Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 49

Chapter 49 Fault Lines

Victoria and Nathan froze in shock. Isn’t it Elena who says something?

The butler stepped forward and explained, “This morning I was out walking with Mr. Hawthorne. V just stepped outside when we saw a package sitting by the front gate.”

He placed a USB drive on the table.

“Take a good look at what you’ve done. Even strangers couldn’t stand.it and sent this over. And you s tried to drag Elena into it. The two of you have completely humiliated this family.”

Charles did not hold back as he defended Elena.

“I don’t care whether you and Camille are real or just some twisted rumor. As long as I’m alive, she is stepping into this family as Nathan’s wife.”

He was furious and made it crystal clear.

A dull ache spread through Elena’s chest. Charles was protecting her, yet everyone knew Camille had! been treated like the future granddaughter in law of this family.

“Grandpa, I’m fine. Please sit down and don’t get worked up.”

She helped Charles back into his seat and deliberately avoided looking at Nathan.

Her eyes were red, and the sight made Charles‘ heart clench. For five years, this granddaughter in law h never done a single thing wrong. The only ones who had failed were his own grandson and daughter in law.

And that girl from the Hart family.

Charles was still simmering when a maid hurried in, breathless.

“Richard and Catherine are here with Camille. They said they want justice for her.”

That only made the situation explode further.

Elena straightened in her seat as Richard and Catherine walked in with Camille.

Catherine had not expected Elena to be at Hawthorne Manor. The moment she entered, she started shouting, “Nathan needs to give our daughter an explanation today, or this isn’t going to-

“Mom, what explanation?”

Her voice cut off the second she saw Elena.

Elena lightly pinched her own palm, and her eyes instantly turned red. “Did you come because you heard what happened yesterday?”

Richard and Catherine exchanged a glance.

Charles‘ face darkened instantly at her tone. He let out a cold scoff. “Don’t start blaming Elena. I asked to come. Since both of you are here, let’s clear this up. The one married to Nathan is Elena. How you u your daughters is your business, but Nathan has a wife. You’d better think about Camille’s reputation. I you really want people saying she’s been getting way too close to a married man?”

He strode over to Camille, turning his back to Elena, and shot Camille a warning look.

“What I feel for Camille is nothing more than sibling affection. I’ve told you both that many times. The only person in my heart is Elena. Yesterday was my fault. I mishandled things and hurt both Elena and Camille. I’m sorry.”

He lowered his head toward Camille. “I failed you. But from the beginning until now, the only person I’ve ever loved is Elena, You’re a good woman. Don’t waste your time on me.”

Then he stepped in front of Elena. “The past is the past. Let’s just move on, okay?”

Move on?How is it that simple?

Five years of her youth. Five years of devotion. Could it really be brushed aside like nothing?

Elena forced a faint smile and looked at the man she had once loved for five years. “So you’re saying Camille was the one who came after you and wouldn’t let go?”

Camille’s stare felt like a blade pressed against Nathan’s back.

Richard and Catherine were standing right there. Nathan knew that if he admitted anything, they wou never let him off the hook.

But he cared less about that. If Charles found out he had been using Elena, he would not just lose his shares, he might lose everything.