Reborn From Oblivion

Ford's voice cut through the air, muffled by the towering stacks of crates. "Dominick, count me in. I'm gonna make sure her parents won't even recognize her. Hmph, anyone who messes with Nathalie is bad news." Greta was taken aback, seeing Nathalie now the darling of the group, with everyone ready to stand up for her. It made her both angry and jealous, especially since Cameron hadn't said a word in her defense. Nathalie wasn't interested in sparring with Greta: "Greta, consider yourself lucky I'm letting this slide. But if you ever lay a hand on me again, it won't just be a slap you're getting."

Ford, the quick-witted one, added, "We'll make sure your whole family goes broke."

"What will you have to brag about then?" Dominick threw in.

Lizzy chimed in, "Such a clueless woman."

With that, Nathalie and her three defenders walked off, heads held high.

Greta felt like she'd been ganged up on, her energy drained. She turned to Cameron, accusingly, "They're bullying me, and you, my husband, just stand there and do nothing?" Cameron's eyes were fixed on a shopping bag filled with children's clothes, lost in thought.

In response to Greta's accusation, he shrugged it off, "You brought this on yourself by antagonizing her. You know she doesn't let things slide." Unwilling to drop it, Greta retorted, "She's just found herself a powerful backer to pick on someone like me, who doesn't have one."

In the past, her self-pity would've softened Cameron. But now, he seemed unfazed, his patience wearing thin.

"So, wise up and steer clear of her from now on."

Greta snapped, "I'm Mrs. Dawson of Dawson International. Why should I be afraid of someone with no money or status?" Cameron felt a wave of disgust.

He loathed himself for not seeing Greta's true nature sooner-her tendency to bully and her smugness when she thought she'd won. "Dawson International isn't what it used to be. Keep a low profile," he warned her through clenched teeth.

"A skinny camel is still bigger than a horse. Dawson International is still Dawson International," Greta shot back.

Cameron gave up trying to save her from herself, "Do what you want."

He didn't even bother to tell her who Dominick and Ford really were.noveldrama

He believed Greta needed to hit a wall before she'd learn.

With a stern expression, he walked away.

Greta, juggling her shopping bags, tried to catch up, "Cameron, can't you help me with these?"

"Get back on your own. I've got

UT

things to do Cameron said, making his way to the parking lot, opening his car door, and hopping in. As Greta caught up, the car roared away, leaving her in a cloud of exhaust.

Cameron's eagerness to get away from her was obvious.

Greta watched the car disappear, stomping her foot in frustration,

h. We'll see what Grande

has

y about this."

She took a taxi home, looking a bit worse for wear.

SWI

Once home, she handed her bags to the maid, ordering, "Put these in my room."

Then, she made her way to the old man's quarters.

Underneath Grandpa's sycamore loft, Greta was surprised to see Cameron's car. "Didn't he say he had urgent matters?"

He clearly didn't, yet refused her a ride. Greta's anger spiked.

She planned to report this to Grandpa.

After all, in this family, Grandpa was at least on her side.

She tiptoed upstairs, approaching

Grandpa's bedroom door. She gently nudged it open a crack, just in time

to hear Cameron mention her name.

She froze, her hand suspended in mid-air.

BUMS