Chapter 349 Visiting the Camerons
At the sound of a solitary utterance from Kehlani, Ivan and Sierra were abruptly silenced, as if doused with icy water, their forward motion halted.
One clung to a reputation for survival, the other chased after ever greater renown.
This was something that, once exposed, would not only tarnish their reputations but also make them the subject of ridicule, even among ordinary people, relegating them to the status of pariahs.
Sierra clenched her jaw, finding solace in the frigid atmosphere, which seemed to pacify her.
Confusion clouded her mind as she spun around to face Ivan, her delicate features contorted with rage. “You orchestrated this!”
Ivan was dumbfounded by her foolishness, rendered speechless for a moment.
Kehlani watched the exchange between them, her eyes chillingly detached, a tinge of sorrow lingering in her gaze. She had once naively assumed their innocence, but their cryptic interactions spoke volumes to her now.
Maybe because they recognized they weren’t ideal partners for one another, they lingered in the realm of uncertainty, relishing the intrigue it provided.
With a frosty smile, Kehlani fixed her gaze on Ivan and declared in a low, commanding tone, "Tomorrow, I’ll initiate divorce proceedings. The child and assets will be under my possession, and you’ll leave with nothing."
Upon receiving this ultimatum, Ivan’s heart sank. “Kehlani, hear me out. This whole thing was deliberately orchestrated by someone. Please don’t be swayed…”
Unwilling to entertain his justifications, Kehlani remained resolute. Ivan was evidently self-serving, a trait she had observed over a decade, leaving her with no illusions about his character.
Turning her icy stare towards Sierra, her tone turned stern. “Ms. Cameron, your actions are truly appalling. Be assured, tonight I will personally confront the Camerons and demand an explanation from Mr. Cameron!”
With that, Kehlani wasted no time and made her departure.
Ivan understood the gravity of the situation. It wouldn’t be left hanging. He would lose everything—his livelihood, his reputation, and even his very identity.
No, after years of relentless effort, I couldn’t allow it all to crumble!
Though typically composed and polished, he now appeared slightly rattled, hastily adjusting his attire before hurrying to catch up with Kehlani.
“Kehlani, trust me, there’s nothing between us. She has a competition tomorrow. Even if I were foolish, I wouldn’t act now. We’ve been framed.”
Ivan caught up with Kehlani, pleading his case as they walked together, leaving Sierra isolated, her thoughts adrift.
How had everything spiralled out of control like this? As memories of her encounter with Ivan flooded back, an overwhelming sense of revulsion washed over her.
Ivan was aging, despite his efforts to maintain himself.
In her early twenties, she couldn’t ignore the nearly two-decade age gap between them.
Though he might still possess a decent physique, it paled in comparison to the youthful, toned bodies she was accustomed to.
Reflecting on his embrace and kisses, Sierra was overcome with regret, overwhelmed by a sense of repulsion.
The one she truly desired was someone akin to Nathael, or even Ivan of a decade ago in his twenties. But how had things veered so off course?
Throughout the afternoon, Sierra drifted aimlessly, her thoughts consumed by turmoil, unable to focus on her musical endeavors. Naturally, she dismissed Ivan’s offer of assistance from the judges as well.
Sierra’s greatest fear was Kehlani divulging the truth. If it remained within the Camerons, she could handle it. Even facing Ronald’s reprimands would be preferable to public exposure.
If those photographs were to surface online, Sierra felt she’d rather disappear from the world altogether.
In the evening, Maggie was summoned back to the Camerons by Ronald. With the university joint competition finals approaching, he would surely provide her with some guidance, even if it was merely for show.
Seated beside Maggie on the sofa, Ronald engaged in casual conversation, yet his reminders carried an undercurrent of urgency. “Did Nathael mention anything about jewelry? You didn’t wear any Luster Corporation’s jewelry in the first two rounds, so be sure to adorn them in the third round as well.”
Maggie swiftly intervened, “Dad, rest assured. I’ve already informed Nathael that I’ll be donning Luster Corporation’s jewelry in the third round.”
Ronald’s demeanor softened upon hearing this, a faint smile gracing his lips. “We can hold off on the engagement gift from the Harrises for the moment. Our family can handle it.”
Maggie couldn’t help but appreciate his finesse in communication. Although he appeared to be casually asking, his true intention was to gently prompt her.
Had she harbored no suspicions about the Camerons, or possessed a shrewd intellect, she would have proactively suggested utilizing this sum for the benefit of the Camerons.
Maggie promptly asserted, “Dad, once the competition concludes, I’ll explore the possibility of withdrawing this money. Whatever the sum may be, I’m committed to supporting the family in times of adversity.”
Ronald expressed evident satisfaction with Maggie’s perceptiveness and promptly responded, “Put aside any concerns about tomorrow’s competition. Place your trust primarily in yourself rather than Sierra’s. I’ll arrange for some tickets to be purchased to bolster your votes and popularity, regardless of the outcome."
He put on a facade of concern for Maggie, but she knew him too well. Without much thought, she realized that he was fabricating evidence right in front of her eyes.
Purchase tickets? Engage in illegal dealings?
If she consented, Ronald would possess incriminating evidence. Should he choose to reveal it later, her reputation would undoubtedly be tarnished.
Maggie shook her head resolutely and declined, “Dad, please proceed with purchasing the tickets for Sierra as originally intended. My capabilities are limited, and I have no need for such investments.”
Her blunt refusal caused a slight stiffening of Ronald’s expression.
After a brief pause, Ronald sighed and remarked, “It’s commendable that you hold such principles. Truth be told, I never intended to purchase tickets for Sierra in the first place. It was merely a gesture to placate her. As it stands, we lack the financial means to do so.”
Given his cunning nature, he wouldn’t overlook such a vulnerability.
Unfortunately, Sierra returned at that precise moment. With disbelief etched on her face, she glanced at Ronald and then at Maggie. Her eyes were reddened with emotion, before swiftly making her way upstairs.
Maggie arched her eyebrows, finding the unfolding situation increasingly intriguing.
Yet Sierra’s subdued retreat upstairs seemed out of character. Given her usual arrogance, one might expect her to engage in at least a heated argument.
“Mr. Cameron, a woman is requesting to see you, identifying herself as Ms. Burton, Ivan’s wife,” a servant rushed in, delivering the message.
As if on cue, Olivia emerged from the kitchen and remarked, “Indeed, Mr. Reed’s wife's surname is Burton. But what brings her here?”
“Given that she is the teacher’s wife, just invite her in. Also, have someone call Sierra down," Ronald instructed promptly.
Master Cameron, Madam Cameron, accompanied by Noah and others, were also in attendance and commented, “It’s quite late; showing up at this hour suggests there must be something of significance.”
Madam Cameron chimed in, “Considering tomorrow’s university joint competition final, I reckon Mr. Reed has a significant message to share."
Several individuals nodded in accord, unintentionally failing to consider why, if Ivan had a message to deliver, he hadn’t come himself and instead sent his wife.