Chapter 546
Chapter 546
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Austin had been swamped lately, but
tode
he finally had a break. The moment he got off work, he went straight to find Cameron.
She gave him a polite nod. “Yeah, it’s been a while.”
It was the second day of her period, and her stomach still ached with that heavy, dragging discomfort. She’d thought that after seeing Lance off, she could finally rest. But now Austin had shown up.
Still, she was polite–she opened the door and let him in.
The moment Austin stepped inside, he spotted Lance.
Tall, sharp–featured, and cool in demeanor, Lance gave off an effortlessly intimidating presence. As Austin sized him up, Lance returned the favor.
He could still manage a smile when speaking to Cameron. But to Austin, he showed nothing but his default expression–cold and unreadable.
He gave Austin a single glance before turning to the door. “I’m heading out,” he said to Cameron.
She nodded once. “Okay.”
He left.
Cameron closed the door behind him.
Austin turned back, still curious. “Cam, who was that? You two look almost identical.”
“He’s my brother,” she said.
Austin blinked. “Wait–you found your biological family?”
She nodded again. “Yeah.”
Austin’s face lit up. “Cam, that’s incredible. I’m really happy for you.”
“Thanks.”
But her tone wasn’t particularly joyful.
Something in her expression made him pause. She didn’t look… thrilled. Just quiet.
“I’m gonna use the restroom real quick,” Cameron said. “Make yourself comfortable.”
“Of course,” Austin said. “Take your time.”
Before she left the living room, she picked up the envelope from the coffee table and took it with her.
Once in her room, she used the restroom. But as she walked out, she found herself reaching for the second envelope sitting on her nightstand.
She opened it.
Inside was a letter, Jacqueline’s handwriting.
[Cam, If you’re reading this, I hope this letter finds you well. I’m your mother. I’ve been a terribly absent one—because until last night, I didn’t even know you were alive.]
[I’m sorry. I failed to protect you all those years ago. I wasn’t strong enough to stop them. That’s how you were taken from me, how we were separated for eighteen years.]
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Chapter 546
[Lance told me what you’ve been through. I know you’ve suffered. That thought breaks my heart. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. It was my weakness that allowed so much harm to come your way.]
[Cam, I know you’re not ready to come to Yates Manor. That’s okay. We’re not here to pressure you. We just want you to be healthy, and safe. And I want you to always remember–Yates Manor is your home. You are always welcome there.]
[Lance told me you got a perfect score on your SATS. Cam, you’re amazing. I’m so proud of you. I’ll be waiting–no matter how long it takes–for the day we can finally meet, truly meet. With all my love, Mom]
Cameron read the letter in silence, her expression unreadable,
Mom.
It was a word she’d once longed to say–to Heidi, to anyone. She’d begged for a scrap of affection, but all she’d ever gotten was empty, calculated
warmth.
Yet this thin piece of paper, written by someone she’d never even met, somehow carried a weight of genuine care.
.’Could someone truly care this much for me just because of a DNA report?‘
Her once–steadfast decision not to reconnect… wavered, just slightly.
She opened the second letter. This one was from Levi.
[Cam, I’m your father. I’m sorry I failed to protect you. I let someone take you from us, and I won’t forgive myself for that. But you don’t have to worry now. I promise–I’ll make sure those two pay for what they did to you.]
[I want you to come home. To Yates Manor. Whatever you missed, whatever you lost—I’ll give it all back. Dad]
The handwriting was bold, almost severe, the words direct and clipped.
But Cameron could feel the weight behind each one.
These past few months, she’d felt genuine care from the people around her–her friends in Room 316.
But friendship and family weren’t the same. Not even close.
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