Chapter 3: The Web of Lies

The morning sun bathed the mountain villa in a golden glow. It was a grand day for the Camden family—Old Mrs. Camden’s 80th birthday.

The family had rented out the most prestigious hotel in Orlando for the occasion, but before heading there, everyone gathered at the villa for a pre-celebration.

“Happy birthday, Grandma!”

“Mom, I wish you longevity and health! May you live to be 200!”

The Camden estate buzzed with excitement as relatives vied for the elderly matriarch’s favor.

Seated in an ornate mahogany chair, Old Mrs. Camden surveyed the gifts from her children and grandchildren, a small poodle curled in her lap.

Her two sons—Herman and Benedict Camden—stood beside her, each hoping to secure a larger slice of the family fortune, worth over $100 million. Their children—Hailey, Drew, and Elle—chimed in, eager to outshine one another.

But then—a foul smell disrupted the moment.

Old Mrs. Camden glanced down and frowned. The poodle had relieved itself on the expensive rug.

Her expression darkened. “Where is that good-for-nothing son-in-law?”

Jordan had been tasked with cleaning up after the dog for three years. It was expected of him.

Herman scanned the room. “Strange… I don’t see him.”

Old Mrs. Camden’s eyes blazed. “What? On my birthday? How dare he not show up?” She turned to Hailey. “Where is he?”

Hailey hesitated before responding, “He… might be at work.”

“Work?” Elle sneered. “Delivering takeout? Hah! That’s hilarious.”

Drew laughed along. “He’s a disgrace to our family. I saw him once while I was driving my Maserati, but I didn’t dare tell my friends we were related!”

Old Mrs. Camden’s anger erupted. “Bring him here! He has no respect for our family!”

Hailey bit her lip, then took a deep breath.

“Grandma… Jordan and I are getting a divorce.”

The room fell silent.

“Divorce?” Old Mrs. Camden’s voice trembled with fury. “Who gave you permission? Your grandfather arranged this marriage! You cannot break it!”

Panicked, Hailey fell to her knees, tears spilling down her face.

“Grandma, I would never disobey Grandpa’s wishes, but Jordan… he’s been unfaithful to me!”

Gasps filled the room.

The elderly matriarch staggered, and Herman rushed to support her.

“That beast!” she spat. “We gave him a luxury apartment and an expensive car, yet he betrayed you? How dare he?”

Hailey’s tears were fake, but her act was flawless. She had twisted the truth, knowing everyone would believe her.

Had Jordan not caught her in the hotel himself, even he might have still believed in her innocence.

As expected, her parents reacted with outrage, cursing Jordan’s name.

Meanwhile, Herman’s children, Elle and Drew, saw an opportunity to stir trouble.

Elle smirked. “Hailey, aren’t you Orlando’s most beautiful woman? Why would Jordan stray?”

Drew laughed. “Honestly, you brought this on yourself. You never let him touch you for three years. What man wouldn’t look elsewhere?”

Hailey’s mother, Sylvie, cut in sharply.

“Nonsense! Hailey’s status is far above Jordan’s! Why should she sully herself with a mere deliveryman?”

Drew scoffed. “Oh, so you were saving her? Hoping to dump Jordan and marry her off to someone wealthier later?”

Sylvie’s face flushed with anger. “You—”

“Enough!” Old Mrs. Camden’s voice boomed. “I don’t care about the circumstances. A man who disrespects this family must be punished!”

Her glare turned ice-cold.

“Find Jordan. Bring him here. He will answer to the Camden family.”