Chapter 12: The Lover’s Lie

The Camdens erupted in laughter after hearing Victoria’s declaration.

“Hahaha! Jordan, you useless fool! Not only can you never be a bodyguard, but you’ll have no future in Orlando at all!”

Drew laughed uncontrollably, his bruised face stretching into a grin.

Hailey, though somewhat sympathetic, still lifted her chin with pride.

‘This is your own fault, Jordan. You should have just endured everything I did to you.’

Yet, Jordan remained unfazed.

His gaze remained steady as he asked, “Miss Clarke, do your words just now represent you as an individual or the entire Ace Corporation?”

Victoria folded her arms, tilting her head. “Both.”

Jordan smirked. “You’re the deputy president, not the president. What gives you the right to speak for the entire corporation?”

Victoria’s expression froze momentarily.

Though she was a powerful figure, she wasn’t the highest authority in Ace Corporation. Jordan had caught her in a contradiction.

For a brief moment, Victoria hesitated.

Then, as if making a decision, she smirked and spoke confidently.

“Fine. Since you insist on knowing, I’ll tell you.”

She flashed a knowing look at the crowd before announcing—

“The new president of Ace Corporation, Mr. Steele… is my lover.”

Silence.

Then—

An uproar.

“WHAT? Miss Clarke and the mysterious Mr. Steele are in a relationship?!”

“No wonder he became president overnight!”

“They must be a perfect match. A man of power and a woman of beauty!”

Drew sneered, looking at Jordan.

“See, you idiot? They’re a couple. Of course, she can speak on his behalf!”

Jordan stood frozen, in utter disbelief.

‘Since when did I become your lover, Victoria?’

‘And you say it so confidently—right in front of me?!’

Meanwhile, the Camdens were ecstatic.

Herman rushed forward, beaming. “Miss Clarke! If only we had known sooner that Mr. Steele was your boyfriend, we wouldn’t have worried at all!”

Benedict eagerly added, “Yes! Miss Clarke, you must speak to Mr. Steele about our contract.”

To the Camdens, this confirmed their investment deal. With Victoria’s influence over the president, their $70 million funding was guaranteed.

Victoria smiled slyly, brushing back her hair.

“My boyfriend is very serious about work. He keeps business and personal matters separate.”

“So, let’s not discuss this further. It must remain a secret.”

Jordan nearly burst out laughing.

‘Now you’re making excuses because you know you just made that up?’

Victoria then turned to Jordan. “Well? Do you have anything else to say?”

Jordan forced back his laughter, his expression unreadable.

Instead, he tilted his head.

“I heard Mr. Steele isn’t just wealthy—he’s also extremely handsome. More attractive than celebrities. He’s a master in music, chess, literature, and art.”

His gaze flickered with amusement.

“Miss Clarke, I don’t mean to be rude, but I highly doubt a man like that would take a fancy to you.”

The room gasped.

Victoria’s eyes flashed coldly.

“Outstanding people attract each other,” she shot back.

Then, she smirked. “In fact, Mr. Steele fell in love with me at first sight.”

The crowd leaned in, intrigued.

Victoria savored the moment before delivering her final masterpiece of a lie.

“He even booked an entire island in Southeast Asia… and planned a grand ceremony to confess his love to me.”

The women in the room swooned in envy.

“That’s so romantic!”

“I want a man like that!”

Jordan, meanwhile, was utterly dumbfounded.

‘This woman is REALLY good at making things up.’

He simply smiled and shook his head.

“Miss Clarke, if you’re so close to Mr. Steele, then I have nothing else to say.”

Old Mrs. Camden beamed, nodding in gratitude. “Thank you, Miss Clarke, for doing our family this favor.”

Drew turned back to Jordan, his confidence overflowing.

“Hahaha! You have no future in Orlando, loser! Pack up and get out!”

Jordan ignored Drew completely, instead turning to Hailey.

“Let’s go to the lawyer’s office.”

Hailey smirked slightly, feeling victorious.

Now that high society had boycotted Jordan, he was finished. She wanted to cut ties immediately.

“Sure.”

But just as they turned to leave—

“Wait.”

Old Mrs. Camden’s voice cut through the air.

The room fell silent again.

She glanced at the grand clock on the wall. It was exactly noon.

She sighed deeply.

“The banquet has officially started. Eat something before you leave.”

Hailey nodded. “Yes, Grandma.”

Old Mrs. Camden was a woman of tradition. She wouldn’t allow anyone to leave during a meal—especially on her 80th birthday.

Drew, however, gritted his teeth and pointed toward the entrance.

“Jordan, get lost and wait outside! Hailey will go with you after she’s done eating.”

But to everyone’s surprise—

“Jordan can stay and eat with us.”

Old Mrs. Camden’s words stunned the room.

Drew’s jaw dropped. “Grandma, why?! He doesn’t deserve it!”

Even Jordan looked mildly surprised.

Old Mrs. Camden clasped her hands together, her expression unreadable.

“Until the divorce is finalized, he is still a member of the Camdens. And as such, I am obliged to feed him.”

The banquet had just begun.

And Jordan wasn’t leaving just yet.