Chapter 43
Camilla ended up taking them to the hospital herself. The chicken soup had probably been sitting in the thermos for ages, barely warm at this point. Daisy’s leg was just a little red, nothing serious.
Barely ten minutes after they arrived, Barnard rushed in. Daisy’s eyes filled with tears the second she saw him. She reached out with both hands, pouting, “Barnard, it really hurts p>
Barnard crouched down and pulled Daisy into his arms, looking worried. “What happened? Why are you at the hospital all of a sudden p>
Daisy sniffled. “It was Camilla. Mom heard she was hurt and brought her chicken soup. Camilla wouldn’t take it. Then she pushed me. Barnard, why does Camilla act like this? Did I do something to make her hate me p>
Davina stepped in before Barnard could reply. “Daisy, that’s enough. What happened wasn’t Camilla’s fault, and even if it was, you can’t blame her. If Camilla wasn’t so good to us, do you think we’d be living in that big house? You need to apologize. Now p>
Daisy quickly lowered her head, her voice small and sad. “Sorry, Camilla. I shouldn’t have said that. Please forgive me p>
From what they said, Barnard figured out the whole story. He turned to Camilla. “Camilla, Davina just wanted to help you. Why are you always so ungrateful? And Daisy’s just a kid—how could you take it out on her p>
Camilla looked tired, but her voice was steady. “First, I already told her I didn’t want the soup. Daisy wouldn’t stop pulling at me, that’s why this happened. Second, I’ve said it over and over, I don’t want them around me. Instead of confronting me, maybe you should ask Davina why she keeps showing up here when she could just stay comfortable at Saddlebrook Estates. She knows I dislike her but still finds excuses to come around. What is she really after p>
Davina twisted her hands nervously. “Camilla, I’m just the housekeeper. I have nothing comfortable going on at Saddlebrook. When I heard you got hurt, I just wanted to help. I never meant for you to misunderstand p>
Camilla cut her off. “Let’s make it simple. If you want something to do, handle things at Saddlebrook and look after Barnard. Just don’t come near me and Jasper. I’m busy and don’t have time for any of this. If there’s nothing else, I’m out p>
Daisy called after her, voice trembling with sincerity. “Camilla, do you hate us? Did I do something wrong? Please tell me. I can change p>
Camilla shook her head, almost amused. “You don’t have to change. You don’t need to win me over. We don’t owe each other anything p>
Daisy’s eyes filled with fresh tears. “But I don’t want you to hate me. Just tell me what to do. Please, I promise I can change p>
Barnard tried to reason with Camilla. “She’s just a kid. Why argue with her? Can’t you just comfort Daisy a little p>
Camilla gave a short laugh. “I don’t owe her that. I p>
Someone else’s voice cut through the conversation. “Camilla, Barnard, what are you doing here p>
A caregiver was helping Elise take a walk and they’d just reached their floor.
Elise looked surprised to see Camilla then glanced at Davina and Daisy, her eyes pausing when she saw Barnard holding Daisy. She frowned. “Camilla, who are these people p>
Davina answered quickly. “Hello, you must be Camilla’s mother. I’m the housekeeper and this is my daughter. She hasn’t been feeling well today. Camilla and Barnard were kind enough to come with us to the hospital p>
Since Davina wasn’t causing any trouble, Camilla’s expression relaxed. She walked over to Elise. “Mom, it’s nothing serious. Let me help you back to your room so you can rest p>
Elise waved her off. “No, I’m feeling much better. I don’t need to lie down all day. What’s wrong with your little girl? Is it something serious p>
She’d always had a soft spot for children. Seeing Daisy looking so pitiful, her voice turned gentle.
Daisy shook her head. “I’m not sick. I just got burned by some chicken soup p>
“Oh, you poor thing. How did that happen? Does it hurt?” Elise asked, worried.
Daisy put on a brave face. “It’s okay. I’m not afraid of pain. It’s just… Camilla doesn’t seem to like me. Since you’re her mom, could you talk to her for me? I promise I’ll be good. Please, don’t let her hate me p>
Davina tried to hush Daisy, but Elise was already focused on Camilla. “Camilla, what’s really going on here p>
She knew her daughter. Deep down, Camilla was a kind person. She wouldn’t just be cruel to a young girl.
Camilla just sighed. “Mom, let me walk you back to your room first p>
Elise finally agreed, but as soon as they stepped inside, she couldn’t wait any longer. “Camilla, be honest with me. Who are that mother and daughter, and what did that little girl mean out there p>