Camilla's POV
The moment I stepped outside, I quickened my pace, making sure Hugo trailed behind me. The last thing I needed was for him to catch sight of my face and read the schemes brewing in my mind.
"Clear your evening schedule. We're having dinner with them tonight," I called over my shoulder, practically sprinting up the stairs to avoid any chance encounters with Serena or Derek lingering in the common areas.
My mother needed to hear about this development immediately.
I slammed my bedroom door shut and twisted the lock before pulling out my phone with trembling fingers.
"Tell me the children devoured those chocolates," my mother's voice crackled through the speaker, barely containing her excitement.
"Not exactly. I mean, I placed the tray where they could see it. Children can't resist sweets for long." I collapsed onto my bed, every muscle in my body tense with frustration. The way Bella had asserted her authority over me still burned in my chest.
