Chapter 8 No.8

The silence in the room was instant and heavy.

Victoria stopped screaming. She stared up at Horatio, her face gray with pain and shock.

"Mr... Mr. Melton?" she stammered. "What are you doing here?"

Mia frantically tried to smooth her hair, a reflex that was pathetic given the circumstances.

Horatio didn't look at them. He walked straight to Camille.

He saw the wine splatter near her head. He saw the tension in her shoulders.

He reached out and adjusted the collar of her white suit. His fingers brushed her neck. It was a possessive gesture.

"I'm ready," Camille said. "But they didn't want to let me leave."

"She's crazy!" Mia yelled, pointing a shaking finger. "She attacked Mom! She's a criminal!"

Horatio turned slowly. He looked at Mia like she was a bug he wanted to crush.

"I'm here to collect my fiancée," Horatio said. His voice was low, dangerous.

"Fiancée?" Victoria whispered. "That's impossible. She's... she's nobody."

"Blake," Horatio said.

Blake stepped forward and handed Camille a thick leather-bound folder.

"Your engagement gift, Ms. Haynes," Blake said.

Camille opened it. Inside was not a bank statement, but a legally executed, irrevocable letter of credit for one hundred million dollars, secured by Melton assets.

Mia's jaw dropped. Her eyes bulged.

"And this," Blake said, holding up a letter to Victoria, "is a notice of termination. Melton Media is severing all supply chain contracts with Haynes Industries immediately."

Victoria looked like she was going to vomit. That contract was seventy percent of their revenue.

"You can't do that!" Victoria cried, trying to stand up but collapsing back down in pain. "Camille! Tell him! I'm your mother!"

Horatio stepped between them. He was a wall of muscle and expensive wool.

"She has no mother," Horatio said.

Camille stepped out from behind him. She looked down at the woman who had birthed her and then sold her out.

"Goodbye, Victoria," Camille said.

She lifted the briefcase.

Horatio gestured with his chin, and one of the bodyguards stepped forward, taking the briefcase from her hand respectfully.

Horatio put his other hand on the small of her back.

"Let's go," Horatio said.

They walked out. The bodyguards formed a phalanx around them.

As the elevator doors closed, Camille could still hear Victoria sobbing.

Camille leaned back against the mirrored wall of the elevator. Her legs felt weak.

"You okay?" Horatio asked. He wasn't looking at her; he was watching the floor numbers count down.

"I'm fine," Camille said. "Just enjoying the silence."