Chapter 352 A Stroke of Misfortune!

Sierra’s speech faltered, punctuated by sporadic bursts of tears.

Witnessing the situation, Maggie couldn’t suppress a chuckle. It was indeed a classic example of hypocrisy.

Madam Cameron exclaimed, “Precisely! Considering Sierra’s youth and allure, what sort of gentleman wouldn’t be drawn to her? Were it not for Ivan’s ulterior motives, who would give him a second glance? I suspect foul play with the food, perhaps orchestrated by Ivan himself!”

Following some back-and-forth, both factions had abandoned any pretense of civility and shed their masks entirely.

Maggie lingered on the periphery, silently attempting to fade into the surroundings.

Regrettably, there were no snacks for munching, and bringing a tiny stool to perch on was out of the question. Otherwise, she might have relished the spectacle.

Kehlani scoffed, “Is that so? Shall I fetch the school’s footage to reveal who instigated things? If the Camerons lack shame, then the Burtons harbor no fear. Tomorrow, I’ll initiate divorce proceedings against Ivan!”

Her remarks notably subdued the Camerons' haughtiness.

Indeed, the dynamics differed between the Camerons and the Burtons. While Sierra was their daughter, Ivan was merely a son-in-law.

Should this affair become public knowledge, sympathy might be extended to Kehlani by some, yet the bulk of the blame would likely fall upon Ivan and Sierra, with minimal repercussions for the Burtons.

Madam Burton declared, “Kehlani speaks the truth. We’ve come here in person to offer you some dignity. Since the Camerons refuse to acknowledge it, we’ll depart and share this incident, along with the video, online for everyone to pass judgment and discern the truth!”

With that single statement, Ronald and Olivia felt their anger rise. Sierra, too, was gripped by panic and hastily knelt, grasping at Ronald’s clothes. “Dad, this absolutely cannot go public. If word gets out, how will I ever face anyone again?”

“Be quiet!” Ronald fought back the impulse to shove her aside, bewildered by his children’s folly.

Olivia couldn’t bear witnessing her daughter in such distress and interjected. She said, “Escalating this situation serves neither of our families well. If you desire something, why not communicate it to us so we can negotiate?”

Madam Burton’s sneer cut through the air, “It’s quite simple. The Camerons can settle this with a payment of 15 million. Half will be deemed reparation for my daughter’s emotional distress, and the remaining half for the children, who will grow up without a father.”

With that single statement, a collective gasp of astonishment rippled through the gathered assembly.

While 15 million might have been a manageable figure for the Camerons in the past, it now posed a significant financial strain. They grappled with the daunting task of sourcing such a sum.

Undeterred, Madam Burton pressed on, “What do you say? It’s a reasonable offer, isn’t it? I understand the… transfer the money to my account, and Kehlani will initiate divorce proceedings against Ivan tomorrow. We’ll consider this matter as if it never happened.”

Madam Cameron seethed with indignation. “This is utterly unjust!”

Madam Burton maintained her composure. “If the Camerons are unconcerned with their reputation, we are equally indifferent. The decision lies with you to assess the advantages and drawbacks. I trust Ms. Cameron has contemplated the repercussions of her actions.”

The Burtons upheld their dignified stance, while Ronald remained silent, his expression composed.

Maggie pondered the collective sentiments, and before long, she observed Noah venture, “Fifteen million presents a considerable challenge for us. Is there any possibility of negotiating a lower amount?”

Noah possessed a certain charm, though not quite matching Ronald’s striking appearance. Nevertheless, he perpetually wore a genial countenance, often resembling a mischievous grin.

At this juncture, he spoke with politeness, opting to maintain a modest demeanor.

Kehlani’s tone turned icy as she asserted, “No negotiation. The Camerons can transfer the money if you agree. Otherwise, we will depart.”

Noah raised a pertinent query. “Madam Burton, are there any backups of the video and photos? How can you guarantee their complete deletion?”

