Chapter 1
Camilla barely got any sleep last night. She’d pulled another all-nighter at work, and the racket from the kids downstairs was what finally dragged her out of bed in the morning.
Rubbing her temples, she headed down the stairs, spotting right away the scene that had started the noise. Her son, Jasper, and the nanny’s daughter, Daisy, were in a full-blown fight over a toy. Barnard, her husband, was trying to play peacemaker, but in the confusion, his arm accidentally hit Jasper. Jasper staggered back, lost his balance, and banged his forehead against the edge of the table. Blood started trickling down from the gash.
Daisy started bawling, but Barnard didn’t seem to notice Jasper’s injury at all. He just kept trying to calm Daisy down, oblivious to everything else.
“Jasper!” Camilla’s head cleared immediately. She rushed down the remaining steps, scooped Jasper up, and told a maid to fetch the driver right away.
The commotion brought Davina, the nanny, running. She marched in and pointed angrily at Daisy. “What were you thinking? I told you to play nice with Jasper. Why did you let him get hurt? Camilla was kind enough to let us stay here. If you cause trouble and upset her, what will we do if she asks us to leave p>
Daisy’s cries only got louder, but Davina wasn’t having it. She raised her hand as if she might hit her own daughter.
Barnard, who’d started over to check on Jasper, paused when he saw Davina. “Camilla, take Jasper to the hospital. I’ll talk to Davina,” he said. He didn’t wait for a reply, turning straight back to Davina.
As Camilla sat in the car with Jasper in her lap, a strange, sharp ache settled in her chest. She couldn’t quite name it.
Davina and Daisy hadn’t even been at Saddlebrook Estates that long. Just a month ago, Davina had shown up with nowhere to go. She’d been Barnard’s nanny growing up, ten years older than him, and when her husband died last month, she and Daisy were out of options. Barnard had brought them both home and given Davina a job.
Camilla hadn’t wanted to let Daisy come too, but Barnard insisted. Jasper was so lonely, he said, and Daisy was around his age. It would be easier for Davina to mind both of them together.
Camilla’s company had just landed a big contract, leaving her with no energy or time to spare for Jasper. Daisy seemed like a sweet, quiet kid, so Camilla finally agreed.
But ever since Davina moved in, arguments between Jasper and Daisy just kept cropping up. This wasn’t even the first fight. And every time, Barnard ended up siding with Daisy, sometimes so subtly Camilla almost missed it.
The doctor’s diagnosis came fast, bringing relief but not much comfort. Jasper had a mild concussion, enough to need a night in the hospital for observation.
Barnard showed up about half an hour later. His arms were full, carrying Jasper’s favorite soup dumplings and a thick coat and water bottle for Camilla.
Jasper had already fallen asleep. Barnard asked about his condition first, then looked at Camilla. “This was my fault. Everything happened so fast, I didn’t see Jasper behind me. I’m sorry… You barely slept last night—why don’t you rest for a bit? I’ve got things covered here p>
He sounded gentle as always, openly showing how much he cared. That was just how Barnard was. They’d been married for five years, and the whole time he’d been there for her, always thoughtful and attentive, the kind of husband people admired.
Well, almost always.
“How’s Daisy?” Camilla asked, even though she already knew the answer didn’t matter much to her.
“Davina was so upset she almost hit Daisy, but I stopped her. Really, you can’t blame Daisy for what happened. Kids fight sometimes. Jasper’s a boy, he’ll get a few scrapes now and then. Don’t you think p>
Camilla looked at the sleeping Jasper, weighing her words. “Honestly, it seems like Jasper doesn’t even want to play with Daisy. Barnard, I know Davina’s been important to you and you want to help her out. Maybe we could just buy her a house p>
Barnard’s expression changed, sharp and defensive. “What are you saying, Camilla? You want Davina gone p>