Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 21

"I don't understand why I even came here," Violet exclaimed, abruptly standing up from the table. She snatched her coat from the back of the chair and threw it on.

With swift strides, she made her way out of the room, leaving the others, except for Harriet, in stunned silence.

"Sit down and finish your meal, young lady," Harriet commanded firmly, as Clara quickly rose to follow Violet.

"Don't worry, Grandma. I only want to explain to Violet the impropriety of her question," Clara replied calmly.

"Take your seat," Harriet commanded, her tone leaving no room for discussion.

"But..." Clara began.

"Did I not make myself clear?" Harriet interjected, her gaze becoming more intense.

Clara sighed, lowering herself back into her chair, fidgeting with her utensils and avoiding eye contact with her grandmother.

Harriet broke the silence, clearing her throat and turning to Camilla. "I apologize for Violet's inappropriate behavior. She still has a lot to learn."

Camilla graciously declined the apology with a shake of her head and a warm smile. "It's okay, there's no need to apologize, ma'am."

Harriet offered a warm smile in response to Camilla's gracious response, before turning her attention to Alexander, Isabel, and Clara.

"Please, continue with your meal." Harriet encouraged, indicating the spread of dishes in front of them.

They hesitantly picked up their utensils and resumed eating, leading to a relaxed and enjoyable rest of the dinner.

About some minutes later, the plates were cleared by the servers as the meal had come to a close.

"It's been great having you here with us today, Camilla. Thank you for coming." Harriet said as they stood up from the table.

"It's a pleasure to be here, ma'am," Camilla replied with a warm smile.

Harriet smiled, placing a comforting hand on Camilla's cheek. "Anytime, my dear. You're always welcome."

Thanks for the delicious meal, Grandma. I think it's time for me to take Camilla back home before it gets too late," Alexander said, looking towards Harriet.

Harriet nodded understandingly, then directed a warm smile towards Camilla. "I had hoped to introduce Camilla to the rest of the family today, but not everyone was able to make it." she said regretfully.

"Maybe I'll meet them next time," Camilla said with a sincere smile.

"Why not come to Uncle Ray's art auction next Thursday?" Isabel suggested from across the table, brushing crumbs from her lips. "Most of the family will be there."

"Yes! That would be great," Harriet enthused.

"Uh..." Camilla hesitated, unsure if she should accept the invitation.

"I don't think she'll be able to make it, she has some important work on her plate right now," Alexander interjected, trying to offer Camilla a way out as he looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Really?" Harriet asked, sounding a little disappointed.

Camilla hesitated before shrugging. "Yes, but for you, I'd be happy to make an exception," she said softly.

"Wonderful!" Harriet exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement.

"I'll be looking forward to our meeting next Thursday," Harriet said, offering a friendly smile and giving Alexander a brief nod.

"Bye, Grandma," Alexander said with a warm smile, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"Take care, my dear," Harriet replied, her eyes shining with love.

As Alexander turned to go, Camilla trailed closely behind him.

•~•~•~•~•~•

""Why did you agree to come? I was trying to come up with an excuse for you," Alexander asked, his eyes focused on the road ahead as he drove Camilla home.

"I appreciate the effort, Alexander. But I figured, what's the worst that could happen?" Camilla replied, shrugging casually. Alexander suddenly applied the brakes with more force than he intended.

"What the hell?! You have to stop doing that. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Camilla exclaimed, her voice filled with annoyance at the sudden jolt.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to. But please, don't ever use the phrase 'what's the worst that could happen' again," Alexander said, his eyes reflecting his concern for Camilla.

"Why not?" Camilla asked, still irritated.

"It's because every time you do, you're courting danger. It's like you're daring fate," Alexander explained.

Camilla raised an eyebrow at his response, "I can't believe that a logical person like you would buy into superstitions."

"Good grief...you're impossible to deal with," Alexander mumbled before returning his focus to the road.

"I know, it's why my parents reconsidered adopting another child. I was already a handful," Camilla said with a smirk.

After a few moments of quiet, Alexander cast a sidelong glance at Camilla, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry for my cousin's actions. She can be impulsive and doesn't always consider the consequences," he said, referring to Violet.

"No need to apologize," Camilla reassured him, offering a warm smile.

"Compared to what goes on in my family, that was just a small skirmish," she said with a light laugh.

"Interesting," Alexander remarked, taking a quick glance at Camilla before refocusing on the road, a hint of amusement on his face.

"My family members are a bunch of competitive maniacs," Camilla said with a playful smirk.

Alexander chuckled along with her before shaking his head in bemusement.

"You really need to meet them to understand what I mean," Camilla said with a cheeky grin, to which Alexander turned his gaze back to her with a serious look.

"Really? You want me to meet your family?" Alexander asked, his eyebrows raised and his expression turning serious as he studied her intently.

Camilla gazed back at Alexander's unwavering look for a moment, getting a little lost in his blue eyes before stammering nervously, "No...I mean...maybe...I didn't actually mean it. I was just trying to say that every family has its own share of drama." She then looked away, avoiding Alexander's intense gaze.

"I see," Alexander replied skeptically, as Camilla shifted uneasily in her seat. She internally scolded herself for getting too relaxed with Alexander.

The rest of the drive was made in silence.