Chapter 54

"Genevieve, what's gotten into you?"

.

"I won't be paying a single cent for you. Don’t even think about securing that spot," Genevieve declared, her voice icy.

Camille’s face twisted in shock. "Gen, what are you saying?"

Instantly, Gregory and Gwendolyn tensed up.

Gregory scowled. "Aren’t you my son’s girlfriend? And my daughter’s best friend? What’s wrong with helping out? Why the hostility? If we weren’t in such a rush to gather the funds, we wouldn’t even be asking you. It’s not like we won’t repay you!"

He shot her a disapproving glare. "And you still expect to marry my son with this attitude?"

Gwendolyn chimed in, her tone dripping with condescension. "Gen, we’ve always treated you like family. Are you upset because Damian hasn’t been visiting lately? But you should reflect on your own family’s behavior. If they can’t show basic respect, why should my son bother? Even if you’re angry, sabotaging Camille at such a crucial moment is unacceptable. And to think you call yourselves best friends!"

She smirked, adding, "Throw your tantrums another time, but right now, you need to stop."

What dignity could a woman who moved in with her boyfriend after barely a week of dating possibly have?

Gwendolyn felt utterly in control, already wearing the smug expression of a future mother-in-law.

Genevieve stared at her, her expression rigid. Though she couldn’t muster a fierce glare, the disgust in her eyes was unmistakable.

"The way your son behaves dictates how my family treats him. You expect respect? Tell me—does he deserve it?"

The Campos family froze.

Camille gaped at Genevieve, reaching for her sleeve, only to be roughly shaken off. "I came here today to break up with Damian and retrieve my painting from his apartment—not to be your personal ATM."

Her voice rang out, sharp and clear, echoing through the office and into the hallway.

The four members of the Blackwood family, who had just stepped off the elevator, heard every word.

Everyone stood rooted in shock.

Ah. She’s finally seen the light.

.

Surprise flickered across the Blackwoods’ faces. It was the first time they’d ever heard Genevieve raise her voice like this.

But their relief was short-lived—because Damian chose that exact moment to walk through the door.

They hurried after him.

"Gen, what the hell are you talking about?" Damian demanded, struggling to keep his anger in check.

Genevieve finally looked at him. Once, she’d thought him effortlessly handsome, his rebellious charm intoxicating. She’d believed his devotion was real—that his eyes held only her. It had made her feel invincible.

Now?

Now she saw him for what he truly was: a rude, delusional, self-absorbed fool.

She’d been under a spell, blind to the red flags. But that night, reality had shattered her illusions. Looking back, she couldn’t believe she’d ever fallen for someone so revolting. The mere thought made her stomach churn.

When Damian realized she wasn’t answering, he faltered. In their relationship, he’d always held the upper hand—teasing her, never truly cherishing her.

His gaze flicked to Camille, who subtly gestured for him to placate Genevieve. If this escalated, Camille’s overseas exchange funds would be in jeopardy.

Swallowing his irritation, Damian forced a smile and lifted the lunchbox he was carrying. "Here. You must be hungry. I made this for you. Let’s eat first, then talk."

It was his usual tactic—reminding her of the time he’d "saved" her, making her forget her anger.

This time, Genevieve took the lunchbox.

Then, before anyone could react—

CRASH.

The contents splattered across Damian’s chest.

A scream ripped through the office, drawing even more onlookers.

Damian’s temper evaporated instantly. He knew exactly who he couldn’t afford to offend.

"You’re really testing my patience," Evelyn Sinclair remarked, her smile never wavering. "Shall I order takeout right here so we can compare?"

"This is none of your business!" Gwendolyn snapped.

11:59 AM

Gwendolyn paled.

Camille, realizing they’d been exposed, tried damage control. "Gen, even if Damian lied about cooking, his feelings for you are real. You’ve lived together—you know that, right?"

Evelyn immediately pulled out her phone and started recording.

Others followed suit.

She wasn’t doing this to blackmail Genevieve—she wanted proof before the Campos family spun their own narrative.

Genevieve, now clear-headed, made sure the truth would be undeniable.

"Living together?" she scoffed. "You mean tricking me into being his unpaid caretaker while forbidding intimacy?"

The crowd gasped.

Damian and Camille stared, stunned. The reserved Genevieve they knew would never speak so bluntly.

She stepped forward, her gaze burning into them. "All while you two were sleeping together behind my back."

Her voice dripped with venom.

"You’re disgusting."