Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 336

“What about back at the hotel? Did you notice anything off that night?” Camilla pressed. “The man in that room…”

“I really don’t know,” Lean replied, voice low. “I was so freaked out I barely noticed anything around me. I just left as fast as I could. When I came back later, your room was empty, and I ran right into Barnard. He assumed it was me.

“After I got the money from Barnard, I got scared he’d figure things out and come after me for it. So, I made up some excuse and went to check the hotel’s security footage, but the staff said the cameras were out of order that day.”

Security footage malfunctioned. That explained why even Barnard had gotten the wrong idea for years. Still, it all felt just a little too convenient.

Camilla’s thoughts twisted in her chest, questions stacking up faster than answers. For now, she had gotten all she could from Lean. “I won’t press charges against you,” she said, “but if I ever decide to sue Barnard for marriage fraud, I want you to testify for me.

“As for today, pretend I was never here. If Barnard tries to pull you into anything else, just let me know. I promise, when this is all over, I’ll help you and your parents go home.”

The moment Lean chose to come clean, he had tied his fate to Camilla’s. At this point, he could only agree, looking almost relieved, as if confessing had taken some heavy weight off his shoulders.

As Camilla walked out of the cramped city neighborhood, her phone buzzed. It was the hospital. The paternity results were ready. There was no doubt—Jasper wasn’t Lean’s son.

Knowing the truth didn’t ease her worries. If anything, it left her even more lost. Before, at least she had leads on who Jasper’s father might be. Now it felt like searching for a face in a crowd, no clue where to begin. Worse, there was a lingering sense that whatever she was chasing, it could be risky.

When Camilla got back to Laguna Shores, her mind was still spinning. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something big was coming, something even she didn’t see yet.

Lean’s contact info was saved on her phone now, his profile picture just sitting there, quiet. Any minute, he could send a message, maybe news about Barnard. The waiting left her unsettled.

Jasper was out with Elaine for the day. The house should’ve been unusually peaceful, but instead, there was a surprise guest.

Sarah, whose words usually flowed so easily, hesitated before answering. “Tessa always handles my birthday parties. Don’t worry, though. If you come, it’ll be as my friend. Tessa cares about me more than anyone. She won’t give you a hard time again. Plus, she usually just shows up, says hi and leaves. She doesn’t stick around long.”

The more Sarah tried to explain, the more Camilla felt something was off. She decided not to play along. “Sarah, I remember you saying you don’t have many friends here. You and Lance don’t seem all that close, and you hardly know his friends. Yet here you are, inviting me as if you’re in his inner circle. Are you sure there isn’t something else you’re after?”

Sarah’s face fell a little. “Camilla, that was ages ago. Do you really still not trust me? We’re all in the same social circle. Even if we’re not especially close, everyone who knows Lance gets invited. I just wanted you to see what his world is like, that’s all. Isn’t it a little cold to think otherwise?” She tried to sound wounded.

But Camilla didn’t feel a trace of sympathy this time. Sarah’s friendliness always felt just a bit too rehearsed.

“Lance will tell me about his life,” Camilla said calmly. “He’ll introduce me to his friends if he wants me to meet them. As for your birthday party, if he wants us there, he’ll say so himself. So whatever you’re planning, please just leave me out of it.”

She had already learned her lesson once. It wasn’t happening again. Even if Sarah acted like she was being genuine, Camilla knew better. This time, she was listening to her instincts.