Chapter 21

Cameron paused, looking at Dakota's earnest eyes. He couldn't hide it from her.

"That's right," Cameron said, taking a breath and nodding.

Dakota's heart trembled. She had suspected Cameron's identity wasn't simple, and despite her mental preparations, hearing his confirmation was shocking.

"Soare you really that big shot?" Dakota asked, her breathing quickening.

"What if I said yes?" Cameron chuckled.

Dakota was even more shocked; her delicate body trembled uncontrollably. She never imagined a real big shot would appear before her. But after the initial shock, a vast status gap loomed between them. Feeling unworthy, she realized her previous naive thoughts were ridiculous—she'd mistaken his earlier words for a confession.

Dakota was dismayed. Cameron noticed her expression.

He smiled. "Come on, I'm kidding. How could I be a big shot?"

Dakota breathed a sigh of relief. "Mr. Morgan, who are you, then? Don't tell me you're just an ordinary person; I won't believe it."

"I am indeed ordinary. At most, a little outstanding. Lord Blackheart helped me today because I saved his life. Also, I'm a descendant of the Morgan family; that's why I have connections with him," Cameron replied. He didn't want to keep things from Dakota, but equally, he didn't want to pressure her. He'd found a compromise.

"The Morgan family?" Dakota's eyes flickered. "The one of the eight prominent families in Leving?"

"Yes, but I haven't been one of them for a long time."

"Why?"

"I was kicked out for incompetence," Cameron said, mocking himself.

"They must not have discerning eyes!" Dakota defended him. She'd always seen him as amazing.

Cameron was startled. "Thank you," he said softly.

"Mr. Morgan, what for? You are excellent!" Dakota exclaimed.

"For trusting me."

Smiling warmly, Cameron said, "Just call me Cameron. Mr. Morgan sounds old."

"Okay! Then call me Dakota. Let's get to know each other afresh." Dakota extended her hand with a bright smile, feeling the distance between them lessen.

Cameron smiled and gently shook her hand. Her hands were soft, he thought.

"Dakota, can you do me a favor?" he asked softly.

"What's that?"

"I've never told anyone about my identity. Can you keep this secret?"

"Yes, sure," Dakota nodded vigorously.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it," Dakota waved her hand. Her heartbeat quickened. Was this a secret between them?

Her phone rang—Bobby!

Dakota answered. "Hello, Mr. Kane!"

"Ms. Jennings, the project contract is drafted. You can sign it anytime you're free," Bobby said politely.

"Mr. Kane, I'll come now. Please wait!"

"Okay, Ms. Jennings."

After hanging up, Dakota looked at Cameron with unconcealable excitement. "Awesome! Mr. Kane wants to sign the contract!"

"Congratulations," Cameron grinned.

Dakota suddenly took a deep breath. "What's wrong?" Cameron asked, somewhat startled.

"NothingI'm just a little nervous," Dakota said. This contract was crucial to the Jennings family.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Cameron offered.

"Really?" Dakota's heart fluttered.

"Of course."

"Thank you, Cameron."

"Haha, don't mention it. Let's go."

"Okay!"

The final paragraphs about finding the novel online are extraneous and have been removed.