twitched violently. He'd underestimated Cameron's audacity. He took a deep breath and hissed, "I admire your confidence! But as a man, actions speak louder than words!"

"What do you want me to do?" Cameron asked, smiling.

"Ensure Dakota's happiness," Willie narrowed his eyes. "Do you think she'll be happy with you?"

"I think…" Cameron rubbed his chin, staring at Willie. "I can definitely make her very happy."

Chapter 64