Chapter 347
In almost no time at all, Sarah’s birthday party arrived.
Camilla had said she wasn’t planning to go.
But Tessa obviously cared a lot about Sarah. She kept calling Lance, one call after another, insisting that he had to show up. Lance had already made up his mind to stay away from Sarah, so he flat-out refused and even ended up blocking Tessa’s number.
That didn’t stop things from escalating. Lance’s father called next, and then Camilla overheard Dane pulling Lance aside for a quiet talk, telling him not to let something so trivial put a wedge between him and the family.
Lance only sneered. “Yeah, just a little thing, right? It’s just an adopted daughter’s birthday, but somehow it’s this huge spectacle. Everyone has to be there. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think Darwin was turning eighty again. Funny, I don’t remember anyone caring half as much about my birthday all these years p>
Dane had nothing to say after that.
He knew Lance never really got along with Mr. and Mrs. Charles, but he tried anyway. “Look, Lance, I get it, but this time your dad is involved. If he decides to give Camilla a hard time, it could get messy. Why don’t you just go, show your face, then leave? It won’t take long, and at least it’s something p>
“My life hasn’t been their business for a while now. And what happens between me and Camilla is for us to deal with. If they try anything with her, I don’t mind causing a scene p>
When Camilla came home from work that night, she caught part of this conversation between Lance and the butler.
Lance always used to show up at Sarah’s birthday parties, even just for a little while. She knew the reason he was so steadfast this time was because of her.
Camilla didn’t want Lance and his family at odds because of her, so she was the one who brought it up, suggesting they go together. That was how the matter was settled.
Lance still wasn’t thrilled about it, though. Camilla told him, “I know you don’t want to go, but I’ll be there with you. We can show up, say hello, then leave right after. The Charles family isn’t exactly a den of wolves. I’ll be at your side, and I know you’ll keep me safe. Right p>
“I won’t let anyone touch you, you know that. I just hate the thought of them staring at you and making judgments. Camilla, you really don’t have to go. I can handle this, and besides p>
“Lance, I know you care. I know you’d even break things off with the Charles family for me. But if I want to be with you, I want to face life with you. I want to stand next to you, not spend my life hiding behind you,” Camilla said.
Her voice always carried this calm strength. It made Lance think back to when they first met.
The police station lights were dim, and it was late. She’d been such a tiny thing, sitting quietly in the shadows. Maybe she saw how nervous he was, because she held out her teddy bear for him.
Back then she whispered, “Don’t be scared. Camilla’s here. Me and the teddy bear, we’ll stay with you p>
She was so thin and small, but her eyes were incredibly bright.
Holding her bear, still warm from her arms, Lance had really stopped feeling afraid.
Lost in that memory, he hardly noticed when Camilla slipped her hand into his. “Lance, will you take me home with you this time?” she asked.
She said it differently now, but the meaning was the same, and all of Lance’s resistance faded away.
So on the day of Sarah’s birthday party, Camilla showed up by Lance’s side.
Lance couldn’t hide his feelings. He wanted everyone to know they were together. He’d even arranged special matching outfits in a deep sea blue for the occasion. Sophisticated, with a hint of mystery.
As soon as they stepped out of the car, Lance never took his eyes off Camilla. His hand rested on her waist, protective and just a bit possessive, ushering her into the hotel.
Tessa had pulled out all the stops for Sarah’s party. Everything looked expensive, grand, almost over-the-top.
The guests were big names, the kind you see all over business news. People who would never mingle with the Carter Group in their lives, and tonight they were just scenery for the Charles family’s adopted daughter.
From the moment Lance stepped out of the car, all eyes were on them.
A lot of people looked like they wanted to say hello. Most of them lost their nerve as soon as Lance looked their way, shrinking back and sneaking glances instead.
Lance walked Camilla straight to the middle of the ballroom, and no one dared come near them. It wasn’t until Sarah saw them that someone actually approached. She hurried over, her voice bright with excitement. “Lance, Camilla, you really came, I p>
Lance cut her off. “Come on, Sarah, you know perfectly well why we’re here. When’s this party actually starting? I’ve got stuff to do and I’m not wasting the whole night here p>
He was as blunt as ever.
Sarah stopped short, her excitement turning to awkwardness. She nervously twisted the pretty pink dress she’d picked out, already leaving wrinkles in the fabric. “Lance, it’s my birthday. I p>
“I know, and I showed up like you wanted. Don’t push it. When are your adoptive parents getting here? I’ll say hi to them and then we’re leaving,” Lance said.