Chapter 168
Cameron snapped, “Nathan, she’s my wife…”
“Ex–wife, actually,” Nathalie corrected him with a cool edge.
Cameron chuckled. “So you’re finally owning up to being Nellie?”
Nathalie turned to Nathan with a calm but firm voice. “Nathan, I’ve got a few things to say
to him too.”
Nathan, looking none too pleased, grudgingly backed off a bit, giving them space.
As they faced each other, Cameron’s face was stormy as he demanded, “Nellie, why are you going against me?”
Nathalie couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, more out of frustration than humor. “Business is all about who’s got the skills. You don’t seem to handle losing well. Where’s your class?”
Cameron tried to soften his tone. “Nel, this project is crucial for me. Let me take it, and I’ll pay you handsomely. What do you say?”
Nathalie raised an eyebrow, pretending to clear her ear as if she misheard. “So, you want to buy my project out just like that?”
Cameron’s expression turned awkward–he hadn’t meant for it to be a fair trade, just a quick payoff.
Cameron hesitated before offering, “One hundred grand.”
Nathalie burst into laughter, tears almost spilling from her eyes. “Are you serious? Do you think I’m a charity case?”
Cameron tried to reason. “Nellie, one hundred thousand isn’t chump change. Don’t let Mason’s compliments make you lose your direction. Your work can’t possibly top Greta’s.” Nathalie shot back. “Do I need to remind you, Cameron, that I beat Greta at the Milan Fashion Contest? While she’s been off having an affair with you, has she even been keeping up with her work?”
“I’ve been putting in the effort, honing my skills. My achievements aren’t something someone like Greta can match. Mentioning her in the same breath as me is an insult.”
Cameron had a moment of clarity. Right, the Milan Fashion Contest, where Nellie had triumphed over Greta. How could he have forgotten about that?
He realized his earlier accusations against Mason were childish, and the stark difference in talent between Nellie and Greta hit him hard.
1/2
10.02
Now realizing the truth, Cameron admitted, “I underestimated you.”
Swallowing his pride, he quickly said, “Nellie, name your price. I’m ready to pay big for your work.”
Nathalie touched her finger to her bold red lips, “Cameron, you can’t afford my work. And don’t call me Nellie anymore. The day we split, Nellie was gone.”
“From now on, there’s no more sweet, naive Nellie–only Nathalie, who lives for herself.”
Cameron felt a wave of irritation. “Nellie, changing your name doesn’t erase our past.”
His stubbornness irritates Nathalie, who stepped forward and stamped down hard on his foot with her high heel. Then she turned on her heel and strutted away, leaving him clutching his foot and looking pale from the pain.
Greta rushed out just in time to catch the scene, running over to side with Cameron. “Nel, how could you do that to Cameron? You owe him an apology.”
“Are you out of your mind?” Nathalie retorted, giving Greta a push that sent her sprawling.
Cameron hurried over to help Greta up, his temper flaring as he raised his fist, ready to
confront Nathalie.
