Chapter 223
Belinda shook her head. “Camila, this is way too dangerous.”
Camila shrugged, unfazed. “That’s exactly why I need your help. All I ask is that you call the cops as soon as I’m kidnapped. It’s not that
hard, is it?”
It wasn’t hard, but Belinda hesitated. Memories from her previous life haunted her. She knew how ruthless Arthur and Ivanna could be. She was afraid that they might actually take a kidney from Camila. “Camila, L
“What? You don’t want to help?”
Belinda shook her head. “It’s not that I don’t want to help. I just can’t bear to see you get hurt again”
Camila’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Whether you want to or not doesn’t matter anymore.”
Belinda frowned, confused. “What do you mean by that?”
Your darling son saw me come back. Do you really think he won’t go running to Arthur and Agnes?”
Belinda froze, her breath catching as disbelief washed over her. She shook her head. “No, Harry wouldn’t do that” No matter how harsh Harry was toward Camila, she was still his biological sister.
Belinda clung desperately to the belief that Harry wouldn’t stoop so low as to hurt his own sister, especially for Agnes, the illegitimate child of a mistress
“Still don’t believe me?” Camila sneered coldly. “Why don’t you go check what Harry’s doing right now?”
Though Belinda refused to believe Harry would hurt Camila, unease crept into her heart. She tiptoed to the study door and opened it quietly. She didn’t even need to step outside. Harry’s voice carried clearly from the living room
“Dad, have you found a kidney donor for Agnes yet? Still no? Why is it so hard to find a match?
“I have something to tell you. Camila, who disappeared eight years ago, has shown up. She’s here at our house, talking to Mom in the study.
“What? Dad, are you saying Camila’s kidney might be a match for Agnes? You want me to take her to the hospital to donate her kidney to Agnes?
“but knowing her personality, she definitely won’t agree. She hates everyone in our family. Alright, I understand, Dad. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she gets to the hospital.”
After hanging up. Harry stood in the living room, lost in thought for a long time.
It was only after a while that he muttered to himself, “One kidney is enough for anyone to live, right? Agnes is running out of time. If she doesn’t get a transplant soon, she’ll die. Camila can live with one kidney.
“Besides, Dad was wrong to leave Camila at the orphanage, but if he hadn’t done that, how would she have been adopted by the Stuard. family? She got to live like a princess because of him, so in a way, she owes him some credit.”
Deep down, Harry was clearly biased toward Agnes and wanted to take one of Camila’s kidneys. Yet, unwilling to be seen as the villain, he kept coming up with excuses to justify hurting her.
Belinda heard every
word loud and clear. For a moment, she almost lost control. She didn’t know why Harry would be so cruel that he thought it was lucky for Camila to be abandoned at an orphanage.
Then, memories of Camila’s tragic old life flooded her mind. Camila, who should have been cherished like a delicate rose, had withered far too soon because of Arthur’s cruelty.
Belinda finally grasped the weight of Camila’s earlier words, each one cutting through her like a blade. No matter how much Camila tried, Harry would still tell Arthur about her. Her kidney would be transplanted into Ivanna’s body.
With Arthur’s ruthlessness, he had already come up with such a vile plan in her previous life. There was no way he wouldn’t think again. Lowering her gaze in shame, Belinda murmured, “Camila, I’m sorry, I didn’t raise him right”
Chapter 223
Camila remained silent. Harry was the epitome of hypocrisy. In both lives, he had always been the one to hurt her first, only to later put on a show of regret.
To outsiders. he might seem like a caring brother, but in truth, he had never shown her any concern. All she ever received from him was endless humiliation, mockery, and scom.
“Ms. Davis, have you decided to help me?”
Belinda stiffly nodded. “Yes, I’ll help you…” She paused, her eyes filled with hope as she looked at Camila.
“Camila, if I help you this time, will you consider moving back home to live with me? I promise, this time, I’ll give you the master bedroom. You’ll never have to stay in the storage room again.”
