Chapter 189 Can’t Accept His Help Anymore
Cameron stared at her phone, falling silent for moments. “Brad,” she finally sighed, looking up. “You don’t really like the gift I got you, do you?”
Bradley’s mind went blank. ‘Not like it? Are you kidding me? If I say I don’t, is she going to rack her brain trying to get me something else?‘ he thought.
“Cameron,” Bradley said carefully, “I love the gift. I really do. But I can’t accept it.”
“Why not?” Cameron’s brows furrowed in confusion.
Bradley ran a hand through his hair. “Look, you’re still a student. And you just cut ties with the Wallace family. You literally have zero income right now. Dropping 60 grand on a bike is completely unnecessary.”
Cameron’s mouth opened, then closed, words failing her.
“And honestly,” Bradley continued, “I don’t think I’ve done anything that deserves this kind of thanks. The house you’re living in? I sold it to you. You still owe me money for it. I’m only waiving the interest because we’re roommates.”
He leaned forward, his eyes serious. “You don’t owe me anything, Cameron. Not a single thing.”
Cameron reached up and fidgeted with the obsidian earring in her ear. “What about this, then?”
Bradley was a little surprised. “That counts too?”
‘This tiny thing was important enough for her to keep track of?‘ he thought.
Cameron just stared at him, completely at a loss for words.
“Listen, Cameron,” Bradley said firmly. “I appreciate you wanting to give me gifts, I really do. But I’m not going to accept them.”
The message was clear. Cameron didn’t need to give him anything at all.
Cameron’s face fell, and Bradley quickly picked up his utensils. “Come on, let’s eat before it gets cold. Food this good shouldn’t go to waste.”
Noticing her dejected expression, Bradley added with a small smile, “Tell you what. That little earring you’re wearing? Consider this meal payment for that.”
Cameron couldn’t believe what she was hearing. If one home–cooked dinner was worth 19, 999 dollars, she’d just made the most expensive meal in history.
Cameron silently picked up her fork. Even though Bradley insisted he hadn’t done much for her, Cameron knew better. He’d helped her in more ways than she could count.
But if Bradley wouldn’t accept her gesture of thanks, then Cameron couldn’t keep accepting his help either.
Cameron kept her thoughts to herself as she glanced up at Bradley, her expression giving nothing away. “How’s the food? Still to your liking?”
“This is restaurant quality,” Bradley said without hesitation, his appreciation evident in his voice.
Cameron smiled, “Thanks.”
After dinner, Cameron stood to clear the dishes, but Bradley quickly raised his hand to stop her. “I’ve got this,” he insisted.” You did all the cooking. Let me handle the dishes.”
Cameron shook her head with a smile. “Wasn’t this meal supposed to be my thank–you for the earrings? I should clean up.” Before he could protest further, she efficiently collected the plates from his hands.
Bradley watched her with a resigned look as she tackled the cleanup with practiced efficiency. Within ten minutes, she had washed everything and put the kitchen back in order. She dried her hands on a dish towel and turned to him.
“Brad, it’s getting late. I should head back, Cameron said.
“It’s only eight,” Bradley said, checking his watch.
“I’m pretty wiped out from the past few days, Cameron explained. “Just want to get some rest.”
Bradley stood up. “I’ll walk you home.”
Cameron didn’t object.
Outside, darkness had settled over the comple Successfully unlocked! lickered on. They walked side by side toward
her place, neither breaking the comfortable silence that hung between them.
The complex was pretty quiet, with only a few residents passing through. The property management staff actually outnumbered the residents at this hour.
Bradley walked Cameron to the entrance of her building.
1/2
Chapter 189 Cart Accept His Help Anymore
“Brad” Cameron said, stopping at the door, “I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.”
A smile danced in Bradley’s eyes behind his gold–rimmed glasses. “No rush.”
Cameron nodded briefly. “Alright then. I’m heading up now.” With that, she turned and walked toward the elevator bay.
Bradley waved and started back the way they’d come.
The elevator dinged its arrival, but Cameron didn’t step inside. She waited until she figured Bradley was out of sight, then doubled back outside. He’d been right. It was only eight o’clock. The night was still young.
Noble Vista was built along the riverfront. Maybe Cameron’d go enjoy the breeze and take in the night view. Bradley, meanwhile, hadn’t returned to his villa. He headed straight for the underground parking garage.
