Chapter 58
He turned the conversation to Jasper, sounding more like he was scolding than just explaining.
Jasper was already upset, and now he just broke down, sobbing out loud. “Mom, I did what I was supposed to. The teacher said we should clean up and then go to the opening ceremony. I tried to find Dad, but I couldn’t. I cleaned up all by myself. Then everyone carried their tables and chairs outside, and Dad still didn’t show up. I was scared I’d be late, so I p>
The more Jasper tried to explain, the harder he cried, his voice muffled and shaky. Camilla immediately swept him into a hug, while Barnard glanced away, unable to meet her eyes.
By now, Camilla had it all figured out. She looked at Barnard. “You didn’t just stop by to check on them, did you? You actually helped Davina clean up, and you moved tables and chairs for her too, right p>
The facts spoke for themselves, and Barnard didn’t even try to deny it. “Daisy doesn’t have a dad. I thought I’d help them quickly and then come back to help Jasper. I wasn’t gone that long p>
“She doesn’t have a dad, but what, she doesn’t have a mom either? How heavy do you think a little kids’ table is? Davina couldn’t move it by herself? Seriously, Barnard, you ignore your own son just so you can play hero for someone else’s daughter? That’s a pretty special hobby you’ve got there,” Camilla shot back, her words sharp and cold.
Kindergarten tables aren’t exactly big. Sure, it’s tough for a five-year-old to carry one down the stairs, but for an adult, it’s nothing. With both Davina and Daisy there, there was no reason for Barnard to get involved at all. The worst part was, he still didn’t think he’d done anything wrong. He kept trying to blame Jasper for not waiting for him.
Camilla felt her anger rising, almost to the point where she wanted to just say it—accuse Barnard straight-up of caring too much about Davina. But she forced herself to hold back. She still hadn’t gotten the villa’s security footage, and her mom’s health was getting worse. Now wasn’t the moment to blow everything up.
Suddenly, Davina stepped in, all innocence and apology. “I’m so sorry, Camilla. It’s my fault. I should have kept Daisy with me, but she went to Barnard, and that’s what made Jasper late. If you’re angry, I’ll take whatever you want to do to Daisy. Hit her, scold her, whatever. Please don’t take it out on Barnard because of us. Or, you know… just push Daisy down the stairs p>
The way she said it, like she was sacrificing herself, made Daisy completely freak out. Daisy ran to Barnard, grabbing his leg. “Barnard, help me! I know I messed up! Please, Camilla, don’t push me p>
Camilla hadn’t said a single word about hurting anyone, but now, listening to Davina and Daisy, you’d think she was some kind of villain just waiting to do something awful.
Barnard turned to Davina in disbelief. “Davina, she’s your daughter. How could you even say something like that p>
Davina just shrugged, not bothered at all. “She’s my daughter, but if she got Jasper hurt by being stubborn, she should be punished. Barnard, stay out of this. I’ll apologize to Camilla myself. I won’t let what happened between us make things worse for you and her p>
She grabbed Daisy and started pulling her towards the door, like she really might toss the kid down the stairs.
Barnard panicked. “Camilla, why are you just standing there? Talk some sense into Davina! Daisy’s just a kid! What if something really happens to her? That’s no different than hurting her on purpose p>
Still holding Jasper close, Camilla just lifted her head and watched. Davina was moving so slowly, obviously dragging things out for attention. Outside the room, Daisy’s crying echoed down the hallway, and soon a small crowd of patients and hospital staff had gathered, craning their necks to see.
Davina raised her voice again, dramatic as ever. “Barnard, don’t waste your breath on Camilla. Jasper got hurt because of us. If pushing Daisy down the stairs makes Camilla feel better, then that’s what we’ll do p>
She wasn’t even talking to Barnard anymore. She was putting on a show for the growing audience in the hallway.
Daisy’s crying grew even louder. “Mom, please don’t push me! I know I did wrong! I’ll apologize to Jasper, I swear! I’ll help take care of him! Please, I’m scared, Mom, please don’t push me p>
The crowd started to whisper.
“What is happening in there? Did I hear right? They’re going to push that little girl down the stairs? Who could do something that awful p>
“Sounds like one of them is a nanny. Her kid got the family’s boy hurt, so now she’s supposed to atone or something p>
“Atone? That’s insane. You can’t just throw a kid down the stairs. What if she gets hurt for life p>
“How could anyone be this cruel p>
All the gossip and suspicion from outside the door drifted straight to Camilla’s ears.
Davina just kept going. “No, it’s not her fault. It’s all on us. We’ll do whatever we have to make this right. Girls from the countryside don’t have much value anyway. What’s a little fall p>
Camilla stayed silent, holding Jasper close, feeling the weight of all the eyes and accusations pressing in from just beyond the door.