Chapter 267
The call came from Dahlia’s caregiver.
The moment Camilla heard what happened, she dropped everything and sped to the hospital. She hadn’t even reached Dahlia’s room yet when she heard shouting up ahead.
Somehow, Pamela had managed to get out of police custody. Now she was standing right in front of Dahlia’s hospital room, blocking the doorway with a small entourage. The caregiver Camilla hired tried to stop them, but there was no way to hold back Pamela and her group.
Worse, Pamela had brought several reporters with her. Cameras were clicking nonstop, flashing in Dahlia’s face as she lay in bed.
Camilla arrived just in time to hear Pamela’s sharp, piercing voice. “Get those pictures clear. I want everyone to see what the woman who goes after other people’s fiancés looks like p>
Dahlia was curled up on the bed, arms wrapped around her head, face buried in her knees. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs. Even when Camilla walked in, she didn’t look up. Pamela had rattled her badly.
Without even hesitating, Camilla walked over and yanked the camera from the hands of the reporter who was snapping away most eagerly. She smashed it to the ground. Her voice was cold and steady as she faced Pamela. “You know exactly who was at fault back then. Don’t pretend your fiancé was some saint. Dahlia was never your scapegoat. I already called Magee. Since we’re all here, it’s about time we had this out in the open p>
Pamela had been gearing up for a fight, but at the mention of Magee’s name, she suddenly lost color. “What is there to confront? The truth is, this bitch is shameless. She went after someone else’s fiancé. Camilla, this is none of your business. I’d keep your nose out of it if I were you. I know you’re clinging to Lance or whatever, but the Charles family never accepted you. You two must have split by now. If you’ll just step aside and let me handle this slut, I’ll pretend none of this ever happened, I—mmph p>
Pamela’s rant cut off as Camilla stepped forward, gripping her chin and forcing her mouth shut.
“Dahlia is my friend,” Camilla said quietly, “so whatever happens to her is my business, too. If you insult her again, I swear I’ll tear into you right here and now p>
She gave a harsh twist, sending Pamela’s face snapping to the side. “A woman shouldn’t have to carry all the burden when a man is the one who made the mess. I’m not arguing with you. Magee will be here soon. Let him tell the whole story himself p>
Pamela was stunned enough to fall silent for a moment. She clutched her sore jaw and glared at Camilla, her eyes flickering with wariness. “Did you really call him? Don’t kid me, Camilla. He has a conference and his flight is today. He’s probably already headed for the airport. You know, I get it. You don’t have any protection left, so you’re just trying to scare me p>
She tried to sound mocking but her eyes darted, revealing just how nervous she really was. Everyone could see she was more rattled than Camilla.
Camilla ignored her, walking straight over to Dahlia. She put a gentle arm around Dahlia’s quivering shoulders, pulling her softly into her embrace. Her voice dropped to a soft, soothing tone as she spoke comforting words to Dahlia, not even bothering to look Pamela’s way anymore.
Feeling that she had regained her advantage, Pamela straightened up and turned to the reporters. “What are you all waiting for? Keep shooting! Get clear pictures of this homewrecker. I want to ruin her and her little friend, I p>
A new voice rang out from the doorway. “You want to ruin who p>
Polished shoes clicked across the floor as Magee stepped in. He looked nothing like his usual meticulous self. His hair was a little tousled, and his eyes scanned the room, sharp and serious, landing, finally, on Pamela.
“I got you out, Pamela, but not so you could stir up trouble. Don’t forget what your family promised mine when they came begging for help. The engagement was called off. Your father signed the agreement himself. What right do you have to show up here acting like you’re my fiancée? Who do you think you are p>
He moved directly in front of Pamela, blocking her view of Dahlia, every inch of him radiating authority. Pamela shrank back, her face going pale.
The reporters Pamela had dragged along froze in place, unsure where to aim their cameras now.
Realizing the cameras were now pointed at her, Pamela panicked. The humiliation, the loss of control, made her lash out even harder. “What are you taking pictures for? Stop! Get out of here! There’s nothing here for you p>
At first, the reporters hesitated, but Pamela’s yelling just made them more stubborn. Instead of leaving, they turned their lenses straight at her face, snapping shot after shot.
They’d come looking for a scoop, and while the story had changed, the drama was even juicier than they’d expected. Pamela had invited them here with promises of a big story. Now, she was handing them scandal on a silver platter.
The flashbulbs went off over and over, the lights making Pamela shake with rage. Camilla couldn’t help but let out a little laugh. “Pamela loves the media so much. She must really enjoy the spotlight. Come on, everyone, make sure you get her good side. Take as many clear pictures as you want of our star p>