Camila sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Ms. Davis, you really are greedy. The fact that I’m willing to let go is already an act of mercy. And now you want to trap me in this house? Haven’t you done enough damage already?
“This house? Every brick, every blade of grass reeks of humiliation. I’ve never felt even a shred of familial love here. All I’ve ever gotten from you people is endless, unreasonable ridicule and abuse.”
Belinda listened to her words, and images of the past came rushing back–scenes of Camila being humiliated. Each memory was like a knife, cutting into Belinda’s heart.
“Oh, wait,” Camila suddenly said, her expression softening. I can’t say I’ve never felt any familial love here. At least Hazel genuinely cared about me. Thinking of Hazel brought a warm feeling to her heart
“In my old life, I always dreamed of growing up, making something of myself, and buying Hazel a big house where she could enjoy her retirement. But I never got the chance. This time. I’ll finally be able to do it
Belinda clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms as guilt and regret weighed heavily on her. For the first time, Belinda truly understood what it felt like to be ignored. The realization was unbearable.
So this was how Camila had felt in her old life–only by experiencing it herself did Belinda realize how much it hurt. “Camila, I’m sorry.”
Camila merely curled her lips into a faint smile. It was hard to tell whether it was one of satisfaction or mockery. “I’ve said my piece. Staying here any longer would just be a waste of my time.”
“You’re leaving already?” Belinda’s voice was tinged with reluctance. Ever since her memories returned, she’d been preoccupied with thoughts of Camila. Now, seeing Camila’s face made her heart ache. “Camila, it’s already dark outside. Why not stay the night?”
“No need. The darker it gets, the easier it is for them to act.” With that, Camila turned and walked out of the study.
The rhythmic sound of her heels echoed through the quiet house, drawing Harry’s attention as she descended the stairs with effortless
grace.
Harry’s gaze softened, perhaps out of guilt or anticipation of what was to come. “Where are you headed? Let me drive you,” he said, his tone unusually gentle.
Camila masked the mockery in her eyes. She knew what Harry was thinking. “No thanks. I have legs, and they work just fine. I don’t need your charity”
Harry frowned, clearly displeased. For some reason, he particularly disliked hearing Camila say something like that. “Ungrateful as ever, huh? You’re like a dog biting the hand that feeds it.”
Hmph. You’re plotting to steal my kidney, and you call me ungrateful? Shameless as always. Camila dismissed him with a cold glance, unwilling to waste her breath on someone so twisted.
She walked straight to the door, opened it, and was greeted by the sight of Hazel pushing an electric scooter. “Hazel,” she called out instinctively
Hazel who had been about to leave, froze in surprise and looked at Camila with wide eyes. “You know me?” Hazel had felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity the moment she first saw Camila.
Camila hesitated for a moment before remembering that, at this point in time, Hazel didn’t know her. “Belinda mentioned you earlier.” she explained.
Hazel found it odd that Belinda brought her up in their conversation. But she didn’t dwell on it. “Are you heading home? Where to? I
Chapter 223
can give you a ride, Hazel offered warmly.
Camila shook her head. “No need, Hazel. But thank you for the offering. It’s already late–what brings you out here?”
Harel smiled. “My daughter is in her tunal year of middle school. Her evening classes run late these days, so I’m off to pick her up from
This was the time when Lacy was in her final year of middle school. Lancy had always been a b
bright student, In their old life, she had only ended up in an average high school because she broke her hand delivering Camila’s exam admission slip.
Camila’s smile deepened. “Be careful on the road.” Camila was sure Lacy’d do great in her exams this time.
“Are you sure you don’t need a ride?” Hazel asked again, her concern evident. “It’s late, and you’re still so young. Are you sure you
to give you a htt? It’s no trouble at all.
want me to give
don’t
“I be time. Someone will be here to pick me up soon.” Camila was certain that as soon as she left the villa, it wouldn’t be long before Arthur and his people made their move.
“Oh, someone’s coming to get you? I
That’s a relief.” Hazel gave Camila a warm smile before riding off on her scooler,
Camila didn’t linger and walked out of the villa.
