- 17.
Rachel spent three days cursing Nick and Ella’s over–the–top displays of affection. This time, the rumor mill went silent. Everyone now believed that the engagement between the Jensen and Holt familles was truly dead, just waiting for the inevitable fallout. Our engagement was over, yes–but the spectacle they hoped for? That, they’d never see.
On the day Nick finally made his move, the Holt household was packed. Nick had brought along the Influencer supporting his “fairy–tale” story. the witness to the “Chosen One” miracle, and a few well–known CEOs, all to pressure Mr. Holt in his study. My father got word immediately, arriving at the Holt mansion with my uncles and a few board members. Never in its century–old history had the Jensen family suffered such public disgrace.
“Mr. Holt,” my father addressed him, “since Nick’s mind is made up, we’ll honor his choice. The Jensen family has no issue cutting ties if that’s
what he wants.”
Mr. Holt was livid, torn between anger and helplessness. But what choice did he have? Everyone knew that a Jensen heiress, linked to Nick for ten years, wouldn’t easily find another match after this public shaming. What would happen to the alliance between our families now?
Just when the situation was at its tensest, in walked someone unexpected. That morning, I’d messaged Julian Holt directly.
2:30 PM ď ď
<
“Dress to impress.”
“Don’t be fooled by my father’s straight–laced attitude–appearances go a long way with him.”
Julian entered with a quiet elegance that made everyone sit up and take notice. The well–dressed, refined figure standing before them wasn’t someone easily dismissed,
And then he spoke:
“Gentlemen, I’d like to take Camilla Jensen as my wife.”
With that one line, the entire affair turned on its head.
Mr. Holt was abruptly reminded of his long–overlooked eldest son. He’d been fragile in the past, yes, but his health had improved greatly in recent years. My father also registered, after years without contact, that Julian had grown into a steady, formidable figure–a stark contrast to Nick, who seemed blinded by emotion.
A silent understanding passed between the two patriarchs.
Nick’s face turned several shades of pale, barely keeping his composure. Before he could voice his objections, Mr. Holt declared that the engagement with Nick was over–my new fiancé would be Julian. Nick and Ella could have their own engagement ceremony at a later date.
At last, there was a resolution, and it was oddly satisfying. I hadn’t expected my first move to go so well; finding the right ally made all the difference.
Once everything settled, Nick showed up at my house. Now that he’d secured the woman he supposedly adored, he had the audacity to
confront me.
With a cold stare, I told Rachel, “Nick–and dogs–are not allowed inside.”
Nick yelled from outside the mansion, “Camilla Jensen, have you lost your mind?!”
“Consider yourself warned: Julian is a useless fool. If you know what’s good for you, break this off now before you regret it!”
Feeling quite pleased, I didn’t even glance at him. I simply opened my phone to send a message.
“When do we start the second phase?”
It was clear my new ally was far more refined than the brute downstairs.
“No rush,” I replied.
“The best part is yet to come.”
