Camilla remained at the pavilion for the better part of the morning. After spending some quality time with Uriel, she decided it was time to be productive.
She walked into her private studio, where sheets of premium sketch paper and colored pencils lay neatly arranged across the drafting table. Sitting down, she immersed herself in designing her upcoming summer collection.
An hour later, Charlie entered the study carrying an iPad.
"Miss Camilla," he announced, "we currently have twelve brands requesting to sign you as their ambassador."
Camilla accepted the tablet and carefully reviewed the proposals.
Without much hesitation, she shortlisted only three.
The first was an internationally renowned perfume company based in the Middle East. The second was a prestigious construction conglomerate. The third was a rapidly expanding technology company.
She handed the iPad back to Charlie.
"Politely decline the remaining offers," she instructed. "Tell them my schedule is currently full. As for these three, arrange meetings. I want to hear what each of them has to offer."
"Understood, Miss Camilla."
Charlie immediately began sending replies.
Across the city…
Manuel sat quietly in his office, rereading the letter his father had sent.
His expression remained unreadable.
Years ago, he had never dreamed of becoming the CEO of an architecture and design empire.
His world had been entirely different.
He preferred operating in the shadows, where strategy, influence, and absolute control mattered more than board meetings and shareholder reports.
But his father had forced him into the position.
Reluctantly, Manuel had traded the throne of an underground empire for the polished office of the CEO of the Mersace Corporation.
Every single day since then, he had dreamed of walking away.
Returning to the life that had once belonged to him.
Unfortunately, there was only one obstacle.
His father.
As long as Chairman Mersace remained alive, Manuel would never be free.
Yet the contents of the letter ignited a spark of hope he had not felt in years.
He immediately pressed the intercom.
"Ernest."
Within seconds, Ernest entered.
"Yes, sir?"
"Cancel every meeting on today's schedule until further notice."
"At once, sir."
Without another word, Manuel picked up his coat and left the office.
Meanwhile, Camilla was already dressed for her meeting with the managing director of the construction company.
She wore a cream-colored tailored pantsuit that perfectly complemented her composed personality.
A luxury handbag rested elegantly on her arm, adding a subtle touch of sophistication.
As she approached the waiting SUV, Darian stepped forward to open the rear door.
Before he could, another figure appeared.
Manuel.
Dressed in his usual impeccably tailored black suit and polished leather shoes, he stood directly in front of the open door.
"What do you want?" Camilla asked calmly as she settled into the vehicle.
"Can we talk?" Manuel asked quietly.
Camilla glanced at the time on her wristwatch before looking back at him.
"No."
Her answer was immediate.
"I have a meeting to attend."
She looked at Darian.
"Drive."
The door closed softly.
Seconds later, the black SUV rolled away from the compound.
Manuel remained standing where he was, silently watching the vehicle disappear down the road.
For the first time in a long while…
Someone had simply walked away from him.
Less than thirty minutes later, Camilla arrived at the headquarters of the construction firm.
She was escorted into an executive conference room.
Around a large mahogany table sat several executives.
Eleven men.
One woman.
Each greeted her with warm smiles that somehow felt rehearsed.
"We meet again."
The familiar voice made Camilla pause.
One of the men slowly turned his chair to face her.
"Kendrick?"
Her surprise was impossible to hide.
He rose from his seat with an amused smile.
"I'm Kendrick," he said, extending a hand. "Managing Director of Blackstone Construction."
Camilla shook his hand politely, but countless questions flooded her mind.
None of this made sense.
A managing director, regardless of how successful, should not possess the kind of wealth Kendrick casually displayed.
Nor should he have spoken to Manuel with such fearless confidence.
Something was missing.
Something important.
Maintaining her composure, Camilla discreetly unlocked her phone beneath the table and sent Charlie a brief message.
Find everything you can on Kendrick. Every company, every asset, every connection. I want a complete background check.
She slipped the phone back into her handbag before offering Kendrick a professional smile.
"I'm looking forward to hearing your proposal."
Kendrick smiled in return.
"Oh, Miss Pierce…"
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.
"I have a feeling this meeting is going to change both of our lives."