Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19 Front Desk Drama

Nathan was definitely going to blame her for this.

Luckily, the ride didn’t take long. Their car pulled into Pinnacle Group’s parking garage, and soon after, they were stepping into the elevator heading to the lobby.

At the front desk, Elena walked up with confidence. “Hi, I’m a journalist from Swiftline. I’m here for a scheduled interview with Mr. Kingsley.”

She handed over her press credentials. The receptionist scanned the system, then handed the ID back with a polite but firm smile.

I’m sorry. There’s no appointment under your name.”

She glanced at Camille.

Of course she remembered this woman–she’d just been turned away yesterday by Ryan himself. And now she thought changing faces might get her in?

Elena raised a brow. Maybe Ryan hadn’t passed her info along yet?

Behind her, Camille piped up, full of smug energy. “Elena, you’re not even getting past the lobby? I mean, I made it to the executive floor yesterday. Aren’t you close with Miss Kingsley?”

So much for being impressive. Total fake.

Elena didn’t even look at her. She calmly pulled out her phone and called Ryan. “Hi, Ryan. It’s Elena. I’m downstairs now… Got it, I’ll wait here.”

Ryan? Camille narrowed her eyes.

She remembered the guy from yesterday–young, polished, professional to a fault. That was Ryan Brooks, Alexander’s personal assistant. The man had been with him for years. At Pinnacle Group, his word might as well be the CEO’s.

Is Elena seriously important enough for him to come down and get her? She didn’t buy it.

And sure enough, almost ten minutes went by. Still no one showed. Elena slipped her phone back into her bag.

Camille jumped at the chance to twist the knife. “Elena, look, if you don’t have the right connections, don’t force it. I can call Ryan. I’ve got his number too.”

She made a big show of scrolling through her phone.

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Chapter 19 Front Desk Drama

Right then, a figure approached at a brisk pace. “Miss Sterling, I’m so sorry for the delay. Something urgent came up–thank you for waiting.”

Finished

Ryan wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, posture respectful, his voice bordering on deferential.

Camille stood frozen. That attitude?

This was not the Ryan she met yesterday. That guy had been all ice. And now he was practically bowing to Elena?

What the hell?

“No problem,” Elena said, giving Ryan a polite smile. “Shall we go up?”

“Of course.”

Then Ryan turned to Camille. “And this is…?”

“She’s with me,” Elena said smoothly. “A colleague.”

“Got it.”

That was all it took. Ryan nodded and turned to lead the way without another word. Camille clenched her jaw as she followed, suddenly reduced to Elena’s sidekick.

Fine, she thought. Let her enjoy her little moment. Once the interview starts, we’ll see who’s the real star.

Inside the elevator, Ryan pressed the button for the top floor. His gaze landed briefly on Camille.

“I may need Miss Sterling’s help with today’s interview. Yesterday’s session didn’t go exactly as planned…”

He trailed off, but the implication landed hard. Camille felt like someone had just slapped her across the face. Elena acted like she didn’t notice Camille’s flushed cheeks and smiled at Ryan.

“She just got back from overseas. She’s new to this kind of interview. Apologies in advance.”

Camille lifted her chin. “I’ve worked as a war correspondent,” she said, like it was some sort of

ace card.

She waited for Ryan to look impressed. Maybe even compliment her.

Instead, he and Elena exchanged a glance and went right back to chatting about logistics. It’s like throwing a punch and hitting air.

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Chapter 19 Front Desk Drama

Camille was ready to explode.

Finished

Thankfully, the elevator arrived at the top floor. The doors slid open, and the three of them stepped out into a sleek corridor lined with frosted glass and soft lighting. Ryan led them into a conference room.

“I’ll go let Mr. Kingsley know you’re here.”

“Thank you,” Elena said.

Once Ryan left, Camille followed Elena inside. “You and Ryan seem close,” she said, feigning casual. “Have you met before?”

Elena was unfazed. She smoothed out her notes for the interview. “I’ve been in contact with him for weeks, trying to schedule this interview. Is it weird to be familiar with someone you’ve talked to a dozen times?”

Camille’s mouth twitched. She clutched the strap of her designer purse. “I don’t know… he seemed really eager to help. I almost thought…”

“What?” Elena cut in, flipping her folder shut. Her voice dropped, sharp and ice–cold. “That there’s something going on between us? Seriously, Camille? Is that all your brain can process- gossip and love affairs? Weren’t you a war correspondent? Or do you just like smearing married women with whatever trash you can come up with?”

Her almond–shaped eyes locked onto Camille’s, brimming with disgust and contempt.

Camille’s breath caught in her throat. She actually flinched. Realizing that, she quickly masked her nerves with a glare.

“Why are you so defensive? Unless you’ve got something to hide.”

She had heard the rumors about Ryan. People said he was practically a younger version of Alexander–sharp, cold, no nonsense. He never played nice.

And yet here he was, being all soft with Elena?

There’s no way this is just a coincidence.

Elena didn’t bother to answer. She took out her compact and fixed her makeup, making sure she looked flawless before the interview.

Roughly ten minutes later, the door opened again. Ryan stepped in first.