Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
Amelia propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin in her hands. “What’s to be excited about? I know exactly what my parents are up to
She sighed, “Sure, it’s supposed to be Mom’s birthday, but really they’re using it as an excuse to parade all of Viremont’s eligible bachelors through our house so I can see if any of them catch my eye. I mean, I’m already 26.”
Cameron said nothing.
“You’re only a month younger than me,” Amelia continued. “Don’t your parents bug you about this stuff?”
Cameron sighed, “They already have.”
“So what are you thinking?”
Cameron took a slow sip of her coffee. “I don’t think anything.”
Amelia fell silent. She leaned closer to Cameron, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Cam, Xander’s back in the country. Be honest with me-did he come looking for you again?”
Cameron shook her head. “No, you’re overthinking it.”
“Really? I heard he used to chase after you pretty intensely.”
“If you don’t believe me, keep listening to others.” Cameron’s tone carried a hint of dry amusement.
Amelia paused, then tried again. “So you’re not interested in Xander at all?”
Cameron simply continued drinking her coffee, offering no response.
“I guess that means you really do like Bradley,” Amelia concluded.
Cameron’s grip tightened slightly around her coffee cup, but she still said nothing.
Amelia waved her hand dismissively. “Fine, you’re impossible to crack. Go ahead and die alone then.”
Cameron just smiled, staying quiet.
“You better come to my mom’s birthday party,” Amelia continued. “All the eligible young men from Viremont will be there. You can see if anyone catches your eye.”
“I’ll definitely be there,” Cameron replied.
When David called, Cameron was picking out a birthday gift for Kate at the mall.
David’s voice carried a smile. “Ms. Yates, the head of Joe Law Firm from Steerfall is here at our company. Mr. Saunders says you two are good friends, and he’s willing to be our legal advisor for free.”
Cameron couldn’t find words to respond.
When she remained silent, David continued, “Ms. Yates, if you’re okay with it, I’ll sign the contract.”
Cameron finally spoke, “Wait, I’m coming back right now.”
She had already chosen Kate’s birthday gift-a diamond bracelet. Cameron quickly paid and drove back to the office, heading straight for David’s office.
As she reached the doorway, she spotted the man sitting on the couch with his back to her.
Early summer had arrived. Bradley wore a simple white dress shirt, and from behind, she could see his strong, broad shoulders and back.
Cameron’s heels clicked against the floor as she walked in.
“Ms. Yates.” David immediately approached when he heard her arrive.
Bradley turned around at the sound, his handsome face still framed by gold-rimmed glasses. A slight smile played on his lips as he nodded.
“David, I’d like to speak with Mr. Saunders alone,” Cameron said.
“Of course.” David tactfully excused himself and closed the office door behind him.
Bradley studied Cameron for a moment, noticing her slightly disheveled hair. “Sorry for making you rush back here,” he said apologeticatty.
Cameron simply sat down across from him and gestured with her hand. “Please, sit.”
Bradley settled into his chair. “Cameron, I want my lawyers to provide free legal services to your company. Would that be okay?”
“Why?” Cameron asked. “Your firm has a solid reputation and plenty of business. You’re doing well financially. 5o.this is charity werk?”
Bradley shook his head. “Cameron, this is my way of making things up to you.”
She looked at him with confusion. “Making what up to me?”
Bradley said, “Cameron, I don’t know what I did to hurt you seven years ago, but I want to apologize.” Cameron watched him in silence.
Seven years apart, her attitude had been cold when she’d first seen Bradley again. She’d carried all that resentment from his sudden disappearance back then.
Now, Cameron felt completely calm. After a moment of silence, she said, “Okay. I accept your apology.”
Bradley looked at her with surprise, “Really?”
Cameron nodded. “I told you before. Let’s just wipe the slate clean.”
A smile spread across Bradley’s face. “Cameron, does that mean we can still be friends?”
Of course, Bradley wanted more than just friendship. He’d stayed away for a month, using that time to piece together what had happened between him and Cameron all those years ago. He’d also made sure Cameron was still single before making his move.
“Yeah.” Cameron nodded.
Bradley’s lips curved into a smile. “Since we’re friends, could we grab dinner together after you get off work?”
Cameron studied Bradley’s smiling face quietly. “Why weren’t you like this before?”
“What?” Her sudden question caught Bradley off guard.
Cameron simply said, “Dinner’s fine.”
Bradley’s smile grew wider. “Then I’ll wait for you to get off work.”
Cameron nodded, stood up, and left the office.
David was waiting outside.
Cameron said, “Make him provide free services until either our company goes under or his law firm does.”
David stared at her, speechless. Cameron had already walked away before he could process what she’d said. He thought, ‘Ms. Yates is pretty ruthless.”
David figured Joe Law Firm would provide free services for a year or two at m?st. It was unrealistic to expect free services indefinitely, even for close friends.
David pushed the door open and went back into the office.
David pulled out the contract. “Mr. Saunders, Ms. Yates would like your firm to provide free legal services indefinitely-until either our company or your firm shuts down.”
David knew it was impossible, but Cameron had instructed him to ask, so he did.
He braced himself for Bradley’s rejection, but instead heard Bradley’s amused voice. “Deal.”
David’s eyes widened in shock. He thought he’d misheard. “Mr. Saunders, what did you just say?”
Bradley smiled, “Mr. Tucker, please tell Ms. Yates that my firm is willing to provide her with free legal services for life, and not just for Aurevia Biotech.”
David was stunned into silence. He couldn’t help but pry a little. “Mr. Saunders, what exactly is your relationship with Ms. Yates?”
Bradley didn’t hide anything. “I’m pursuing her.
David stared at him blankly. He sighed, “Mr. Saunders, Ms. Yates is all about her career, She’s not easy to win over.”
He thought, ‘The number of talented young men who’ve chased after Ms. Yates over the years is endless. Take Elijah, for instance. He’s been quietly by Ms. Yates’ side all this time, and everyone can see his thoughts. But after all these years, nothing’s come of it.’
Bradley replied calmly, “if she’s hard to win over, then I’ll take my time.”
David couldn’t help but laugh. “Mr. Saunders, good luck to you.”
Bradley smiled, “Thank you.”
As evening fell, Cameron and Bradley sat across from each other in an elegant restaurant. Bradley had reserved the entire place for them-flowers scattered across the floor, soft violin music drifting through the air.
Bradley raised his wine glass, a smile playing at the restaurant. “All of this would’ve gone Thank you for agreeing to have dinner with me, Cames there-G
Cameron clinked her glass against his. “Congratulations s on your lucky bet.”
Bradley chuckled, “Even if I’d lost, it wouldn’t have mattered. You might reject me today, but maybe next time you’d say yes.”
Cameron took a small sip of red wine. “You’re that confident in yourself?”
Bradley also elegantly sipped his wine, looking at Cameron with serious eyes. “Cameron, you’re the girl I’ve waited years to meet. I won’t give up easily.”
