Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 336

Amanda felt a pang of guilt gripping her heart. After all, poor Camilla had only sprained her ankle trying to help her up. It was why she had clung to Kieran for support. Julie, on the other hand, wanted to explain to Kieran what had just happened, but having just sprinted up four flights of stairs in six-inch heels with a kiddo who felt like a sack of potatoes, she was too winded to talk.

Leaning against the wall, Julie's face was as pale as her chapped lips. Kieran glanced over at Julie, only to be met with a commanding tone from Amanda, "What are you standing around for?"

Julie, who could barely catch her breath, gestured weakly at Kieran, signaling him to assist Camilla with her foot first.

Camilla, however, managed a smile and shook her head, "I'm fine, Amanda, don't worry. We can check it out after Phoebe's seen by the doctor."

She hung her head in guilt, "It was my oversight. I've always been the one to bathe Phoebe since he was little. If I hadn't been so distracted, Phoebe wouldn't have..."

Amanda took Camilla's hand, patting it gently, "Don't be silly, dear! Accidents happen to the best of us. Let's see what the doctor says. Joyce and I will keep watch, and you go and get that foot checked out. You're too young to be dealing with chronic injuries. Kieran, take Camilla to...”

"Marlon, you're right on time." Kieran waved at Harding and Marlon, who was sauntering over, "Come on, help me get Camilla to Orthopedics. We need to see if she's hurt her bones."

Marlon ambled over, sizing up Camilla from head to toe. It took him a moment to place her before he nodded, realization dawning, "Bertha's sister?"

Camilla nodded with a polite smile, "The famous Marlon, I've heard much about you."

Marlon glanced at Camilla, "Those double eyelids where did you get them done? They look pretty authentic, and can't even tell they're done."

Julie, already out of breath, almost choked at Marlon's blunt remark.

Realizing he couldn't rely on Marlon's sharp tongue for help, Kieran turned to Harding, "I'm not familiar with Orthopedics."

Seeing Amanda gripping Kieran with one hand and holding Camilla with the other, Harding got the message and stepped forward, offering his hand to Camilla, "Ms. Camilla, the Orthopedic clinic is this way. Please, follow me."

Embarrassed by Marlon's comment yet maintaining her composure, Camilla withdrew her hand from Amanda's and gently took Harding's sleeve, "Thank you."

Marlon stepped forward, taking Camilla's arm and draping it over his shoulders. As he half-supported, half-carried her toward the hospital elevator, he looked back disdainfully at Harding, "Harding, you need to hit the gym. Can't even handle a little lady?"

Harding was speechless

Did he even get a chance to carry Camilla? Did he?

He hadn't even touched her hand before Marlon swooped in. That was ridiculous.

Harding glared at Marlon, "I could carry you without breaking a sweat, let alone her."

After the pair had spirited Camilla away, Amanda finally released Kieran's arm.

Kieran stepped up to support Julie, having pieced together from Amanda and Camilla's conversation that Phoebe had suffered an accident.

"Are you okay?" Kieran asked, cradling her face and gently wiping the sweat from her brow, "Why the rush?"

"Phoebe slipped in the bathroom. It was loud. When I pushed the door open, he wasn't crying, and I feared the worst, so I just had to bring him here." Julie was catching her breath, grateful for her stamina. If it had been her old self, she probably would have keeled over.

Now that her head had cleared, Julie realized how foolish she had been in her panic. She could have asked Bolt to carry Phoebe or even waited for the elevator. After all, Phoebe had been awake and alert. A few minutes' delay wouldn't have been life-threatening. But at that moment, all she could think of was getting him help.

Kieran guided Julie to a nearby chair. Amanda was visibly anxious and worried about Phoebe.

Fortunately, the doctor emerged from the office quickly, addressing Julie and Kieran's anxious faces, "Just a bruise, nothing serious. A little ointment will do the trick. However, the child's condition..."

"He has autism," Kieran interjected.

The doctor nodded in understanding, "That explains it. Both parents must spend time with him. Mother's care alone isn't enough. A healthy, complete family is vital for a child's development. Back in 1943, Dr. Kanner described the parents of autistic children as well-educated, career-focused, yet emotionally cold. It seems there was little dissent at the time, and it still holds true today. So for you wealthy folks... You look familiar."

Kieran stepped forward and spoke softly to Phoebe, "Phoebe, how about I carry you to the car?"

Knowing Phoebe wouldn't respond but also sensing no aversion, Kieran managed to lift him easily.

With Camilla injured, Julie had no choice but to help her.

On the drive, Camilla mentioned returning to the hotel, but Amanda immediately interjected, "That won't do. You're a stranger here, and hotels are inconvenient. Without someone to look after you, we'd worry. And with Phoebe's condition..."

She lowered her voice, then shifted her tone, "Plus, with your injury, you can't even take care of yourself, let alone a child. How can I feel at ease? Enough said. You'll stay at Noblewood Retreat for a while, at least until you're healed."

Camilla hesitated, but Amanda reassured her, "The Hernandez family has been hard on you these years." She took Camilla's hand, her tone leaving no room for debate, "That's settled then. Let Phoebe spend some more time with the Hernandez family."

Amanda then glanced at Julie, whose heart skipped a beat recalling the morning's misunderstanding about not allowing Camilla into Noblewood Retreat. She didn't want to be wrongly accused again, so she said, "Grandma's right, and it's not convenient at a hotel. Noblewood Retreat is bustling. There'll be plenty of people to help out. Don't be shy. Right, honey?"

Kieran bloomed with joy at Julie's sudden endearment. After a brief silence, Kieran reached out and affectionately stroked her head, agreeing, "When have you ever been wrong?"

Julie was thoroughly pleased with his response.

Amanda was all about action. She immediately made a call to Basil to fetch Camilla's things from the hotel.

As Kieran's car pulled into Noblewood Retreat, Basil had already moved Phoebe and Camilla's luggage into the house.

Shannon, spotting Julie assisting a stranger, furrowed her brow and quickly came over to lend a hand.

"Shannon, this is Bertha's sister, Camilla. She's just returned from abroad and isn't familiar with many places here. Please, make sure she feels at home," Amanda instructed.

After glancing at Julie, Shannon nodded, "Of course, Amanda. By the way, Mrs. Hernandez, Ms. Daphne has been waiting for you in the parlor for some time."