Chapter 31: A Brewing Storm
by SlivvoHailey clenched her fists.
She needed answers.
Why had Jordan kneeled for Victoria and not her?
Why had Victoria taken him away from her?
Her jealousy boiled over, and she turned toward her grandmother.
“I’m going to—”
“Enough.”
Old Mrs. Camden’s sharp glare silenced her.
The matriarch wasn’t happy. She expected better from Hailey.
Turning to Herman, she commanded, “Call Victoria Clarke. I want to speak to her personally.”
Herman nodded quickly and dialed Victoria’s number.
The Call with Victoria
Victoria answered on the third ring.
Though furious, Old Mrs. Camden’s tone was calm and authoritative. Years of experience had taught her how to control her emotions in business matters.
“Miss Clarke, I heard Jordan came to your office and became your bodyguard.”
Her voice was light, but the weight of her words was heavy.
“Had I known you liked him, I would have given him to you months ago.”
“But let’s not forget—yesterday, you vowed to stand with the Camdens and cut off all of Jordan’s opportunities. And today? You’ve gone back on your word. Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?”
There was a brief pause before Victoria replied.
“Things aren’t what you think, but I do owe you an apology. I failed to fulfill my promise. For that, I’m sorry.”
Hearing Victoria’s sincere apology, Old Mrs. Camden’s expression softened.
“No need to apologize. We’re as close as family. If you want that man, take him. He was just a live-in son-in-law anyway. Consider it a gift from the Camdens to you.”
Before Victoria could reply, Hailey erupted.
“No! She can’t have him!”
Her voice was sharp, laced with jealousy.
Old Mrs. Camden’s eyes flared in anger.
She quickly covered the phone’s microphone, blocking Victoria from hearing Hailey’s outburst.
Seeing the matriarch’s growing fury, Sylvie clamped a hand over Hailey’s mouth before she could make things worse.
Old Mrs. Camden continued, her voice sweet again, “Let’s put Jordan’s matter aside. But Miss Clarke, you did promise an $11 million investment in our project. I trust you’re not breaking your word again?”
Victoria hesitated, then answered, “I’ve spoken to Mr. Steele. He was impressed with your proposal. He likes it but wants to learn more before committing.”
Old Mrs. Camden perked up at that.
“He read our proposal? He likes it?”
Her voice rose with excitement.
The entire Camden family perked up, exchanging hopeful glances.
Old Mrs. Camden declared, “If he wants to know more, that’s simple! I’ll send Herman to meet with Mr. Steele personally!”
Victoria replied smoothly, “I’ll arrange a meeting.”
The moment the call ended, Old Mrs. Camden grinned widely.
The deep wrinkles on her face stretched as she turned to Herman.
“Mr. Steele has read our proposal. Get ready. Victoria will arrange a meeting at any time. You must perform well and make sure you don’t mess this up!”
Herman, grinning ear to ear, pumped his fists.
“Rest assured, Mother! I’ll butter him up and make sure he agrees. Our project will be unbeatable!”
The Camdens’ Scheme Against Jordan
Benedict, however, raised an eyebrow. “Now that Jordan is working under Victoria, are we just dropping the matter about him stealing from us?”
Old Mrs. Camden’s smile faded.
Her voice turned cold.
“Why forgo it? Keep investigating. Get me solid evidence. Once we have it, we can handle him however we want—punish him under family rules or even put him behind bars. If needed, we can use it as leverage to gain favor with Victoria.”
Drew stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with malice.
“Grandma, I already found out that Jordan sold the watch to a gangster.”
Old Mrs. Camden nodded in satisfaction.
“Good. Get me the evidence.”
Her eyes gleamed with cruelty.
“Jordan is nothing but Victoria’s lapdog now. Even if we take him down, she won’t do a thing to stop us.”
She then turned to Hailey and her parents, her expression shifting to pure disdain.
“Herman has secured a business deal with Mr. Steele. Drew has gathered evidence against Jordan. And what about you three?”
Her gaze bore into them, filled with disgust.
“What have you done for this family?”
Her eyes narrowed at Hailey.
“You couldn’t even control your own husband. You let your pretty face go to waste. That face should have belonged to Elle instead.”
Her words were cruel and cut deep.
Hailey’s pride shattered.
Hailey’s Breaking Point
Red-faced with anger and humiliation, Hailey stormed out of the room.
“Hailey, where are you going!?”
Tyler ran after her, but by the time he reached the driveway, Hailey was already speeding off in her Audi.
Her grip tightened on the wheel, her knuckles white.
Jordan Steele, you bastard! You’ve humiliated our family for the last time!
Her foot slammed down on the accelerator.
The Confrontation Begins
Hailey’s Audi screeched into the underground parking lot of Ace Corporation.
Her heart pounded with rage as she pulled out her phone and called Ashley, Victoria’s secretary.
“Where are Jordan and Victoria?”
Ashley, taken aback, hesitated before replying.
“They just left the office. They’re on their way to the parking lot. Miss Camden, why—”
Click.
Hailey hung up immediately.
Throwing her phone onto the passenger seat, she climbed out of her car, her eyes scanning the parking lot.
And then—she saw them.
Jordan and Victoria.
They were walking side by side, talking and laughing as they strolled toward a sleek red Porsche Panamera.
Hailey’s fingernails dug into her palm.
Victoria was smiling at him.
Jordan looked relaxed, amused.
It was too much.
They looked like a couple.
And in that moment, Hailey snapped.
This was war.
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