Chapter 320
Connor sank into the couch, the lingering chill from his shower making him sneeze.
Hearing the sound, Camila immediately set aside what she was doing. "Here, take this medicine," she said, grabbing a throw blanket and gently draping it over Connor's shoulders. She frowned slightly, giving him a reproachful look. "You had an umbrella, but you thought standing in the rain was cool, huh?"
Wrapped in the blanket, Connor shook his head, looking pitiful. "I wasn't trying to be cool. I just... I didn't know what to do. I was scared you wouldn't want me anymore." Camila glared at him, both annoyed and concerned. "If I hadn't seen you from the window, were you planning to stay out there until morning?"
Connor nodded.
"Are you crazy?" Camila said, her voice a mix of affection and frustration.
Connor took her hand and gently pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her and resting his head on her shoulder, his voice filled with self-deprecation. "I think my brain stopped working. I can't even believe I did that."
Camila sighed softly, feeling deeply moved. She understood that Connor truly loved her, which was why he had made such a foolish gesture. In that moment, all the hesitation and conflict about their social status melted away in Camila's heart.
"Actually, because of Rita, I thought maybe you were a distant relative of Ray's family," Camila said, her head bowed, letting out a sigh. "I just didn't expect you to be her cousin."
Connor held her even tighter. "My dad's real name is Austin, and he's the fourth child."
Camila turned to look at him, puzzled. "I remember Ray... Mr. Passos, only has three acknowledged children. That's why I never thought you were his direct grandson." Connor smiled, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. "My dad wasn't born to his first wife, and he was only brought into the Passos family when he was five."
He paused, reminiscing about the past, then slowly recounted the older generation's story.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
"So, only people in your circle know about your existence?" Camila asked in surprise.
Connor nodded. "My father has no inheritance rights, nor shares in the corporation, so very few media outlets know of my dad's existence."
Camila listened, feeling sad. She imagined Connor and his father living almost invisibly within this vast family. Without power, without status, and even without the respect they deserved. That's why he chose to start his own business, to earn
the respect and recognitio earn
others.
of
Seeing the sadness in her eyes, Connor chuckled lightly. "Do you think we had a hard life?"
Camila, slightly startled, nodded.
Connor's lips curved into a small
smile, shaking his head. "My
grandfather dotes on me the most. I'm the only one among the grandchildren who has shares." He smiled wryly. "That's why my cousins see me as a thorn in their side. The corporation recently acquired two companies, and Grandpa wants me to take a
position in the family business."
"That also means Grandpa is thinking of grooming me, which will undoubtedly stir up a storm. My uncles won't miss any opportunity to come after me."
Camila was somewhat stunned, then commented, "Your kind of wealthy family drama is really complicated."
Connor looked at her, his eyes conveying a deep plea. "Yeah, so, you'll stay by my side, right?”
Camila tightly held his hand, her
eyes firm and tender, carrying all et
their trust and promises. "No matter what happens in the future, I' always be by your side."
"Thank you. I really need you." Connor held her tightly, as if trying to merge her into his very being.