Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 527

As soon as the words left my mouth, I could feel Camilla's quizzical gaze burning into me.

I rushed to clarify, "Camilla, what I mean is simple. Right now, I can't give in to her request, at least not this time!"

Camilla's eyes were brimming with confusion as she asked, "Why not?"

After a moment, I carefully replied. I knew all too well the kind of person Camilla was and her emotional resilience. If I didn't explain myself clearly, she might misconstrue my words as a sign of disrespect or rejection. On the other hand, much like the Dawson family's way of thinking, she might perceive me as doling out charity from on high.

Especially since I had just firmly denied her proposal.

So, I adjusted my tone and earnestly said to Camilla, "Fidelia has a bit of a stubborn streak. We need to work on that and make her see that her approach is wrong. Besides, we should help her understand how much you mean to her, so that she can cherish you!"

I tried to appeal to both her emotions and her reason as we discussed the matter, hoping to convince her to see the sense in my words. Only then could we avoid future issues. Sometimes, I even doubted myself. Was I being too charitable as Catherine had suggested?

Why did I even bother doing this 'good' deed that wasn't necessary? If I hadn't been so quick to offer my kindness, I wouldn't have ended up with these headaches.

Now, more than ever, I felt that anything to do with the Dawsons, big or small, required careful consideration before taking action.

Continuing with resolve, I said, "Fidelia's staying for her studies is simple enough. Our door is always open for you, and Fidelia is welcome anytime. But don't give in to her this time."

I emphasized 'this time,' admitting to myself that I was perhaps making a bigger deal out of this than necessary.

But as I saw Camilla seem to take in my words, I decided to seize the moment and pressed on, "Later on, I'll explain the whole thing to her. If she wants to come back, I'll make the arrangements. She can attend the same school as Monique!"

I thought my point was clear enough.

I watched Camilla until she nodded, though I wasn't sure if she truly understood.

But I quickly added, "If you want to come, after thinking twice, you're welcome too. It would save you from being apart!"

This was me subtly applying pressure. I suspected that Camilla wouldn't easily leave her life in Goldenvale Town for Silverdale City.

This time Camilla nodded in earnest, "All right! Let her go back and adjust. I'll weigh the options carefully. That sounds good!"

I nodded, "Exactly! We don't want her making a rash decision she'll regret later."

I later repeated my thoughts to Fidelia alone, discussing the consequences and dangers of her running away.

I also asked her what she truly wanted. She said she wanted to hide until Camilla left Silverdale City.

It made me both annoyed and amused. What a child!

Yet, I felt she was carrying some sort of burden, not revealing the true reason she wanted to stay.

I reiterated that she could share her deepest thoughts with me, but she shook her head, claiming there was nothing more to be near Monique and Probert with a better studying environment.

I couldn't deny this, even my father's lectures hooked me in my spare time.

When I suggested taking Camilla on a tour around Silverdale City, she refused. She'd rather explore Oldtown Avenue next time and was keen to revisit the Wood Manor. Camilla was curious about how she managed to sneak in and where she had hidden.

So, I took them both to the Wood Manor.

As soon as we entered, Camilla couldn't stop praising the place, examining every nook and cranny with great interest.

I had the impression she was quite taken with the Wood Manor!

After another day, Camilla took Fidelia back to Goldenvale Town.

I personally escorted them to the airport, with the children in tow. Fidelia was visibly upset, pouting and shedding tears the whole journey. Such a scene was heart-wrenching to see, and I almost told her to stay here.

But I restrained myself. In matters concerning her and her mother, I had to tread carefully.

They were, after all, on the fringes of the Dawson family, and not to be taken lightly.

All I could do was offer reassuring words, advising them to think things over and reminding them they were always welcome to return.

In doing so, I also had my own considerations. Above all, I needed to uncover the identity and intentions of the mysterious contact of Cat's Eye. I had to ensure the safety of my children. That was my duty as a mother.

And that was the real reason behind my refusal.