Reborn From Oblivion

Cameron had just reached out for a handshake when he heard the last thing he wanted. "I heard your wife's gone missing. If you need help, Mr. Dawson, I'm more than willing to lend a hand." The room fell silent, everyone's faces morphing into expressions of shock. Then, the whispers started buzzing around.

"Mrs. Dawson is missing?"

Someone pieced it together. "Ah, no wonder she's not here at such an important event."

"So, Mr. Dawson's sudden interest in Mr. Carter wasn't intentional."

Cameron felt his heart plummet into an icy void as he stared at Nathan, the source of the chaos, who wore an innocent smile. It seemed Nathan had no clue how his seemingly well-meaning words could spell disaster for Cameron. Nathan's smile felt unusually warm, yet it sent chills down Cameron's spine. He had no choice but to play along politely. "Where did you hear such unfounded rumors?"

Nathan replied earnestly, "Isn't it all over the internet? They say you've been too chummy with your sister-in-law, and it made your wife jealous enough to leave. You went overseas to bring her home but came back empty-handed..." Cameron regretted ever asking this socially oblivious guy anything. "Mr. Nathan, you're young and might not realize how deceptive the internet can be. I'd suggest not buying into these baseless rumors. My wife's doing just fine in Australia." "As for my relationship with Greta, it's not as far-fetched as those rumors claim. I simply admire Greta's talent and plan to support her as my luxury brand's chief designer."

Nathan feigned surprise, "What a coincidence, I'm planning to start a luxury brand too. Looks like you and I are destined to cross paths, Mr. Dawson." Cameron gritted his teeth. If it hadn't been for Nathan's innocent act and their lack of history, he would've thought Nathan was sent just to rile him up. "Who's your chief designer?" Cameron asked, knowing full well that understanding your competition is half the battle.

Nathan, without hesitation, said, "Her name is Nathalie."

Cameron scoffed internally, "Never heard of this designer in the industry."

Nathan spoke of Nathalie with pride, "She's been busy with an international fashion competition. Once she's free, I'll make sure to introduce her to you."

Cameron sneered inwardly, thinking how someone so unheard of could be worth an introduction. He kept his composure. "What a coincidence. My chief designer, Greta, will also be in that competition." And just like that, the rivalry between the two budding companies began to heat up.

Cameron declared confidently, "Mr. Nathan, you might want to give your designer Nathalie a heads-up. Our chief designer is going all out."

Nathan's smile was enigmatic. "We shall see."

After their exchange, Cameron left, his face a stormy shade. He passed Benjamin, gave his shoulder a pat, and muttered, "Your brother's something else. He's managed to get under my skin with every word." Benjamin nodded, "I've always said not to sweat this rookie. He's so clueless and knows nothing about getting along with others."

Little did they know, Nathan's lips curled into a mocking smile at that moment.