Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 380

In the upscale neighborhood of Gilded Gate Residences, Camilla Stewart lay propped up in her lavish canopy bed, a bandage wrapped neatly around her swollen ankle. By her side stood Charles, her loyal attendant, who had just brought in a glass of ice water and some painkillers.

"Where's Hayden?" Camilla's sharp gaze cut through the dimly lit room, landing squarely on Charles.

Charles glanced toward the door before replying in a hushed tone, "The young master's on a call. I overheard him as I passed by; seems like he's on the line with Mr. Quinn."

No sooner had Charles finished speaking than the sound of deliberate footsteps approached. Swiftly, Charles lifted the glass, pressing the pills into Camilla's hand with a dutiful flourish. "Miss, please take your medicine. We wouldn't want the water to get cold."

Ignoring the pills for a moment, Camilla first eyed Hayden, who had just walked in, then said, "Hayden, is there something pressing? I appreciate you stopping by to check on me, but if you have important matters to attend to..."

"Important matters? None more so than your ankle," Hayden interrupted, his voice carrying the weight of concern. "I've already spoken with Dr. Kerry. He's adamant that a young lady's foot should not be taken lightly. He insists on a thorough check-up to avoid any complications."

Julien had just arrived from the site of a minor car accident, curious to witness Camilla's rumored theatrics. Instead, he found himself observing Hayden's convincing performance.

The Stewarts were an enigma. With roots tracing back several generations to the Veridian shores, it wasn't until Camilla's mother, Candace, struck it rich with a lucky lottery ticket that the family's fortunes soared. With newfound wealth, Candace started a magazine that gained modest acclaim in Veridia.

The Stewarts had only two daughters: Camilla and Bertha, who had disappeared years ago. But it was Candace's story that captivated the town. A self-made woman, Candace had never married, yet she had raised her two daughters on her own. Now stepping back from the limelight, Candace lived a life removed from the public eye. The identity of her husband, however, was a mystery that even Julien couldn't unravel.

If Kieran believed Camilla warranted suspicion, then Julien was inclined to trust his judgment.

On the bed, Camilla maintained her image of fragile grace. With a gentle smile, she assured Hayden, "You're too kind. It's really just a sprain from this morning's misstep in my heels. It's been properly seen to; there's no need for concern."

"That won't do," Hayden insisted, looking at her bandaged ankle as though he truly believed his own words. "Dr. Kerry was clear: you mustn't risk future issues. He asked me to take you to the hospital myself to ease his mind."

Without delay, he signaled for two attendants to enter, ready to escort Camilla to the hospital.

"Really, there's no need..." Camilla protested, her brow furrowed in polite refusal.

But Hayden was resolute, and Julien, who had been lingering in the doorway, stepped forward and said, "Let's go. Everything's arranged at the hospital. A full exam, inside and out, will reassure Kieran. After all, you've looked after Phoebe for so many years; the Hernandez family considers you a benefactor."

Hayden shot Julien a glance. Her words were few, but when she spoke, it was with a precision that hit home, a skill she'd honed since childhood.

Charles, concerned, eyed the bandage on Camilla's ankle and hesitated, "Miss, are you sure you can walk?"

"Truly, there's no need for fuss. A few days' rest at home will set me right," she insisted, her ploy to divert suspicion not intended to draw this overzealous concern.

But Charles, picking up on Camilla's reluctance, quickly stepped forward to intervene, "Miss Stewart has just returned from the clinic, and it hardly seems necessary..."

Hayden cut him off with a sharp glance, "It's precisely because of irresponsible bodyguards like you that your charge has been injured!"

His aura was formidable, leaving no room for argument.

Hayden's status was no secret to Camilla; his presence here was solely out of respect for Kieran. Otherwise, he wouldn't tolerate being addressed as "big brother," nor would he waste time on pleasantries—he would have had her taken straight to the hospital.

Thus, the trip to the hospital was inevitable.

"Charles!" Camilla interrupted, "Fetch my crutches. Hayden's concern is well-intentioned. Mind your words!" She turned to Hayden, apologetically, "I'm sorry, big brother. Charles has been with me since we were kids. His casual manner is just habit; no offense was meant. My fall was my own doing; he's not to blame."

Hayden merely nodded, acknowledgment enough.

Taking the initiative, Camilla declared, "I'll drive. I'll personally take Ms. Stewart to the hospital."

With good humor, Hayden watched as Camilla, leaning on her crutches, made her way to the car.

Dr. Ladd, having received Hayden's call, was already waiting at the hospital. Upon their arrival, safeguarding Camilla personally, he knew the situation was serious.

"Wow, Dr. Ladd himself," Julien commented with a sly undertone. "Ms. Stewart must be quite the VIP."

Camilla flashed a smile at Harding, "You're too kind, Dr. Ladd. It's just a minor scrape, really. No need to trouble the head honcho."

"Don't play it down, you're on crutches, so it's not minor," Harding said, turning to the orthopedic chief. "Go on, bring a wheelchair for Ms. Stewart over here."