Chapter 72: Amazing Means

“Who? Which Mr. Caleb?” Ronald asked, frowning, breaking the moment's silence.

“Leo Caleb, sir,” the servant replied cautiously.

“What does he want?” Ronald was annoyed. The Herschire Cultural Park project had caused significant losses for the Camerons and upset everyone present.

Sierra’s face paled at the news of Leo’s arrival. Her fingers curled, her throat tightened—she was clearly shocked and fearful.

This Leo!

Seven hundred fifty thousand dollars is enough to bring him to my house? No wonder he's a lowly illegitimate child who can't show his face in public.

Maggie’s gaze was sharp. “I heard he wants something settled,” she said, almost as a reminder.

Madam Cameron spoke coldly. “Settled? When have the Camerons had dealings with him? They owe us because of the Herschire Cultural Park project. After all, nothing is more unpleasant for an elder than seeing the family's future hindered.”

“Send him in,” Master Cameron said in a deep voice.

Soon, Leo arrived, accompanied by a lawyer. He wore a silver-gray suit.

“Mr. Caleb, what brings you here?” Master Cameron asked, his voice deep. He appeared polite, but his eyes carefully assessed the man before him.

From afar, Leo’s gentle demeanor and elegant gestures made him seem like a noble son from a prestigious family.

Upon closer inspection, this impression proved less accurate. His eyes, though gentle, were aloof; his demeanor cold and condescending. His gaze lacked warmth, as if nothing mattered to him. Yet, there was also a hint of dissoluteness and roguishness, a cunningness that made him unpredictable and difficult to read. He was unlike a typical child from a wealthy family.

“Nothing much; I’m here to collect a debt,” Leo said, smiling as he handed Master Cameron a contract.

Master Cameron examined the contract, his face paling as he quickly flipped through the pages.

“Three million? Mr. Caleb must be mistaken!”

“Three million?” Madam Cameron exclaimed.

Master Cameron ignored her, his gaze fixed on Sierra. His voice trembled. “You spent three million on the design proposal?”

“I… I…” Sierra stammered, her eyes filled with fear. She hadn’t expected Leo to arrive so soon, much less to come personally to collect the debt.

“Three million? Wasn’t it seven hundred fifty thousand dollars?” Maggie added, determined not to let Sierra off easily. She wouldn’t let any of them off easily. They had separated her from her parents, made her a scapegoat, disfigured her, blinded her, and even caused a tragic death. She had wrongly hated Nathael for years! The Camerons were hypocrites and villains; none were innocent. Her eyes shone with intense hatred.

“Seven hundred fifty thousand? This idiot spent three million on that pile of trash! Idiot! Idiot!” Master Cameron raged, shaking with anger. Olivia quickly stepped forward, picking up the contract. Upon seeing the figures, she nearly fainted.

“Sierra, what’s going on? Didn’t you say you only spent seven hundred fifty thousand?”

Sierra, flustered, explained, “I… I thought I could cover the rest myself and appease Grandpa. The drawings only cost seven hundred fifty thousand from the family; the rest could be deducted from my living expenses.”

Slap!

Madam Cameron slapped her hard.

Sierra staggered, falling to the ground. She looked incredulously at Madam Cameron, who had always loved her. “G-Grandma…” she stammered.

“If only you were half as intelligent as Maggie, you wouldn’t have dragged the whole family down!” Madam Cameron’s words stung more due to the comparison with Maggie.

“You slapped me? You all hit me! What did I do wrong?” Sierra felt the burning pain on her cheeks, the pain from Master Cameron’s previous injuries flaring up again.

Leo glanced at her casually. “I had a pleasant conversation with Ms. Adam. Initially, I thought asking for one and a half million dollars and befriending the Camerons would be nice. I didn’t expect Ms. Sierra to be so generous and insist on three million. I had no reason to refuse. Master Cameron, what do you say?”

Master Cameron’s face trembled slightly, but he maintained a semblance of dignity. “I’m grateful for Mr. Caleb’s kindness, but I have a question. Before selling this plan to us, weren’t you aware the authorities would recognize its origin?”

Leo’s eyes were calm. “Naturally, I had no idea. The design draft was classified as confidential. I only consulted two respected gentlemen. How could I have imagined it would reach those in authority?”

Master Cameron remained silent, feeling the coincidence was too suspicious. No matter how much he considered it, his family had suffered significant losses, financial and reputational.

Leo chuckled. “It doesn’t matter whether you believe it or not. My family benefited. Speaking of which, I have to thank you for your generosity.”

Maggie smiled faintly from the side. This speech was likely to exasperate Master Cameron. Indeed, the discovery of the Camerons' drawings resulted in the Herschire Cultural Park project being given to the Calebs. The Camerons lost financially and the project itself, while Leo profited handsomely, gained the project, and enhanced his reputation.

“It’s truly admirable, Mr. Caleb, your means are remarkable. I admire you,” Master Cameron forced a smile.

Leo remained cold. “Perhaps Old Mr. Cameron should settle this account first.”

Master Cameron looked at Ronald, pain in his eyes. “Transfer the money to Mr. Caleb.”

After Ronald transferred the money, he glared at Sierra. Leo smiled faintly. “Your family has talents like Miss Sierra. You’ll surely prosper and make a lot of money in the future.”

Ronald couldn’t contain himself. “Mr. Caleb, I have private matters to attend to. I won’t see you off.” He felt Sierra had ruined his reputation.

As soon as Leo left, Ronald’s phone rang, followed by a flurry of calls for the family.

After a while, Ronald said, “Dad, the news has leaked. Many clients are demanding to cancel contracts and request refunds.”