Chapter 234 The Fool’s Worth

Chapter 234: Chapter 234 The Fool’s Worth

Camile had spent considerable effort trying to locate the Waynes, especially Laurel, but their disappearance had left her with almost nothing to investigate. Even the people she had sent to search for them had returned empty-handed.

Could that fool actually know where they’re hiding?

Her eyes narrowed as she considered the possibility. Ronan had always been eager to please her, and she knew exactly how to make him talk. If he possessed even the smallest clue, she could use it to find Laurel.

"Why wasn’t I informed immediately?" Camile demanded, her expression darkening.

The subordinate hesitated before answering. "Leader Mack ordered the soldiers not to open the gate. He also instructed them not to tell you that someone outside was calling your name."

Camile’s fingers curled tightly against the edge of her desk. So Mack had known all along.

That jealous bastard!

She understood immediately why he had issued such an order. Mack’s jealousy had become increasingly difficult to manage, and the thought of another man calling for her was enough to make him furious.

But Ronan was not someone she could afford to lose.

"What’s happening outside now?" Camile asked, forcing herself to remain calm.

"The monsters have moved away from the gate, but there are bodies everywhere," the subordinate replied. "The soldiers haven’t gone outside to check for survivors because they are waiting for further instructions."

Camile grabbed her communicator. "Contact the outer gate immediately," she ordered. "Tell the soldiers that I am authorizing them to open it. They are to inspect the area and bring in anyone who is still alive."

The subordinate looked surprised. "Vice-Leader, Leader Mack specifically ordered..."

"I know what he ordered!" Camile snapped, slamming her palm against the desk. The subordinate flinched, and she took a moment to control her temper before continuing. "The monsters have already left. Send a team to check the bodies before it’s too late."

The man bowed and hurried out.

Camile remained standing beside her desk, waiting impatiently for the report. She was not foolish enough to believe Ronan had survived unharmed, especially after hearing how many monsters had attacked the group.

You’d better be alive, Ronan. After all the trouble you’ve caused me, the least you can do is make yourself useful.

Not long afterwards, her communicator crackled. "Vice-Leader, the gate has been opened," a soldier reported. "We’re checking the bodies now."

Camile gripped the device more tightly. "Have you found Ronan Wayne?"

There was a brief silence, followed by hurried footsteps and several voices speaking in the background.

"Wait... there’s someone still breathing!" the soldier exclaimed, his voice carrying surprise.

Camile straightened. "Who is it?"

"It’s Ronan Wayne. He’s unconscious and badly wounded, but he’s alive. There’s a dead woman lying over him. It looks like she shielded him during the attack."

Camile’s brows lifted. What kind of idiot would sacrifice herself for Ronan?

She had no interest in the dead woman’s identity, although she was relieved that the woman had apparently protected something valuable to her.

"Bring him inside immediately," Camile instructed. "Take him to the medical sector and have his injuries treated. I don’t care what resources you use, but he must survive."

After ending the communication, Camile lowered herself into her chair. A satisfied smile appeared on her lips as she imagined finally discovering where Laurel had hidden herself.

However, her smile faded when she remembered Mack. He had deliberately kept the information from her, and she had just overturned his orders. Knowing his temper, he would not overlook that humiliation.

Damn it. I should have found a way to tell him first.

She rubbed her forehead in irritation. There was no point regretting it now. Ronan was already being brought inside, and Mack would eventually discover what she had done.

Unfortunately, he found out much sooner than she expected.

The office door suddenly swung open, striking the wall with enough force to make Camile flinch. Mack entered with a furious expression, his eyes fixed on her.

"Camile, I heard you disobeyed my orders," he said, his voice dangerously quiet.

Camile rose from her chair. "Mack, there’s something important I need to explain..."

Before she could finish, Mack crossed the room, grabbed her arm and shoved her against the wall. Pain shot through her shoulder, making her gasp. His hand immediately closed around her throat, and the pressure forced her head backwards.

"You wanted your lover back that badly?" Mack demanded, his face twisting with jealousy. "You couldn’t bear to leave him outside to die, could you?"

Camile’s eyes widened. She grabbed his wrist with both hands, trying to loosen his grip as her breathing became increasingly difficult.

"Mack... listen..." she struggled to say.

"Listen to what?" he snarled, tightening his fingers. "I ordered those gates to remain closed, yet the moment you heard that bastard was outside, you sent soldiers to rescue him. Do you think I’m a fool?"

Camile’s heart pounded painfully. She had known Mack was possessive, but his willingness to hurt her over Ronan made anger flare beneath her fear.

You lunatic! If you kill me, who will help you achieve your precious ambitions?

But she could not afford to provoke him further. His fingers were pressing harder against her neck, and dark spots had begun appearing in her vision.

"Wayne family..." she forced out, digging her nails into his wrist. "He knows... where they are..."

Mack’s grip loosened slightly. "What did you say?" he demanded, watching her struggle for breath.

"Ronan is a Wayne," Camile managed, coughing. "He might know where Alexander and Laurel are hiding."

Mack stared at her, his anger momentarily interrupted by curiosity.

Camile seized the opportunity. "Don’t you remember what I told you about the Wayne family’s disappearance before the apocalypse?" she asked hoarsely. "They sold their properties and relocated before the disaster began. Laurel must have known something. She prepared while everyone else was still unaware of what was coming."

Mack slowly released her neck.

Camile bent forward, coughing as she drew several painful breaths. Her throat burned, and tears gathered in her eyes, but she forced herself to continue before his suspicions returned.

"If Ronan knows where they went, we can find Laurel," she explained. "And if we find Laurel, we might discover what she knows about the apocalypse and obtain whatever resources she’s been hiding."

Mack’s expression gradually changed. He had always been interested in the possibility that he could find more information or resources they did not have. If Ronan could lead them to her, keeping him alive might indeed be worthwhile.

"And you’re certain he knows where they are?" Mack asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Not entirely," Camile admitted. "But he’s our best lead. Killing him without questioning him would be a waste."

Mack studied her for several seconds before his gaze shifted towards the red marks forming around her neck.

"And what about your feelings for him?" he asked coldly.

Camile lowered her gaze, allowing tears to gather in her eyes.

"Mack, how can you still doubt me?" she whispered, pressing a trembling hand against her throat. "Ronan was useful to me before the apocalypse, nothing more. Everything I’m doing now is for our future."

What feelings? That fool was only ever good for giving me money.

She looked up at Mack with wounded eyes, careful not to let her contempt show.

Mack’s expression softened slightly, although suspicion still lingered in his gaze. "You should have told me first," he said.

"I know," Camile replied quietly. "I was afraid Ronan would die before I could explain everything. I only wanted to make sure we didn’t lose our opportunity."

Mack exhaled slowly. "Fine. You can keep him alive for now, but I want results. Find out where the Wayne family is hiding."

Camile nodded, relief washing through her.

"And if he knows nothing," Mack continued, his expression turning cold again, "don’t expect me to keep wasting our resources on him."

"I understand," Camile answered.

Mack turned and left without another word.

Camile remained against the wall until his footsteps disappeared. Only then did she allow her expression to change. She touched the tender skin around her neck, her eyes filling with resentment.

One day, Mack, you’ll regret putting your hands on me.

But that day had not arrived yet. For now, she needed his power, his soldiers and the resources of the Severance Cult. And she needed Ronan to remember where the Waynes had gone.