Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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Arthur’s eyes lit up upon hearing Agnes’s suggestion. “Agnes, you always think fast. This plan could work. As long as we win over Lindsey, Giovani won’t refuse.”
Agnes smirked confidently. “But we need to carefully consider what gift to give. It has to be something Lindsey truly loves”
Arthur nodded, but soon his brows furrowed. “The Campbell family is the wealthiest in Northeville. They’ve seen all kinds of treasures. Finding something that will genuinely impress Lindsey won’t be easy.
“And on her birthday, there will be plenty of elite families present, each offering rare and priceless gifts. If we want ours to stand out, it has to be extraordinary.”
Her eyes flickered with an idea. “Dad, I want to go to Northeville.
Arthur immediately understood her intention. “You want to go there personally to find out what Lindsey likes?”
Agnes nodded. “No matter what, the Jackson family must secure a share of the Eastville project. If we succeed in this, you’ll solidify your position in the company, and the board members will trust you even more.
“Then, we can pressure the board into forcing my mother to surrender the remaining shares. Once that happens, the entire Jackson Group will be ours.”
Arthur didn’t hesitate to agree. “It’s a good idea for you to go to Northeville. You should also lay low for a while–I have a feeling William is starting to suspect you.”
Agnes had been thinking the same thing.
William might have stopped Emily from accusing her outright, but it wasn’t for her sake.
He never truly liked her. His heart had always belonged to Camila, that wretched woman.
If the truth came out and Camila was proven innocent, all the hurt William had inflicted upon her would become a ridiculous joke. Any chance of reconciliation between them would be completely shattered.
But there was another
reason Agnes insisted on going to Northeville.
She wanted to confirm something with her own eyes. ‘Is Mr. Campbell really as the rumors described? If he is, then no matter how handsome he might be, he could never be my type.
But if he wasn’t… then a man that exceptional should belong to her alone.
Just as the father and daughter were deep in discussion, Belinda suddenly burst into the room, her face pale and filled with anxiety.
“Arthur! Camila has been missing for
SO
long! How can you still be lying in bed like this? Aren’t you worried at all?”
Arthur, irritated by the interruption, scowled and waved dismissively. His tone was cold and indifferent. “That wretched girl wanted to leave, so let her. We don’t need her.”
Belinda’s heart turned ice–cold at his cruel words. Her eyes filled with tears, and they soon spilled over.
Choking on her emotions, she said, “Camila is our daughter too! How can you be so heartless? You lost her when she was a child–she suffered so much! Don’t you feel even a little guilty?”
Arthur sneered, his expression laced with mockery. “Heartless? Guilty? Don’t forget, you were the one who deleted the surveillance footage back then. You destroyed the evidence that could have proven her innocence. If anyone’s cruel, it’s you.”
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09:24 Fri, 25 Apr
Chapter 78
Belinda trembled, his words striking her like a dagger.
Pain and regret washed over her, and the tears streamed down uncontrollably.
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Her voice quivered as she choked out, “I… I did it for Agnes. She was young–it was just a mistake. I didn’t want her to carry such a burden for the rest of her life… And now you’re blaming me? I was confused at the time! But were you any better?”
Agnes, seeing Belinda’s reaction, quickly put on an innocent, pitiful expression. With teary eyes, she threw herself into Belinda’s arms, sobbing. “Mom, I didn’t do it on purpose! I regret it so much… If I had known Camila would suffer this much, I would have turned myself in!”
Belinda, overwhelmed with guilt and affection for her daughter, softened instantly.
She stroked Agnes’s hair, comforting her in a gentle voice. “Agnes, I don’t blame you. I raised you myself–no one knows your character better than I do.”
On the surface, Agnes looked heartbroken, but deep in her eyes, there was nothing but ridicule.
She sneered inwardly. ‘What a fool. A few crocodile tears, and she’s wrapped around my finger.
She cast a quick glance toward the doorway and locked eyes with Ivanna.
For a brief moment, a smug expression crossed both their faces. Ivanna even gave her a thumbs–up in approval.
Agnes’s pride swelled.
Ivanna thought to herself, ‘Manipulating Belinda is just too easy. The sense of control is intoxicating!
Arthur also noticed Ivanna standing outside. His gaze instantly softened.
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He couldn’t help but recall her fiery passion from that morning. The memory alone sent a rush of excitement through him.
He wished Belinda would just leave already so he could have another round with Ivanna. His lips curled into a suggestive smile as he subtly nodded toward Ivanna.
Ivanna found the secrecy of it all thrilling. She bit her lip and lifted the hem of her white coat ever so slightly, revealing the sheer black stockings underneath.
That small gesture set Arthur’s blood on fire. He could barely contain himself, but with Belinda still present, he had to restrain himself.
Feigning reluctance, he sighed dramatically. “Alright, alright! I fear nothing in this world except your tears. I’ll have someone look for that ungrateful brat right now.”
As he spoke, he picked up his phone, seemingly sending orders to his subordinates to search for Camila.
But in reality, he was messaging Ivanna–his words were so blatantly suggestive that Ivanna, standing just outside the door, felt her body flush with heat, her legs going weak.
Inside the room, Arthur, Agnes, and Ivanna exchanged subtle glances and gestures, their silent schemes playing out right under everyone’s noses. Yet Belinda noticed none of it.
She remained focused on her precious daughter, gently patting her back, whispering soft reassurances.
With a sigh, she thought to herself, “What happened five years ago… maybe it wasn’t Agnes’s fault. Perhaps it was Emily’s fault for not standing properly. Or maybe Camila was just unlucky enough to be there at the wrong time. Some things… are just fate.
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