Chapter 11
As Camilla steadied herself, her eyes locked on the serpent tattoo wrapped around the man‘ s neck. Her breath hitched. She’d heard rumors about that tattoo—a mark said to belong exclusively to one person. The Steel Serpent Don, the most feared and powerful mafia in the country–Colen.
Whispers painted him as ruthless, cunning, and terrifying. Some even called him monstrous, with tales of his ugliness meant to match his brutal reputation. But this man standing before her, commanding the room’s silence, was far from the image the rumors conjured. He was tall, striking, and exuded a danger that made her skin prickle.
The room buzzed with hushed voices as
recognition spread.
“A tattoo of a serpent that only the Steel Serpent Don can have so she bumped into
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Chapter 11
Don Colen Armand!” someone whispered.
“She’s dead,” another muttered, their tone a mix of awe and fear.
But then something in her heart beat, as she realized this was also the man she was going to marry?
Don Colen’s piercing eyes scanned her, his expression unreadable but undeniably intense. The air around them felt charged, and Camilla suddenly wished she could vanish. She dropped her gaze, trying to gather herself as murmurs swirled.
Was he angry? Amused? She couldn’t tell.
Jackson and Ridge froze as they processed what had just happened. Both were stunned to see Camilla standing toe–to–toe with the infamous Don Colen Armand. Their concern for her was evident in their wide–eyed stares, though neither would admit it aloud.
Ridge clenched his jaw, muttering under his breath, “What the hell is she
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thinking?”
(56)
Jackson crossed his arms, his posture stiff, but his eyes darted between Camilla and Don Colen, a flicker of unease in his gaze. Yet, neither moved to intervene, torn between the tension of the moment and their pride.
Meanwhile, Katie stood in the background, her lips curling into a faint, smug smile as she watched the scene unfold. Her mind raced, her third–person mask of innocence slipping into a haze of envy and malice.
“Finally,” she thought. “Finally, someone to put her in her place.”
Katie’s fingers tightened around the stem of her champagne glass as she imagined the fallout. Camilla, the ever–so–perfect girl who always managed to steal the spotlight, had made a fatal mistake. “Bumping into Don Colen Armand? That’s career- ending,” Katie mused.
She leaned closer to the person next to her,
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whispering just loud enough to fan the flames of gossip. “You know, they say he’s merciless. I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes right now.”
But as the whispers swirled and Katie’s excitement built, she noticed something that made her stomach churn. Camilla didn’t look terrified. If anything, she was holding her composure, her chin slightly raised, even under Colen‘ s piercing gaze.
It irritated Katie to no end.
“Why won’t she break?” Katie fumed, her nails digging into her palm. “Why does she always have to look so
unbothered? Even now?”
As Don Colen’s bodyguards shifted slightly, Katie’s anticipation rose. Jackson and Ridge remained rooted in place,
unsure whether to intervene or watch.
Camilla immediately lowered her head, bowing slightly as tension gripped the room. “I’m so sorry for bumping into you,” she said quietly, her voice steady
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despite the whispers around them.
Don Colen Armand‘ s sharp eyes traced her figure, taking in every detail of her glittering dress. For a moment, he didn’t respond, his expression unreadable. So she’s here now, he thought, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his features.
He stepped closer, his towering presence sending a ripple of unease through the crowd. Camilla stiffened, unsure of what he might say or do. To her surprise, Don Colen lifted a hand and gently caressed her cheek.
“You look stunning in that dress,” he murmured, his voice low yet commanding. “Just as I thought you would.”
Camilla’s breath hitched, her wide eyes snapping up to meet his intense gaze. Realization struck her like lightning–He gave me this dress.
The murmurs grew louder, but Don Colen didn’t seem to care. His lips curved into
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the faintest of smiles as he stepped back, leaving Camilla frozen, her heart racing
with confusion and unease. So this is
indeed her future husband?
She spoke slowly, “You were the one who gave me this stunning dress… my future. husband?”
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