Chapter 67

“No, Mom. Just say it here!” Dakota bit her lip. She wasn't usually this stubborn.

“Dakota, you…” Jane was at a loss for words. She had never seen Dakota this stubborn before.

Florence furrowed her brow and scolded Dakota for being insensible. “Dakota, what's going on? Are you really defying your mother for a man? And a liar at that!”

“Aunt Florence, do you think I’d be doing this if you hadn’t insisted on bringing Willie over?”

Faced with Florence’s remarks, the usually gentle Dakota felt her anger boil.

“How could you say that, Dakota? Do you think I’m trying to hurt you? I’m doing this for your own good!” Florence crossed her arms. “Look at the house your family lives in now. It’s a rundown shack! Charles and I are always embarrassed when we visit. Don’t you think you should share some of your parents’ burden?”

Although directed at Dakota, the words affected Leonard. He flushed slightly and clenched his fists. As the head of the family, he blamed himself for his wife and daughter’s suffering.

Jane’s expression shifted. However, she knew Florence was headstrong and decided to bite back her words. She didn’t want to fight with Charles and Florence, especially with outsiders present.

“That’s enough!” However, Leonard and Jane’s forbearance didn’t extend to Dakota. She had long been fed up with Charles and Florence. Florence’s words pushed her over the edge. “Aunt Florence, our family lives like this because my father, to save the company, sold everything he could. Including the villa!”

“In the past two months, if my father hadn’t desperately injected funds into the company, Jennings Company would have gone bankrupt long ago! Have any of you ever helped or contributed a penny? Does the company belong to him alone?”

Dakota recalled living in a luxurious villa with a garden, swimming pool, and every amenity imaginable. Leonard had sold it to pay the company’s debts. But their reward? Criticism from relatives!

Dakota felt sorry for her father.

“You’re wrong, Dakota. Charles and I have been making plans too!” Florence retorted, unhappy.

“Really?” Dakota laughed bitterly. “And what’s your plan? To set me up with rich men?”

“Do you think it’s easy to find a rich bachelor? Do you know how much effort Charles and I have put into finding a suitable man for you?” Florence hissed.

Chapter 67

(Remove the promotional text)

“You!” Dakota was on the verge of tears.

Her family had endured immense suffering to save the company. They’d begged for help, and her father’s hair had turned white from stress. Yet, her relatives remained ungrateful!

Cameron watched, observing the usually good-tempered Dakota’s growing anger.

He couldn’t stand it any longer.

He approached Dakota, comforting her. “Calm down, Dakota. It’s not worth arguing with them.”

Dakota was moved. She turned to Cameron, meeting his gentle gaze. Her frustration eased slightly.

“Thank you,” she said.

“What for?” Cameron smiled gently. Then, he glared coldly at Florence.