Suspicion

*CAMILLA’S POV*

“You can’t imagine how long I waited to have you back and to be your father again,” John said, holding my hand gently. “To have you in my arms, referring to me as your Dad. This makes this old man happy.”

“Dad you’ve told me this countless times, it’s been months already,” I replied, giggling.

“Now I can die easy,” he added with a light laugh.

“Don’t say such things, you still have many more years to live.”

I smiled at him, playing along with his charade. But as I looked into his eyes, I noticed something—he was watching me carefully, as if trying to gauge my actions. Had he caught wind of my meeting with Dante? Was this all part of his attempt to reel me back under his control and delusion?

No. He couldn’t know. There was no way he had figured out the truth about me coming back in time. I was sure of that.

“I’ve prepared a little gift for you,” he continued, his tone overly sweet. "But first, let’s have breakfast. I’m sure you’re starving."

“Yes I am, let me go get Jasper—,” I replied, taking a step toward the stairs.

 “Hannah can bring him. You don’t need to worry about that,” he interrupted casually.

“No!” The word burst out of me far too quickly, and John’s eyes widened, surprise flickering on his face. I realized I had overreacted, almost exposing my wariness of Hannah. I quickly scrambled for an excuse.

"I mean," I added, lowering my voice, "Jasper is probably still sleeping. I’d hate for him to be startled awake by anyone but me. You know how children are, right?"

John studied me for a moment, his gaze sharp, before his expression softened. "Of course, of course. Go on then."

He turned and headed toward the dining room, but I could still feel the weight of his suspicion lingering in the air.

I took a deep breath and quickly made my way upstairs, entering the room where Jasper was peacefully sleeping. My heart swelled as I watched him, his tiny form curled up beneath the blankets.

I gently brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. "We’ll get through this, my love," I whispered before scooping him up in my arms. “Your mom won’t give up without a fight.”

When I finally entered the dining room with Jasper in my arms, I could feel John’s eyes on us. His lips curled into a small smile as he watched me.  “You’re a natural mother,” he remarked, nodding approvingly. "I knew you had it in you."

I smiled softly, adjusting Jasper’s clothes. “He’s got your charm,” I replied playfully, trying to ease the tension from earlier.

John chuckled, reaching for his cup of tea. “I wouldn’t go that far. But he’s definitely a strong boy.” 

The table was laid out in an elaborate spread—fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, fluffy pancakes, and pastries.

“You always make such a grand display,” I remarked, softly bouncing Jasper in my arms.

John smiled. “Only the best for my daughter and grandson. It’s not every day I get to have breakfast with family.”

I placed Jasper in his small portable crib beside me, making sure he was comfortable before sitting down myself.

The conversation was light as we ate. John was so good at playing his father figure role that one would never notice the sly fox hiding behind that mask.

We were done eating and as the plates were cleared, John leaned back in his chair and gave me a pointed look. "Camilla," he began, a smile creeping across his face, "I mentioned earlier that I had something for you, didn’t I?"

“Oh yes. What is it?”

"I’ve arranged for a personal stylist to help you refresh your wardrobe, and I’m giving you an unlimited spending limit on my card. You can buy anything you need for yourself and Jasper—clothes, toys, anything at all."

I blinked, taken aback. I wasn’t surprised by the gift but rather by the timing. I knew John well and he only ever gave lavishly when he wanted something in return but the question now was what did he need from me? It was more like an attempt to exert control than a gesture of kindness. But I forced another smile, playing the role of the grateful daughter. "Thank you, Dad. That’s very generous of you."

My actions had caused a ripple effect because this never happened in the past. But it wasn’t a problem. Knowing John, he must have heard about my outing and is trying to control me like before with his fatherly love.

John smiled, satisfied with my response. But as I held Jasper close, my mind was already working. This was an opportunity for me as well. I hadn’t heard from Dante for a week now and If he doesn’t come through, this could be another avenue for me to gain resources and get out. If I played this right, I could stockpile expensive items and sell them later if needed.

For a brief moment, we were just a father and daughter enjoying a simple meal together. But as much as I tried to relax, I couldn't forget the reality of our relationship. John's warmth was always laced with a hidden agenda, and I couldn't let my guard down for too long.

‘Thank the heavens he only uses force when he’s all out of options and all I have to do is to let him think he hasn’t run out of them.’

A maid came in taking me out of my thoughts. “Sir Mr Lockwood is here to see you.”

Her words sent dread down my spine.

‘what is TOM doing here now?’