Chapter 4: Betrayal and Retribution

Old Mrs. Camden sat on her mahogany throne, her wrinkled hands stroking her poodle as she issued her decree.

“Punish him according to the family rules!”

The Camden family had long-standing traditions—those who defied them faced harsh consequences. The mildest was a board beating, leaving one unable to walk for days. The severest? A broken finger.

Without hesitation, Hailey dialed Jordan’s number.

The phone rang once before his voice answered, calm and uninterested.

“What’s the matter?”

“Grandma wants you to come over.”

Click.

Jordan hung up immediately.

Hailey stared at the screen in shock. He had never defied her before.

“He’s not coming,” she muttered.

The room fell silent.

Old Mrs. Camden’s face darkened. “What?”

Sylvie, ever the peacemaker, forced a smile. “Mom, it’s your 80th birthday. Let’s just enjoy the celebration and ignore that good-for-nothing.”

But the matriarch’s pride wouldn’t allow it.

“If he’s taken anything from this family, he must obey. Whether he’s a man or a dog, he belongs to us.”

Her gaze turned to Drew, who cracked his knuckles eagerly.

“Go get him.”

Drew grinned. “With pleasure.”

As he left, Old Mrs. Camden’s mood lightened. She sat back down, exhaling deeply.

“Now, back to business.”

The family straightened up, sensing the shift in conversation.

“There’s a new chairman at Ace Corporation,” she announced. “Nobody knows his name, but we need to secure a $70 million deal with him. Whoever earns his favor will be handsomely rewarded.”

Opportunity. Power. Inheritance.

Herman and Benedict immediately began vying for the chance.

“Mother, leave it to me,” Benedict insisted.

Herman scoffed. “You? I’ve always handled financing. Drew and I will take care of it.”

Old Mrs. Camden smirked, pleased by their ambition.

“It’s my 80th birthday. Many powerful people will be attending. Find out who he is—the first one to do so will handle the deal.”

“Yes, Mother!” they chorused.

---

The Summons

Drew sped down the highway in his Maserati, a cigarette hanging from his lips as he dialed Jordan’s number.

The call connected.

“What’s the matter?” Jordan’s voice was neutral, almost bored.

Drew grinned.

“Haha, Jordan! Hailey told us everything. I can’t believe you actually had the guts to do that!”

Jordan frowned. “She… told you?”

“Oh yeah,” Drew laughed. “She was sobbing. But honestly, I don’t blame you. What was she saving herself for? She’s just a pretty face. Not even as good as Elle.”

Jordan sighed, thinking Hailey had cried out of guilt.

“Let bygones be bygones.”

Drew’s tone shifted.

“Where are you? Let’s talk.”

Jordan hesitated. “Green Park Residential.”

“I’m on my way.”

Minutes later, Drew pulled up just as Jordan exited the estate on his motorcycle.

Without stepping out, he rolled down the window.

“Get in. Grandma wants to see you.”

Jordan hesitated. He assumed Old Mrs. Camden wanted to plead for Hailey—to convince him to stay.

His voice hardened.

“Even if your grandmother begs, it’s pointless. I’m divorcing her.”

Drew burst into laughter.

“Beg? You idiot. She wants to punish you!”

Jordan stiffened.

“Punish me? For what?”

Drew’s eyes gleamed.

“You cheated on Hailey, and now you have the audacity to act innocent?”

Jordan’s mind reeled.

Cheated?

Had Hailey really flipped the story?

The woman who had betrayed him was now painting herself as the victim?

Drew’s voice was cold.

“I won’t lie—I love seeing Hailey suffer. But she’s still a Camden. You humiliated her, and that means you deserve to die.”

Jordan clenched his fists.

Hailey… you’ve gone too far.