Chapter 79

1/3

Dakota's cheeks flushed. She knew her mother had misunderstood, but was certain an explanation would only worsen things.

"Mom, I'll send Cameron home first," Dakota said, looking down. She was about to leave with Cameron.

"Dakota, why don't you and Cam have breakfast before you go? I made pumpkin congee. It's healthy," Jane said, smiling gently.

"It's okay, Mom. Cameron has something urgent to attend to," Dakota excused.

"Alright, just remember to have breakfast later," Jane said.

"Sure, Mom."

"Be safe, drive slowly. And Cam, feel free to visit often," Jane added.

"Sure, Jane. We'll be going now," Cameron replied.

"Okay."

"Phew," Dakota breathed deeply once in the car, escaping her mother's watchful eye. The memory of the scene, however, made her cheeks flush again.

"Cameron, where do you live?" Dakota asked, avoiding his gaze.

"Just send me back to Azure Residence," Cameron replied, also avoiding eye contact.

"Alright." Dakota nodded, started the car, and headed towards Azure Residence.

The car ride was silent. Dakota's palms were sweaty as she gripped the steering wheel. She wanted to speak, but the words caught in her throat. Cameron felt the same; he wanted to explain but feared misunderstanding.

The silence stretched for half an hour until they reached Azure Residence. Cameron shifted. Dakota took a deep breath and decided to speak.

"About what happened this morning" They both spoke at once.

"You can go first."

"Alright, I will go first."

"Um, Dakota, I think you should start," Cameron said awkwardly.

2/3

"Cameron, about what happened this morning" Dakota lowered her head, her face twisting into a grimace. "I hope you don't mind. I didn't realize I moved so much in my sleep"

"I hope you don't mind either. At that moment I I had no intention of taking advantage of you" Cameron finally said.

Unexpectedly, Dakota laughed. Her worries vanished.

"Um Dakota, what are you laughing about?" Cameron felt even more awkward.

"Nothing. I just think you're silly," Dakota teased, remembering her teasing from the previous night.

"Why? Why am I silly now?" Cameron scratched his head, confused.

"It's nothing. The misunderstanding is cleared," Dakota said, clapping her hands cheerfully.

Cameron sighed in relief. He realized that when Dakota woke, he had been looking directly at her, possibly appearing like a pervert. Fortunately, she hadn't interpreted it that way.

"Dakota, I'll leave now. Thanks for the ride," Cameron said, unfastening his seatbelt.

"Don't be so polite. Oh, Cameron, want to go to the airport with me tomorrow?" Dakota asked.

"To see Laura?" Cameron asked.

"Yes. It'll be crowded, we probably won't get to the front, but it'll be enough to see her from afar," Dakota explained.

"Alright. See you tomorrow at the airport," Cameron agreed. He didn't want to refuse.

"Alright, perfect! See you tomorrow! Bye!" Dakota said.

"Bye!" Cameron got out and entered Azure Residence.

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Dakota drove away, humming joyfully.

Meanwhile, Cameron called Lord Blackheart.

"Sir, is there anything I can help you with?" Lord Blackheart asked.

"Blackheart, get me a seat near the airport tomorrow morning," Cameron said.

"Sir, are you going to meet Laura?" Lord Blackheart asked, surprised. Had Cameron changed his mind?

"Nope. Dakota wants to see her," Cameron said.

"Got it, sir. I'll make arrangements!" Lord Blackheart replied.

"Alright," Cameron hung up.

Lord Blackheart's words, however, reminded him of Laura, and a scene from seven years ago, at dusk, flashed into his mind. His gaze turned cold.