"Why did you choose to have a relationship with a married man, Camilla? Is your parent's wealth not enough for your capriciousness?" Krishna remembered how spoiled Camilla was by her parents.
Camilla didn't answer right away. She stalls time by pouring her empty glass, swirling the wine, and then smiling.
"That's their money, not mine," she professes lazily.
"Why are you stating this?" Krishna felt bitterness in her heart with Camilla's statement. It was like Camilla admitting she would rely on her wealthy boyfriend to provide her luxurious lifestyle rather than her capability of earning money. She is smart and graduated with flying colors. She could have had a better career.
After a brief silence, Camilla replied with honesty. "You know I don't like to work at the farm. My younger brother and Cecil's children can inherit everything."
Krishna has no words to retort that. After all, she was only an outsider. It's not her position to put her nose into Rodriguez's family matters.
"Right…" Krishna sighed. She looked outside the window. Her eyes lingered on the moon before her gaze fixated on Camilla, then asked, "Is it all worth it?"
Her question was whether Camilla was happy even if people would label her a mistress, gold digger, third party, and home wrecker.
"More than satisfaction," Camilla said with a smile. However, an emotion was concealed in her eyes Krishna missed seeing when it appeared occasionally.
Krishna, on the other hand, pursed her lips to suppress her disappointment. Camilla is stubborn. She should have known that she only wasted time convincing her to break up with Florian.
Even so, Krishna stood determined.
"Camilla, you can always change your mind and find a single man instead. They may not be as wealthy as the Graham, but at least someone with no responsibility to another woman, especially when a child is involved. You should know what Stella felt right after discovering her husband's affair."
Krishna had a lot of things in her head, but didn't know what to say further.
Nonetheless, Camilla remained silent, and Krishna could not fathom what was on her mind. Thus, she added,
"Please, you don't deserve to be called a mistress or home wrecker…."
"You don't have to worry about me." Camilla cut Krishna from lecturing her. She leaned on her chair and stared at her innocent best friend earnestly. "I know what I am doing and can care for myself."
Her statement disappointed Krishna. It isn't what she waited to hear.
"How could you be acting so high? Don't tell me you aim to be the next Mrs. Graham. Are you that confident that Florian will choose you? Do you know it will demote him from a big corporation director to an ordinary manager once he divorces Stella? Moreover, he will lose his position in the Graham Household."
Krishna learned about this because George mentioned it during their lunch meal today.
George said,
"Do you know why Florian could not force Stella to sign the divorce papers?"
Krishna locked eyes with him and blinked, but she remained silent and waited for him to answer his questions.
"We did not build the Graham Empire alone. It was a company founded by my forefathers with other families. But then, as the management passed down, my grandfather became ambitious. He wanted to hold a big share in the corporation. Thus, he arranged the marriage of Florian and Stella even though my cousin is against this."
"However, Florian's parents feared I would become the head of the Graham Empire and Graham Household because my mom holds a significant share in the company, as her family is one of the original founders."
Listening keenly, Krishna did her best to process every word from George's mouth.
At first, she did not understand entirely, but now she finally realized what George's blabbing about.
Florian could not be serious about divorcing Stella because of what he would lose. In the end, he would not give up his status.
"Camilla, just accept that Florian would not fight for you." Krishna looked at Camilla with sympathetic eyes. However, Camilla eyed her coldly.
"I don't care about Graham's wealth." Camilla sipped on her glass, then put it down when it was empty. "I will call the Front Desk to inform your chauffeur that you're leaving now."
"Camilla!" Krishna made an abrupt stand that caused her to knock on her wine glass. "We're not done talking yet."
She refused to go.
"Krishna, I want you to trust me. I know what I am doing, okay? So, please ignore me and pretend that you don't know me if our paths cross anywhere one day..."
Krishna opened her mouth to voice out some questions, but Camilla stopped her.
"You heard enough. I agreed to meet you because I knew you were trying to locate me. You don't need to do that anymore. You have nothing to be concerned about me but yourself, Krishna."
Camilla paused, her eyes exhibiting an inexplicable emotion. She was pondering whether to reveal everything to Krishna. On the contrary, she felt it was best she knew nothing… for now.
"Before you leave, I want you to listen to me, Krishna. Stay away from Stella. Don't be fooled by her sweet smile and gentle temperament. Raise your guard around her all the time."
Krishna creased her forehead, confused. "How could you say that? Do you believe it was Stella's personality to avenge me after discovering that Florian's mistress is my best friend?"
"No." There is a deep meaning reflected in Camilla's eyes. "She would not be concerned about you because of me. However, as I said, you have to raise your guard around her."
"Then enlighten me to understand what is going on!"
Krishna doesn't like being blind to what is happening in her surroundings. Camilla drags her into something that endangers her life; then, at least, she had better help her prepare for what to do by telling her the whole truth.
"What are you planning, Camilla? Could it be that Stella…"
Camilla cut her off again. She pursed her lips as her gaze sharpened. She told Krishna, "As I've said already, it's better you know nothing. It will only put your life in danger."
"Danger? Why am I in danger?" What's the use of warning her if Camilla would not clarify things to her? Krishna thought to herself.
"Just be patient." Camilla bit her lip. She doesn't want to lie to Krishna, but it is necessary. "Let's talk another time. I need to leave soon. I have other things to attend to tonight. So please be careful, okay?"
Camilla is deliberately chasing her away. She understood that.
Krishna wanted to stay longer. But she didn't want to quarrel with Camilla furthermore. She feared she would not meet her next time if she were this persistent.
"Okay. Let's meet up another day. By that time, I hope you will not leave me hanging in the dark." After she uttered this, Krishna left, slamming the door.
Camilla hurled a long breath after the door shut with force. She knew Krishna was in great bewilderment.
Camilla stayed for a little while before she picked up her phone and dialed a particular number.
"Leslie, I want you to contact Mr. George Graham. I have something important to discuss with him."
After hanging up, Camilla looked outside the window, gazing at the moon, and mumbled,
"I hope Dillion only reported the information his boss has to know."