With the older relatives deep in conversation, Sarah Brown, Walter Wilson, and the others finally seized their chance to squeeze up beside Camila Davis.
Sarah was in high spirits, practically beaming as she clapped Camila on the shoulder. “Come on, spill it! When did you get to know all these big shots? I can’t believe you kept this from me!”
Walter leaned in, muttering under his breath, “You kept calling him ‘Commander’ before, but I had no idea your boss was someone this important.”
He’d figured Mr. Parsons was just another acquaintance from Harrisburg, nothing special.
Then Audrey chimed in, her face full of surprise. “And Mrs. Molly—she really adores you! Camila, you’re incredible. So many people have tried to get close to her, but none of them ever stood a chance.”
Audrey’s eyes held a new gleam of admiration as she looked at Camila.
All the praise made Camila a little embarrassed. She rubbed her nose, trying to deflect the attention. “Honestly, I can’t take all the credit. I’m not that impressive. Meeting Mrs. Molly was really thanks to my mentor, and as for Mr. Parsons, that introduction was all Dennis’s doing…”
She gave a quick rundown of how everything came about.
Walter stayed quiet, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on Dennis Williams. So this is what he wanted me to see? He had to admit, Dennis had handled things with real finesse.
Dennis respected Camila—he didn’t just swoop in with the Williams family’s influence to shelter her. Instead, whenever people looked down on her, he’d lift her up, making sure everyone else had to look up to her. With that, Camila wouldn’t have to bow or scrape to anyone in Cabinda again.
Walter asked himself honestly: if it were him, could he have done any better for her? Probably not. That thought brought a twinge of disappointment, but soon enough, the feeling turned into comfort. At least this time, she’d found someone who could truly protect her—someone who cherished and cared for her, not just in words but deep down.
Still, Walter couldn’t help but feel a little unwilling to let go. After all, he’d cared about her for years, quietly nursing those feelings, and it wasn’t so easy to just set them aside. But he’d never confessed before, and now was hardly the time. All he could do was swallow it down and savor the bitterness on his own.
Sarah, oblivious to his inner turmoil, was giddy with satisfaction. “Lavinia Roberts got exactly what she deserved tonight! She only has herself to blame. Maybe next time she’ll think twice before picking on others!”
Jarvis Peters swirled his wine glass with a low whistle. “Honestly, I’m amazed. The Roberts family kept those skeletons locked tight, but Mr. Williams dug up everything! That’s some serious skill.”
After a round of friendly conversation, everyone felt more at ease. The sons and daughters of the elite circles finally realized that Camila Davis was genuinely easy to get along with. She radiated a quiet confidence and charm—nothing like the rumors swirling outside. Her conversation was lively and engaging, and she was clearly well-versed in her field. In contrast to the spoiled, idle rich kids, Camila’s knowledge and poise won her genuine admiration.
Cynthia Lee watched from across the room, jealousy simmering beneath her calm exterior. How could all these people be so friendly with Camila—and even lower themselves to approach her?
Natalie frowned, unable to hide her own envy. “That woman must be thrilled right now,” she muttered. “I’ve been in this circle for years and never got this kind of treatment.”
Cynthia clenched her teeth, frustration plain in her voice. “Let’s go over there.”
“Huh?” Natalie stared at her, startled. “What are you thinking? Did you see what happened to Lavinia Roberts? Don’t do anything reckless!”
Cynthia scoffed. “Relax. I’m not about to make a scene like her. I just want to invite Dennis for the opening dance. That’s all.”

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