Madam Burton replied forthrightly, “Everything is right here, without any backups. Yet, if you harbor doubts, our hands are tied. Nonetheless, if feasible, we wish to extend some dignity to Ivan, as he is also the father of my grandchild.”

Noah lapsed into a contemplative silence, before finally breaking it with a decisive statement. “Ronald, given Madam Burton’s sincerity, I believe we should proceed with the transfer of money.”

Ronald cast a fleeting glance at his brother, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. After a brief moment of consideration, he issued a directive to summon someone to liaise with the finance department.

Following several rounds of deliberation regarding the money, it consumed nearly an hour before the successful completion of the transfer.

Madam Burton exuded an air of composure and patience throughout the process. Upon the transfer’s completion, the Burtons found their contentment fulfilled, rising from their seats to take their leave.

“Mr. Cameron, our paths diverge from this moment onward. The responsibility for these photographs and the camera now rests with you.” With those words, Madam Burton rose to her feet, departing with a sense of satisfaction in her heart.

As soon as they departed, Sierra crumpled to the ground, clinging desperately to Ronald. “Dad… they wouldn’t actually release the video, would they?”

Slap!

With a swift motion, Ronald’s hand rose, delivering a resounding slap across Sierra’s face. “Such dishonor! You’ve besmirched the name of the Camerons!”

At this critical moment, Ronald naturally had no due to meddle in her affairs. Yet fate had it that she bore the surname Cameron, carrying his own bloodline.

If this matter truly leaked out, the Camerons would inevitably find themselves at the center of the storm, bearing the brunt of its consequences.

Not long ago, the scandal involving Joseph had just surfaced, and now with Sierra’s involvement, it seemed the Camerons were destined to be nailed to the pillar of shame, unable to escape its grasp.

Sierra was left reeling from the force of the blow. Her vision was spinning as stars danced before her eyes, and a persistent ringing echoed in her ears.

Olivia swiftly moved to shield her, tears brimming in her eyes.

No mother could endure witnessing her child in such distress. Despite any anger simmering within her at Sierra’s perceived shortcomings, her heart ultimately softened at the sight of her suffering.

Ronald seethed with fury, his countenance shrouded in darkness as he struggled to contain his rage.

Sensing the urgency of the situation, Maggie knew she had to intervene. With resolve in her voice, she said, “Dad, once the… concludes tomorrow, I’ll check the funds earmarked under my name. If possible, I’ll expedite the transfer to aid our family in this time of need.”

Upon hearing Maggie’s assurance, a hint of softness flickered across Ronald’s expression. He glanced at the composed and collected figure of Maggie beside him, a sense of relief washing over him, yet a lingering obstruction remained in his heart.

He couldn’t fathom why, growing up in the Camerons, Phillip’s daughter had blossomed into such an exceptional individual, while he found himself saddled with two fools!

Ronald closed his eyes, massaging his temples with a weary sigh. “You are thoughtful.”

“Noah, accompany me to the study room.” He rose with deliberation, his demeanor betraying the weight of the past year, etched upon him like the passage of a decade.

Maggie remained rooted in place, her gaze following the retreating forms of them, lost in silent contemplation.

The bulk of the Camerons‘ unsavory tasks often fell into Noah’s capable hands. With his current compliance with the Burtons, it seemed probable that he might endeavor to reclaim the money at a later time.

“You’re incredibly naive! Despite Ivan’s age and history, you still choose to associate with him!” Olivia’s tearful scolding of Sierra persisted.

Maggie paid scant heed. Madam Cameron had risen to her feet, her gaze icy as she directed a furious outburst at Sierra. “What a stroke of misfortune! How could the Camerons give rise to such a liability like you?”

Madam Cameron’s countenance soured as well. They had maintained a calculated silence, banking on bolstering Sierra’s reputation through the university joint competition, with the fallback plan of arranging a suitable marriage partner should it fail to yield the desired outcome.

The home situation had worsened considerably. Noah had no daughters, and Mary’s daughter was already wed. This left Sierra as the sole option remaining.

Never had they imagined she would falter at this pivotal juncture!