Chapter 40: The Power Play

Jordan narrowed his eyes, watching Elle beam with excitement.

She really thought she had Mr. Steele in the palm of her hand.

“You’re sure that Mr. Steele gave that bracelet to impress you?” Jordan asked, his voice laced with amusement.

Elle flipped her hair, smirking. “Of course! Why else would he give it?”

Jordan chuckled to himself.

Oh, how blind she was.

Herman clapped his hands together. “This is excellent news! Mr. Steele has taken an interest in Elle! This could mean a major breakthrough for our family.”

Jordan’s patience wore thin.

He had just escaped the Camdens—only for them to plot another way to reel him back in.

Elle’s eyes sparkled as she clutched Jordan’s sleeve. “Where is Mr. Steele now? I must see him!”

Jordan shrugged. “He’s in a meeting… with a beautiful woman, actually. Dressed to impress. She’s been seducing him the entire time.”

Elle’s face darkened instantly.

“What?”

Jordan held back a laugh, watching her fury build.

“That shameless woman!” Elle huffed, her fists clenching. “I’ll go there and slap her right now!”

Herman yanked her back, whispering harshly.

“Do NOT embarrass us, Elle! You can’t just storm in there.”

Elle gritted her teeth, but she listened.

Jordan watched as they fumed in silence.

He had no intention of letting them anywhere near his office.

Moments later, Ashley arrived, expression unreadable.

“Mr. Camden, Miss Camden… Mr. Steele had an urgent matter and has already left the office.”

Elle and Herman froze.

“Left?” Herman asked, disbelief creeping into his voice. “When is he coming back?”

Ashley shrugged gracefully. “That’s unclear.”

Elle’s jaw clenched.

They had been waiting for over an hour, and Mr. Steele never even planned to see them?

Jordan hid his smirk and turned to leave.

Elle fumed silently, but she wasn’t giving up just yet.

---

False Hope

Back at the Camden villa, Herman gathered everyone together.

The moment Elle stepped inside, she announced triumphantly:

“Mr. Steele was the one who sent Grandma that $1.5 million bracelet!”

The room fell silent.

Then erupted into chaos.

Benedict gasped, his face in disbelief. “You’re sure?”

Elle smiled smugly. “Jordan himself confirmed it.”

Old Mrs. Camden grinned ear to ear, practically glowing.

“That explains everything!” she exclaimed. “I knew it was for Elle!”

Hailey stood stiffly, her nails digging into her palms.

She had been so sure…

For weeks, she had believed Jordan was the one who sent it.

But if Mr. Steele had been the one…

Then who had Jordan ever been trying to impress?

Elle flipped her hair, relishing in the moment.

“Grandma, I’m going back to the Ace Corporation this afternoon to see Mr. Steele. I’m going to secure our family’s future!”

Old Mrs. Camden beamed.

“Yes! Yes! My granddaughter is truly remarkable!”

Hailey’s stomach twisted.

Her own grandmother had never once praised her like that.

She clenched her fists.

Elle turned, her grin widening.

“Oh, Hailey,” she purred, “I assume you have nothing better to do today? You can drive me there.”

Hailey’s eyes blazed with jealousy and anger.

Her little cousin—who had once idolized her—was now treating her like a chauffeur?

Still, a twisted thought crossed her mind.

Maybe if she went… she could see Jordan again.

And maybe—just maybe—he wasn’t as over her as he pretended to be.