Chapter 226
Lucy was so thrilled by Camila’s praise that she couldn’t even form a sentence. She clung tightly to Camila’s hands, and the more she looked at her, the more she felt drawn to her.
Even Lucy herself couldn’t explain why she felt this way. It was as if fate had decided she would admire Camila deeply. It wasn’t just because Camila was a genius–there was something about her that resonated with Lucy on a personal level.
Lucy had lost her father at a young age, and her mother had raised her single–handedly. Because of this, her classmates often mocked her. This upbringing had made her personality a bit prickly. Yet, in front of Camila, she instinctively showed only her best side.
With hopeful eyes, Lucy asked, “Can I take a photo with you?”
Camila didn’t hesitate. Not only did she take a photo with Lucy, but she even set it as her phone’s wallpaper. Smiling warmly, she said, “I’ll be waiting for you at the research institute.”
Camila’s special treatment of Lucy left everyone around them completely stunned.
“Wow, Lucy is so lucky! She actually caught the attention of the academic superstar!”
JUgh, I’m so jealous! Is this what they call a connection between geniuses?”
“Well, all we can do is envy her from afar.”
Hearing the murmurs of amazement around her, Lucy felt a warm glow in her heart. She nodded firmly and said, “Don’t worry! I’ll work hard to join you at the institute and become your colleague!”
The lecture ended successfully, leaving Lucy deeply inspired by Camila’s encouragement. From that day forward, she pushed herself even harder. Even in the highly competitive environment, Lucy stood out as a young prodigy.
Camila was escorted out of the school by Elmer and the others. After a long, exhausting day, all she wanted was to get home, collapse onto her bed, and rest. But as soon as she stepped out of the car, she met Belinda.
Although Camila had let go of the despicable things Belinda had done to her in her previous life, that didn’t mean she wanted to see her
now.
“What are you doing here?” Camila asked bluntly, her tone cold and unwelcoming.
Belinda flinched at her words, her voice trembling as she tried to explain, “Carnila, I just wanted to-”
“Enough.” Camila interrupted impatiently. “You’re here for me, aren’t you? Ms. Davis, we’re done. There’s nothing between us anymore. I just want us to live our lives separately, like strangers. Isn’t that better? I won’t bother you, so don’t come pestering me.
I’m not someone who forgives easily, and no matter how many lifetimes I live, I’ll never forget what you and your family did to me. I have a long memory and a strong sense of revenge, so you’d better stay out of my sight.”
Belinda staggered back, her legs nearly giving out as if the weight of Camila’s words had crushed her. Her tear–streaked face and heartbroken expression might have evoked sympathy from outsiders, but to Camila, it was the most revolting sight.
In her previous life, every time the Jacksons hurt her, Belinda would put on this pitiful act. To anyone unaware, it seemed like Belinda was the one suffering, but in reality, it was Camila who had been left bruised. “Enough!” Camila’s irritation boiled over.
“Belinda, spare me the crocodile tears. They’re not fooling anyone. This is my final warning: I don’t want to see you, and I don’t want you bothering my parents anymore. If there’s a next time, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
Irene and Harrison were her bottom line. Belinda’s constant visits only brought chaos to their lives. Camila wanted them to live happily, free from the Jackson family’s meddling.
She had endured too much senseless pain. Even if Belinda had changed, people like her didn’t just wake up one day and become different. The memories of past betrayals flashed through her mind. She couldn’t bring herself to trust her.
Camila’s words were relentless, each one cutting deeper than the last. To Belinda, they felt like daggers piercing her heart. Being hurt by someone she loved was unbearable.
In her previous life, Camila had been tormented by the people she loved most for years Camila, I’m sorry, Belinda choked out, her
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voice trembling.
“If you really mean it, then stay out of my life. Don’t ever show your face to me again,” Camila said coldly before turning and walking into the house.
Belinda watched her retreating figure, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. This was her penance. And she deserved every bit of it. All she could hope for now was that Camila would find happiness. At least, she wouldn’t need to worry about her anymore.
The Stuard family adored her, treating her like a princess. Giovani, her salvation in her previous life, was now by her side in this one as well.
She also had a circle of elite friends, and no one dared to bully her anymore.
