Chapter 215
Skyline Hotel, the only seven–star hotel in Northeville, was fully reserved by the Stuard family to celebrate Camila’s birthday.
Today, Camila looked absolutely radiant–Irene had personally styled her in a custom–made pink princess gown that billowed like cotton candy. With her porcelain skin and naturally adorable features, she resembled nothing less than a living doll.
The Stuard family of four arrived at Skyline Hotel together. Harrison crouched down to eye level with Camila, gently ruffling her hair. “Sweetheart, Daddy needs to greet the other guests now. I can’t stay with you just yet.”
The guests invited by the Stuard family were all Northeville’s elite, and as the head of the family, it was his duty to welcome them.
Although Camila had never had her own birthday party in her previous life, she had seen the Jackson family throw grand celebrations for Agnes many times. Familiar with the process, she nodded obediently, ‘Go ahead, Daddy,” she said sweetly.
Her maturity made Harrison feel both proud and a little heartbroken. Known for his stern and cold demeanor in public, he couldn’t help but soften in front of his sweet and delicate daughter.
With a dramatic sigh, he said, “Sweetheart, aren’t you even a little sad that Daddy has to go! I can’t bear to leave my precious Camila, not even for a second!” He even pretended to wipe away imaginary tears, putting on an exaggeratedly pitiful face.
Camila’s lips twitched. Her father’s love was a bit overwhelming. She cupped his face and, mimicking a child’s tone, comforted him “Daddy, you’re a grown–up! You can’t cry like a little kid, or you’ll stop being handsome!”
Harrison sniffled theatrically, his expression so pitiful it could win an award. Then Daddy wants a big hug from his sweetheart to cheer him up.”
“Camila sighed as Harrison teared up. Ever since joining the Stuard family, her parents and brother demanded endless hugs and kisses
daily. If she weren’t so small, she suspected they’d make her give piggyback rides too.
Despite her inner thoughts, Camila cooperated wholeheartedly, giving her father a tight hug and even rewarding him with a kiss.
“Come on, Dad, be good and go greet the guests already,” she said, her tone playful yet affectionate.
With Camila’s hugs and kisses, Harrison seemed to regain all his energy. He handed Camila over to Irene.
After he left, Irene pointed to the grand door in front of them and said, “When the birthday party starts, Mommy will take you through this door. You’ll be the star of the night, my little Camila–everyone will be looking at you!”
That door had once been an uncrossable divide for Camila. Countless times she’d fantasized about the Jacksons hosting a grand ball, guiding her through its frame to proudly introduce her as their daughter.
But those dreams had always ended. The Jackson family had given her nothing but cold indifference, never a shred of love or recognition. Yet in this time, she had found all the love and respect she had once yearned for in the Stuard family.
The more she gained now, the more she felt sorry for her past. If she’d chosen the Stuard family instead of staying in the orphanage for Owen, everything might have been different.
She wouldn’t have taken poison to escape her misery, nor dragged Lucy into becoming a murderer. This time, Lucy wouldn’t have to witness her tragic fate. Carmila believed Lucy would grow up healthy and happy.
Camila clenched her fists, her resolve firm. When I grow matter what,” she thought.
w up.
I’ll find Hazel and Lucy. I owe them, and I’ll make it up
them–no
There’s still some time before the birthday banquet starts,” Irene said gently. “Why don’t we head to the lounge and rest for a bit? We’ll come back when it’s time”
“Okay, Mom, Camila replied sweetly.
Camila walked alongside Irene and Joseph toward the lounge. Once they arrived, Irene turned to Camila with a serious expression and said, “Camila, there’s something I want to ask your opinion on.”
Camila tilted her head in confusion. “What is it?” she asked. ‘I was still so young–what could possibly require my input? she wondered
“Carnila, you’re already part of the Stuard family now. After today, everyone in Northeville’s high society will know you’re my daughter.
Chapter 215
So, I was thinking of changing your last name to Surd. From now on, you’d be called Camila Stuard. What do you t
thi
Honestly, the Stuard family didn’t have to ask a five–year–old about this. But out of respect for her, they genuinely cared about her thoughts.
bene’s face showed both anticipation and nervousness. Camila, hearing her words, felt a surge of deep emotion. In her past, she had longeid not just for famulial love but also for respect.
