Chapter 6 Whatever You Need From Now On I'll Provide

Bernice nodded with respect. "Yes, Mrs. Ashford." Leading a group of maids, she moved past William and went straight upstairs. William's face flushed with anger as he pointed at Abigail. "Y-You're being completely unreasonable!" Nonetheless, Abigail's fierce glare broke his resolve. He dared not challenge her any further. The maids soon returned carrying piles of exquisite boxes and bags. Without a word, they dropped them all at Camelia's feet. Abigail jabbed a finger at the pile. "Pack your things and leave!" she yelled. Camelia's eyes instantly reddened, tears streaming down her cheeks. In that moment, she appeared nothing more than a vulnerable victim, relentlessly bullied by the Ashford family. Without hesitation, Lucian stepped in and pulled Camelia behind him. "There's no need to go this far, Mrs. Ashford. If you can't accept Camelia, then I'll take her away myself." After a moment's pause, he turned to Rosalie. "What happened today is my responsibility. But my decision remains unchanged." Gripping Camelia's hand firmly, he continued, "Camelia's the one I'm meant to be with. No matter what, I won't let her go. Let's get out of here." Without a backward glance, he pulled her along and walked away. "What a mess this has turned into..." William sighed and rushed after them. "Lucian! Camelia! Wait!" Camelia glanced back, tears still glistening in her eyes. "I'm sorry for causing you trouble, Mr. Ashford." William's chest tightened with guilt as he looked at her. "Don't say that. None of this is your fault." He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Remember our agreement, Camelia. Be at the office on time next Monday. The position of Director of the Technical Department is waiting for you." Camelia nodded obediently. "I won't forget, Mr. Ashford. Thank you." As Lucian and Camelia passed through the gates of the Ashford residence, a sudden commotion broke out behind them. The gift boxes and shopping bags the maids had carried downstairs moments ago were being tossed out. Several boxes split open, their contents spilling onto the pavement. Camelia glanced back. The jewelry and accessories she had treasured over the past six months now lay strewn about like trash. Her face twisted with a mix of humiliation and sadness. Lucian's gaze shifted to the scattered belongings. He pulled Camelia close and whispered, "Don't pay them any mind. Whatever you need from now on, I'll provide. Those items mean nothing." Inside the living room, Abigail clung to Rosalie, tears streaming freely down her cheeks. "Rosa, this is entirely my fault. I was blind to the truth and misjudged those around me. I can't believe I let you endure such pain. It's all on me..." Rosalie gently patted Abigail's back. More than Lucian's betrayal, what wounded Abigail deeply was Camelia's ingratitude. After all, she had truly cared for Camelia throughout these past six months. "Mom, please don't blame yourself. This isn't on you. Some people are just heartless. No matter how much kindness you show them, they'll never appreciate it." At that moment, William entered the room, his face clouded with displeasure. He didn't spare a single glance at Abigail and Rosalie. With a cold snort, he walked straight into the study. "Mom… Don't you think Dad seems a bit off today?" Rosalie asked. Abigail was quick to defend William. "He's probably just concerned about offending Lucian," she said, though the uncertainty in her voice was unmistakable. Rosalie let out a bitter laugh. William had started from nothing. It was only thanks to Abigail's family that he had come this far. But even after all these years, he hadn't managed to outgrow his old, stubborn habits. Deep down, Rosalie had always suspected there was more to him than he ever let on. "Mom," she pressed on, "even if Dad is trying to keep the peace with the Fenwicks, that still doesn't justify him turning his back on his own daughter just to protect an outsider, does it?"