Today, Belinda had even brought over someone Camila cherished the most. With that, she could leave with peace of mind, though she lingered reluctantly before finally walking away.
As Camila stepped into the villa, a familiar aroma wafted through the air, stopping her in her tracks. Her eyes landed on a bowl of meatball soup on the dining table. Slowly, she walked over, her heart racing.
“Camila, you’re back,” Irene’s voice suddenly rang out. She smiled warmly, “You must be hungry. Come and try this soup.”
Camila sat down, picked up her spoon, and took a bite. The moment the familiar taste hit her tongue, memories from her previous life surged forward, and she couldn’t stop the tears from welling up. Her nose stung, and tears streamed down her face.
In the seventeen years since her rebirth, she had tasted countless delicacies, but in her heart, Hazel’s meatball soup was still the best- simple yet comforting, carrying a taste that felt like home.
Now, tasting that same flavor again, she couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down her face. Her tears dripped into the bowl as she ate, each bite carrying a bittersweet taste, a blend of nostalgia and gratitude.
Irene chuckled. “Look at you. You must be starving. Slow down, or you’ll choke.”
Camila finished the meatball soup in no time. Sniffling, she turned to Irene and asked, “Mom, who made this meatball soup? It’s incredible!”
Irene pulled a napkin from the table and gently wiped the tears from the corners of Camila’s eyes. “I told you to eat slower. Look, you’ve made yourself cry.”
“Mom, Camila hesitated before pressing again, “Please, just tell me who made it. It was so delicious.”
Irene smiled. “I thought her cooking was excellent too, so I decided to keep her here.” With that, she called toward the kitchen, “Hazel, come out for a moment.”
The next second, a face Camila knew all too well appeared before her. The moment she saw Hazel, Camila could no longer contain her emotions. She ran over and hugged her tightly. “Hazel.”
Hazel stood frozen in place, her eyes filled with confusion.
Irene was equally surprised. “Camila, what’s gotten into you?”
Camila forced herself to calm down, suppressing the storm of emotions in her chest. “Mom, I just really love Hazel’s meatball soup. I got a little carried away”
“Ma. Stuard, if you like it. I’ll make it for you anytime,” Hazel said sincerely.
Camila nodded emphatically, her eyes never leaving Hazel. But in the next moment, her thoughts turned to Belinda.
At first, she thought Belinda was here to cause trouble again. But now, she realized she might have misunderstood. Belinda must have brought Hazel here, knowing how much she meant to her.
For once, Belinda had done something that truly pleased her. Letting go of Hazel. Camila smiled and asked, “Hazel, do you know how to make ravioly? One bowl of meatball soup wasn’t enough for me
Hazel nodded enthusiastically. “Of course Just wait a moment, and I’ll make some for you right away.” With that, she happily headed back to the kitchen.
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Camila, meanwhile, walked toward the door. But when she stepped outside, Belinda was nowhere to be seen. She stood there, lost in thought.
“Hazel was sent here by Belinda,” Irene said as she walked up behind Camila, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. “She mentioned that Hazel is very caring and will look after you we
She paused for a moment before continuing, “I used to hold some resentment toward Belinda, but over the years, she’s changed a lot. Camila, if you could just-”
Before she could finish, Camila spun around and threw her arms and that’s never going to change.”
round her. “Mom, I don’t want to. You’re the only mom I’ll ever have,
Irene was so moved that she nearly burst into tears. She had always feared that Belinda might take Camila away from her, and hearing Camila’s heartfelt declaration now filled her with immense relief.
Even though she knew it was wrong to hold onto someone else’s daughter, she couldn’t help but want to be selfish. Camila was her daughter–always had been, always would be. She took a deep breath, enjoying the light floral scent that lingered on Camila.
When Camila was little, she smelled like milk, and Irene wanted to keep her close at all times. Now, the milky scent was gone, replaced by a light floral sweetness that was just as lovely. Her heart swelled with emotion.
Madam, Miss, dishes are ready,” Hazel called out.
“Alright, you haven’t eaten enough yet. Come, let’s eat,” Irene said, pulling Camila to the dining table.
Camila picked up her spoon, ready to eat, but suddenly paused. “Mom, where are Dad and Joseph?”