Bask when she was with the Jackson family, they treated her like she didn’t matter–yelling, hitting, and ordering her around like she was less than a stray dog.
And in prison, she lost even her dignity, trampled into the dirt. But now, at just five years old, she was receiving the respect she’d always dreamed of
Many adults wouldn’t bother considering a child’s opinion or respecting their feelings. Yet the Stuard family had given her both respect and a sense of security.
Tears welled up in Camila’s eyes, and she threw her arms around Irene’s neck. Treme was startled by her reaction. “Why are you crying. sweetheart? Is it because you don’t like the idea? If you don’t want to, we won’t change it. Please don’t cry”
Camila shook her head vigorously, tears streaming down her checks, “Mom, I really want to change my name to Stuard! I want to be
art of the family. I’m just so happy
Irene gently patted Camila’s small back, her heart aching. Camila must have suffered so much in the orphanage to be moved to tears so easily, Irene silently vowell that their family would shower Candle with even more love and care
the future.
Taking out a handkerchief, Irene wiped away Camili’s tears. “Sweetheart, don’t cry. If your eyes get all pully, how will my look her best later?”
little princess
Camila now took a shaky breath, her tears finally slowing as she tried to sinile, Seeing her stop crying, Irene finally felt relieved.
“Sweetheart, are you thirsty or hungry? Let me grab you a little something to tide you over.
Camila had only eaten a birthday cake earlier this morning, so she wasn’t hungry, but she did feel a bit parched. “Mom, I’d like some
water.”
“Alright, just wait here. I’ll go get you some water right away.”
After Irene left, only Camila and Joseph remained in the lounge. The siblings were enjoying a peaceful moment together–until the door burst open.
“Ugh. I’m so tired! Why hasn’t the banquet started yet? My feet are killing inel
“Agnes, there’s a lounge here. Come on in and take a break.”
The door swung open, expressions darkening.
and in walked Harry and Agnes, their presence instantly souring the mood. Camila and Joseph looked up, their
Camila frowned. How did they even get in here? The Stuard family booked the entire Skyline Hotel, and only invited guests were allowed. I’m certain the Jacksons weren’t on the list, she thought.
Joseph’s blood boiled the moment he spotted them–yesterday’s dress thieves. He sprang up, eyes ley. “Who let you in?” He hissed. “Get
Harry and Agnes saw them. Harry sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. “What are a bunch of nobodies like you doing here?
“Oh, I see. Trying to cozy up to the big shots at the Stuard family’s party, hub?
“Yeali, makes sense. For people like you, even the crumbs that fall from the hands of the aristocracy would be enough to feed you for a lifetime
“Hot too bad for you, we ran into you today. Don’t even think about pulling off your little scheine, you selfish, greedy wannabes.
“And you’re telling us to get out! I think it’s you who should leave.”
Harry acted like he’d completely forgotten how Josephi had humiliated him yesterday, leaving him too beaten to even fight back.
Chapter 215
He strode over, grabbed Joseph by the arm, and tried to shove him out. “Get out of here! This isn’t a place for broke upstarts like you Just being here lowers the hotel’s standards!“.
Camila’s anger flared as Harry’s arrogant words hit a nerve. He was always like this–jumping to conclusions and blaming others without
shred of evidence. She couldn’t believe he’d been this insufferable ever as a kid. What a piece of work.
Camila had tolerated Harry’s crogance toward her, but seeing him lay hands on her brother was the last straw. Without hesitation, she wwung–her palin connecting with his cheek in a sharp crack.
The slap echoed sharply, snapping Harry’s head to the side. His cheek quickly turned red and swollen.
“Let go of my brother!” Camila glared at Harry, her eyes blazing with disgust.
Harry froze, stunned by the sudden slap. When his gaze met Camila’s fiery eyes, filled with hatred, his heart involuntarily skipped a
Agnes, sering Harry get slapped, stormed over, her face twisted with rage. “How dare you hit my brother? I’ll make you pay for this! But before she could get close, Camila slapped her across the face too, just as hard
Harry snapped out of his daze, released Joseph, and shoved Camila roughly. “How dare you hit my sister?”