Belinda watched the interaction between Camila and Hazel, her heart aching with guilt..
Camila had always been so fond of Hazel. In her previous life, she treated Hazel like a mother, closer to her than Belinda.
The villa district was hit by streetlights, making the path bright and clear. Camila walked steadily toward the exit, her steps calm and deliberate.
As she walked, a man approached from the opposite direction. At first, Camila couldn’t make out who it was and didn’t think much of it. But as he drew closer, a sense of familiarity tugged at her.
When they were close enough, Camila finally saw his face clearly–it was Michael.
In her old life, Michael had disliked her for a long time. It wasn’t until after she was released from prison that his attitude shifted. Later, he even helped her uncover Arthur and Ivanna’s secret affair.
Camila stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in shock as she recognized Michael
Michael, on the other hand, found her face familiar but couldn’t immediately place where he had seen her before.
Noticing Camila staring at him so intently, Michael thought smugly. She must be staring because of my looks. Ile cleared his throat, feigning indifference, and strode past her with an air of cool detachment,
Camila only hesitated for a moment before resuming her steps.
The two walked in opposite directions, gradually moving farther apart.
Just as Camila was about to leave the villa district, Michael suddenly froze mid–step, his eyes widening, “Wait! That’s her–the genius of the Stuard family in Northeville!
“Enrolled in Laystoland University of Defense Technology at five, graduated at nine, and caused an international stir with a groundbreaking paper Even Norvane offered her an astronomical sum to recruit her, but she vanished for right whole.
“A year ago, holographic technology was introduced, revolutionizing healthcare and even the gaming industry.
“Nuch classified information is only known to the most elite doctors in the field,” Michael said, his heart racing. As one of the top doctors in the country, he was naturally privy to it
He turned, his gaze burning as he stared at Camila’s retreating figure. She was his idol—the genius he had admired for years. He never inugined he’d meet her in real life Overwhelined with excitement, he quickened his pace, determined to catch up to her.
But just then, a black car suddenly roared to a stop at the villa entrance. Before Camila could react, two masked men jumped out. They shoved her into the car. The door slammed shut, and the vehicle sped off into the night.
Michael’s eyes widened in horror as he watched the scene unfold. Without a second thought, he sprinted after the car, his heart
Chapter 223
pounding wildly. But by the time he reached the edge of the villa district, the black car had already disappeared into the night.
This is a disaster! Michael thought, his hands trembling as he fumbled for his phone. ‘She’s a national treasure–if anything happens to her, it’ll be catastrophic! He quickly dialed 911, his voice shaking as he reported the kidnapping.
Camila had come to Belinda, hoping she would call the police. But before Belinda could even react, Michael had already taken action, dialing the police in a frantic rush.
The police were stunned when they received the report. Camila wasn’t just any scientist–she was a genius whose work had brought immense value to the country. Losing her would be a disaster, not just for Sancho but for the entire nation.
A genius like her should have been celebrated and protected upon arriving in Sancho. Yet now, she had been kidnapped. If anything went wrong, it wouldn’t just be a tragedy–it would spell disaster for Sancho,
Sancho ranked among the top ten most economically developed cities. If something happened to this prodigy here, they were certain the city’s economic progress would regress by at least thirty years. Upon receiving the report, the police sprang into action, launching a full–scale search operation.
Camila was shoved into the car and drugged, her vision blurring as her consciousness faded. It was eerily similar to what had happened in her previous life–powerless and unaware, she was taken to the hospital.
Camila lay lifeless on the cold, sterile operating table, the harsh fluorescent lights casting an eerie glow. Across the room, Agnes was being prepped for surgery, her pale face twisted with anticipation.
Ivanna gently stroked Agnes’s hair, her voice soft but laced with malice. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Mommy will make sure everything goes perfectly. Once we take her kidney and give it to you, you’ll be as good as new.”
Agnes managed a weak smile, but her eyes burned with twisted jealousy as she glared at Camila. So what if Belinda loves you? So what if the Stuards spoil you? In the end, you’re nothing but a tool to save me.
Ө