“My daughter will not bind herself to a no-name half breed traitor.”

“Malika…” Cameo stared as Malika gradually manifested before her eyes, wearing the same clingy fringed white dress she had on during their last encounter. Her ebony hair hung loosely around her flawless face. Chills scattered down Cameo’s arms. “Why can’t you leave me alone? I’m not your daughter.”

“Seems everyone has a different opinion on that matter.” Malika smirked. “Regardless, I’m the one who nursed you and Camille at my breast and cared for you until that monster took you away.”

“At your breast? You’re crazy. Why aren’t you with Shade?”

“Shade and I have parted ways. I accomplished one goal. Once I discovered his true paternity, I couldn’t let Camille be bound to the General’s son. My girls’ destiny is with the Damocles brothers.”

Cameo slanted a baffled look. “What are you jabbering about?”

“Shade isn’t good enough for Camille, so I staged the affair. That day Camille walked in on us was not a coincidence. I knew her class was canceled. I knew she was eavesdropping outside the bedroom door. Just as I knew she’d find her way back to Rebar once she saw what kind of scum Shade really is.”

“You’ve wanted Camille with Rebar the entire time I’ve been back in the States?”

“I’m sorry, darling. I should’ve told you not to date him. I didn’t think you’d fall for Rebar. I figured it was only a passing fancy. You’re stronger than your sister, always have been. You need a strong man, a man like Rush. He’s the other Damocles brother.”

“Rush? He couldn’t be faithful for even two months! At least Rebar made the two-month mark. Not that it makes him any better. I don’t understand your obsession with Tassos’ sons.”

“Because I loved him. He’s the only man who treated me with kindness and we’d have been together if not for that pathetic excuse of a wife he got stuck with.”

Cameo narrowed her eyes and spoke through clenched teeth. “There’s a flaw of hypocrisy in your grand scheme, Malika. Dale was also the son of your beloved Tassos. And you killed him. What do you think Tassos would say to that?”

“Dale was a pansy who brought shame to his father’s name. Tassos had no use for the boy. I did everyone a favor. With Nadia in prison, the boy would have nobody to lean on.”

“Why are you here? Better still, how did you know I was here?”