Chapter 366 She’s Not As Good As You
During dinner, Camila's eyes never left Ethan for a second.
Her look was that of a smitten fan gazing at her idol, full of admiration, affection, and excitement.
Mrs. Medici caught one glance and couldn't hide her delight, almost unable to keep her smile contained. "So, Ethan, you know what Camila likes to eat. Serve her plenty, eh? And Camila, from now on, this is your home. Whatever you wish to eat or drink, just help yourself."
Camila beamed brightly. "Thank you, Auntie, you're so kind~."
At that, Mrs. Medici's smile grew even wider. "Kind? Then you better visit us often! If Ethan is too busy to fetch you, just call me, and I'll come get you. I've got so many photos of him as a little one..."
"Mom," Ethan said, suddenly remembering the embarrassing photos in those albums and feeling the headache coming on.
Camila couldn't help but laugh, promising eagerly to visit again. In doing so, she unintentionally strained her injury, prompting Ethan to remind her gently, "Be careful."
His voice was not only tender but carried a hint of indulgence.
Seeing their sweet interaction, Mrs. Medici happily left the dining area to give them some privacy.
After the meal, Camila realized Mr. and Mrs. Medici had prepared a pile of gifts for her to take home, and she kept refusing.
"Uncle, Auntie, I can't accept this. I already feel so bad for coming empty-handed, and now you're giving me all these..." Camila protested, trying to lift two large gift boxes from the trunk of the car to bring them back into the house.
"Yes, you can. Take them! It's just a little welcome gift for our future daughter-in-law! It’s not much at all!"
"...Not much?" The trunk was packed full.
Mr. Medici, all smiles, took the gifts Camila tried to return and placed them back in the car.
Mrs. Medici patted Camila's hand with a chuckle, "You're the best gift we could ask for... From now on, no need to bring anything when you visit us. If you feel like you must, just come spend time with us."
Camila's nose tingled, and she hugged Mrs. Medici tight, "Auntie, Uncle, you guys are so wonderful..."
Growing up, her home was strict and seldom warmed by such tenderness...
Every single thing she did at home felt constrained. She couldn't even laugh out loud...
But here, she felt so relaxed, so joyful...
Mrs. Medici, feeling warmed by the embrace, said, "Sweetheart, make sure you come by often... We adore you! Next time Ethan has a chance, bring him over to visit, and meet your parents..."
At that, Camila's spirits lifted even more, and she held Mrs. Medici for a long while before releasing.
"Sister-in-law, let me walk you out," a voice called from the crowd.
It was Abella.
"Sure!" Camila's face lit up into a bright smile upon seeing her.
"Ethan, I'll wait for you with my sister-in-law at the front gate."
"Alright." Ethan was busy loading up the trunk with gifts handed to him by Mr. Medici, and the excess was piled onto the backseat.
Abella and Camila walked slowly toward the garden, starting to talk only when out of earshot.
"Sister-in-law, this is for you." Abella handed over a small bottle. "Use this when you change your dressing. Instructions are on it."
Camila was touched and surprised that Abella still cared about her injury. "Thank you."
"Sorry about earlier. I didn't realize it was you and treated you too harshly."
Abella had seen a shadow lurking near their home and thought it posed a threat...
"No, no, it was my fault for being so abrupt. You did nothing wrong!"
Camila pocketed the bottle and, with a laugh, held Abella’s arm, saying, "You could have taken me out, but you didn't. You showed mercy, which just goes to show how kindhearted and generous you are!"
"..." Abella thought, “Flattery like that was hard to respond to.”
"It doesn't hurt at all, really! And don't mention to the family how this happened. It's all water under the bridge now."
Abella understood that Camila was trying to save her from a scolding and appreciated how considerate she'd been from the beginning of knowing the Medici family.
As they moved forward, something occurred to Camila, "Oh, right, how come you're the boss of The A Gang? Does Ethan know?"
"He doesn't..." Abella said quietly, "It's a long story... But how did you figure it was me?"
Camila grinned mischievously, "You saved me a year ago, remember?"
Abella's mind drew a blank.
She couldn't remember.
"I was on a classified mission, being hunted down by enemies, when you showed up out of nowhere, taking on ten of them to save me. The first move you used was that whirlwind kick you pulled off tonight; I still remember it clearly!" said Camila.
With that, Abella's memory clicked into place.
Back then, Camila was bloodied and chased by a bunch of guys. She dressed as a guy with a mask on. Yet, Abella could tell from her silhouette and movements that she was a young woman...
The group of people pursuing Camila were known for being ruthless and had often butted heads with The A Gang, so Abella felt compelled to help when she saw the injustice.
What surprised Abella was that after she took down the dozen or so attackers, she turned around to find Camila had already disappeared.
Camila also recalled the event.
"I'm sorry, that mission was critical. Even though you saved me, we were strangers, so I seized the chance to escape. One reason was to prevent any leaks, the second was fear of getting caught again, and the third was to address a lethal toxin in my system... That’s why I didn’t even have time to thank you then."
It was unexpected to realize that the two sisters-in-law had crossed paths a year ago.
Coming to this realization, Camila earnestly said, "Thank you, Abella, for saving me back then!"
"It's nothing." Abella smiled. "Seeing you doing well now is enough."
"You've gotten even more adept since last year. I didn't even notice you approaching me..."
Remembering how she'd just held a knife to Camila's neck, Abella couldn't help but chuckle. "That's because you were distracted... Thinking about Ethan, weren't you?"
Camila's face flushed as she asked timidly, "Was it that obvious?"
"You were daydreaming on my doorstep. Who else could it be?" Abella laughed softly. "Ethan is reliable and protective, and you're great, too. I hope you two tie the knot soon so I can enjoy your wedding treats."
"Ah? That's a long way off. I'm already content and overjoyed that your brother has accepted me... Thanks for the blessing... You're a good person, not like Lola."
Abella was somewhat surprised. "You know Lola?"
"Mmm... ran into her a few times," Camila replied nonchalantly. "Anyway, I think she’s not as good as you."