“They’re still at the company. Our company is working on a self–developed holographic gaming headset, but they haven’t found a spokesperson yet. Today, they are at the office discussing potential candidates.”
The release of the holographic headset had caused a global sensation. Now, every A–list celebrity in Laystoland was vying for the endorsement. Becoming the face of the gaming headset would mean instant worldwide fame.
Camila nodded thoughtfully. “Dad and Joseph haven’t eaten yet, have they?”
“No, they’ve been so busy lately that they don’t even have time to eat.”
Camila bit her lip and turned to Hazel. “Do we have any ravioli left?”
“Yes, we do,” Hazel replied.
“Great. Could you pack some for me? I’ll take it to Dad and Joseph.” In her previous life, she’d worried about Harry skipping meals and hurting his stomach, but he’d never appreciated her efforts, even calling her embarrassing.
This time, she had a family who truly loved her. She wanted to give them all her care like she’d done to Harry. Camila scarfed down her meal, grabbed the food container, and hopped on her moped.
“Sweetheart, take care on the way.”
“Don’t worry, Mom.”
At Stuard Group, Camila walked in carrying a thermal container.
The receptionist stopped her. “Excuse me, who are you here to see?”
Camila smiled politely, “I’m here to see Chairman Stuard and Mr. Stuard.”
Tm sorry, but both the chairman and the CEO are very busy right now. If you don’t have an appointment, I’m afraid you can’t go in,” the receptionist said apologetically.
Camila lifted the thermal container slightly. “I brought lunch for my dad and brother.”
The receptionist froze. She scrutinized Camila carefully, her eyes widening in realization. She found Camila looked so familiar at first glance, though she couldn’t place her right away.
With Camila’s reminder, the receptionist finally remembered where she’d seen her before. This was the youngest genius scientist in
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Chapter 226
Laystoland, Harrison’s daughter. The cutting–edge holographic gaming helmets were all thanks to Camila, the genius of the Stuard family.
The receptionist was overwhelmed with excitement. “Are you Ms. Stuard?”
Camila quickly raised a finger to her lips. “Can I go in now?”
The receptionist nodded furiously, her lips sealed tight.
Camila gave her a gentle smile. “Thank you.”
‘Ms. Stuard is so beautiful and kind! Talented, rich, and humble–she’s amazing!‘ thought the receptionist.
Camila stepped into the elevator.
The receptionist hurriedly called Joseph’s assistant. “Ms. Stuard is here at the company to deliver lunch to the chairman and the CEO.”
The assistant, hearing this, glanced at Harrison and Joseph, who were in the middle of an interview. After a moment of hesitation, he walked over and whispered into Joseph’s ear, “Mr. Stuard, Ms. Stuard is here to deliver lunch to you.”
The moment Joseph heard this, his usually stern face softened to the point where it seemed like water might drip from it. He shot to his feet, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.
The celebrities being interviewed all looked at the famously cold and unapproachable CEO in confusion, wondering what could have
caused such a dramatic reaction.
Harrison frowned and glanced at him.
Joseph leaned over and whispered, “Dad, Camila is here to deliver lunch. She’s waiting in your office right now.”
Harrison’s expression shifted instantly. Nothing was more important than Camila. He always knew she was the most thoughtful and considerate. This was the first time Camila had ever come to the company to deliver food, and he couldn’t let her wait.
He shot to his feet as well. “The interview is paused!” he declared, leaving without a backward glance.
The people left behind exchanged bewildered looks.
“What just happened?”
“No idea. It seems like something big just came up.”
“Ugh, this is so frustrating. It was finally my turn, and now both the chairman and the CEO are gone.”
In the chairman’s office, Camila had just set down the thermal container when Harrison and Joseph arrived.
“My precious girl, what brings you here?” Harrison asked warmly.
“I was worried that you might not have eaten, so I came to bring you lunch, Camila explained.
Hearing this, Harrison was nearly moved to tears. “My baby girl is the best! Always so thoughtful. Unlike your brother–he’d probably let me starve to death without batting an eye!”
Joseph rolled his eyes. “Seriously, Dad? You’re one to talk. When have you ever brought me lunch?”
Tm
his f
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