Reborn From Oblivion (Nellie and Cameron) novel Chapter 236

"Nell, why are you hitting the books so hard?"

"Because that's the only way to land a good job. Then I can earn enough to repay you for your kindness."

"You really don't need to work that hard. I could take care of you forever, you know."

The maid almost dropped the porcelain she was holding in shock. She couldn’t believe Mr. Dawson was laying it on thick with Nellie. His attentions felt forced, almost mechanical.

Luckily, Nellie was too innocent to notice Cameron's hidden agendas. She chirped back, "Cameron, I'll cherish your kindness forever. But spoiling me like this isn't truly good for me; it could actually harm me. I might get lazy, waste my best years, and end up drifting through life without purpose."

Cameron rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. He was surrounded by women who tried to please him, playing the role of virtuous saints who claimed to be uninterested in money.

Nellie, who came from nothing, should have been just as ordinary. So, he figured her independence had to be an act.

Cameron's patience with Nellie was wearing thin. He laid his cards on the table. "Nellie, an old friend saw your photo and thinks you might be her long-lost sister. She wants to meet you."

Nellie shot to her feet, her face as white as a sheet. If Cameron had been paying closer attention, he would have noticed her trembling.

Nellie's voice shook as she spoke, "Cameron, she must be mistaken. I'm an only child..."

Cameron frowned, clearly irritated.

Nellie's fibs got under his skin. He chalked it up to the so-called flaws of the working class. He refused to dive into the sadness behind her deceit.

"Cameron, I've got something to do. I need to go," Nellie said, making a quick exit.

She thought she'd made her refusal clear enough to dodge whatever fate had in store. But, ever persistent, Cameron slammed the door shut on her path to freedom. The next day, he went as far as bringing Greta home.