Camila stumbled and nearly fell, but Joseph caught her just in time. “Leave now, or you’ll regret it!”
Harry felt an inexplicable hatred toward Joseph, especially when Camila affectionately called him brother. It ignited a nameless fury.
within him
“You must be begging for a beating! Harry Junged at Joseph, lists raised. Seeing this, Camila quickly grabbed Joseph and pulled him
away.
She didn’t want to waste time arguing with the Jackson family, especially on her birthday. If she ended up covered in bruises, it would embarrass the entire family in front of the guests.
ily out.
It was better to find their parents. Once they did, her parents would surely call security to throw the Jackson family out.
“Joseph, let’s not waste time on these lunatics. Let’s go find Mom and Dad Camila said, holding Joseph’s hand as they ran.
Harry’s eyes burned at the sight of their clasped hands. Dragging Agnes behind him, he stormed after them. “You’re both dead meat.” He snarled
Agnes’s eyes burned with jealousy as she stared at Camila’s designer princess gown. I’ve never even worn something this exquisite. How dare this nouveau–riche nobody outshine me? Just wait till I get my hands on her–I’ll rip that dress to shreds, she thought.
Camila and Joseph ran toward the elevator. Just as they reached it, the doors opened, and out stepped a group of people. Leading them was a girl, flanked by several tall teenage boys.
Camila:
a was about to step into the elevator when the girl shoved her out. “What are you doing?” Camila snapped, her anger flaring
The girl sized her up, hengaze turning icy when she saw Camila holding Joseph’s hand. So you’re the adopted daughter of the Stuard family, huh?”
Camila frowned. “You know me?”
“Admitting it just makes you more pathetic,” the girl sneered, her face twisting in rage. “A nobody like you would never have met me–or Giovani—without shameless tricks. She raised her hand threateningly. “Let’s see how pretty you look after 1 teach you your place.”
Joseph stepped forward; his voice sharp with anger. “Yvorme, don’t you daret If you touch her, the Stuard family won’t let you off!”
The girl named Yvonne paused, and then sneered, “Everyone in Northeville knows Giovani and I are childhood sweethearts. He’s my favorite person, and I’m going to marry him when I grow up.
“Everyone knows to stay away, but your family’s adopted stray just has to throw herself at him. She even dared to go to Giovani’s house! I won’t let her off today!”
“Try met Joseph Shielded Camila behind him.
Yvonne snorted, “Hold Joseph down for me. I’ll deal with that little brat myself” At her command, the boys behind her grabbed Joseph
12:40 PM
Chapter 215
After all, Joseph was only ten years old and couldn’t possibly fend off several tall teenagers. Held down and unable to move, he shouted to Camila, “Camila, take the stairs and find Mom and Dad!”
Camila clenched her fists. Hang on, Joseph She turned and dashed toward the staircase.
At that moment, Harry and Agnes caught up. The two joined Yvonne in chasing Camila, and Harry managed to grab her arm, refusing to let go. Camila found herself cornered at the stairwell by the three of them.
“Harry, you jerk! Let go of me!” Camila struggled and cursed.
Harry’s pupils dilated. “How do you know my name?” Camila ignored him, focusing solely on breaking free.
Yvonne raised her hand. “You think you can take Giovani from me? I’ll make you regret it!” Her slap came down with a sharp whoosh
Camila’s fist landed squarely in Harry’s gut, making him double over in pain and loosen his grip. Taking advantage of the moment, she bolted down the stairs, leaving Yvonne’s slap to hit empty air.
Seeing Camila about to escape, Agnes acted on impulse–she shoved Yvonne down the stairs. A series of sickening thuds and screams echoed through the stairwell as Yvonne tumbled down. Camila, standing at the bottom, witnessed every horrifying second.
Camila froze this was just like before. Agnes shoved Emily down the stairs, blood everywhere. Now history repeated as Yvonne tumbled down, with Agnes and Arthur watching coldly from above.
Camila stared upward, stunned. The same situation was playing out again. Agnes was only five years old, yet her thoughts were already so malicious. “Agnes, are you insane?” Camila shouted up the stairs.
Agnes looked panicked. “It wasn’t me! It was–it was you! You pushed her down the stairs!” She pointed at Camila, screaming,
AD