Greta''s eyes softened with a hint of pity. "Nel, Cameron''s just been stringing you along. He''s been setting the stage for me to be at the banquet all along." Nellie''s fists clenched tightly beneath her sleeves.


    Greta''s sneer cut deeper. "He asked Mom toe and mess with you just to ease his guilty conscience by giving you a shot at the banquet. But..."


    She leaned in, whispering into Nellie''s ear. "He''s sure you hate these kinds of events, so that''s why he picked a cheap dress for you."


    Nellie smirked, "Guess I''ll show up in a bargain dress then. It''s not just me who''s gonna be embarrassed."


    Greta hadn''t seen thating, and her n backfired so spectacrly.


    However, her pride couldn''t stand the thought of Nellie, who she deemed beneath her, getting the upper hand. She forced a grin, her voice low, meant only for Nellie. "Nel, between us, Cameron''s always chosen me. Just watch. No matter how much you want to go, if I say no, Cameron will back me up."


    Nellie''s eyes danced with defiance. "Well, I''ll be waiting."


    Nellie bought the dress without bothering to try it on and sauntered out of the boutique with an air of indifference.


    Greta''s face turned a shade of envy when she overheard the shop assistant''s admiringment, "Rich folks'' wives have it so good. She just bought pricey dresses without a second thought."


    Jealousy roiled inside her. In a huff, she grabbed her phone and dialed Cameron. "Cameron, I want to be your date for tonight''s banquet."


    Cameron''s indulgent voice floated over, "Greta, don''t be silly. If you''re my date, you''ll end up drinking too much, and that''s not good for you... Let Nelliee with me instead."


    Greta was livid. "I''ll miss out on being with you just because of my fragile health. If I can''t go to the banquet, I might as well hit a bar and drink to my heart''s content..."


    "Greta, don''t joke about your health."


    "Cameron, you don''t get it. Today, Nell bragged about going with you, and I''m so jealous of her."N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    "Nellie?" Cameron''s voice crackled with irritation.


    "Then she shouldn''t go." His voice turned dark.


    Over at the Dawson house, Nellie tried on dress after dress, but the maid wasn''t much help with advice. "Everything looks stunning on you, Madam.


    "The red dress makes you look so alluring, the white one so gentle. You''re a natural beauty, and the


    e


    dresses just add to it. ent


    Suddenly, the living room door swung open, and Cameron''s decisive footsteps echoed as he climbed the stairs.


    Nellie stood before the full-length mirror, her heart instinctively tightening.


    "Nellie, you don''t need to go to the banquet tonight," Cameron announced, his voice clear. Nellie had anticipated this, but that didn''t stop the shiver from running down her spine. She turned to face him. "Cameron, I''ve already bought the dress."


    "Next time then," Cameron''s gaze lingered briefly, a sh of admiration crossing his eyes before he looked away, indifferent. Nellie''s face was a mix of emotions.


    Disappointment? It was more like a resigned eptance of reality. After all, in two lifetimes, she''d never bested Cameron, and any hope she''d once had long since faded.


    Still, the sting of being treated like a pawn painfully gnawed at her.


    "Why?" she finally asked, her voice tight with frustration.