Chapter 83
Meeting Elspeth’s fierce gaze, Ophelia got behind Callum, seemingly frightened. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to do it. Please don’t push me.”
She looked as if she witnessed Elspeth push Margot off the stairs with her own eyes and the shock still. lingered in her mind.
“Ophelia, you’re responsible for Mrs. Winthrop’s injury and you know it. You pushed me in the first place, which in turn caused me to release her hand. Why are you putting all the blame on me?”
Tears rolled down Ophelia’s cheeks. “Elspeth, Mrs. Winthrop practically raised me. I would rather risk myself than hurt her. Besides, there’s some kind of history between both of you. There’s no way I’ll hurt her.”
Callum’s first thought was to deny Elspeth’s responsibility in pushing his mother, but he began to waver when he saw the certainty on Ophelia’s face.
He studied Elspeth with scrutiny. When he found the blank look on Elspeth’s face, he couldn’t describe the feelings that surged within him.
“Callum, you suspect me too, don’t you?”
In a split second, anger arose inside her as she noticed his hesitant expression.
“He hasn’t said a word, Elspeth. Why are you getting carried away? Are you perhaps feeling guilty?” Ophelia chimed in to stoke the fire, trying to drive a wedge between the pair..
“Elspeth, I’m not trying to blame anyone.” Callum paused, voice stern. “However, I don’t know whom I’m supposed to believe when my mother is lying here unconscious.”
His words sent a pang through her heart. Who would have thought the man who promised to marry her last night was the same person who doubted her character today?
“You don’t believe me, do you? Fine. It’s my fault that your mother fell down the stairs.”
Callum was taken aback when she simply took the responsibility. He didn’t mean to blame her, but it seemed like she had misunderstood his words. “Elspeth, you know I don’t mean that.”
At that, Elspeth took a deep breath. “If so, pray tell, what are you suggesting? Do you expect me to ignore the look you give me when all you do is stand there and look at me as if I’m a suspect?”
He did not dare to meet her gaze.
“You know what, Callum? Remember not to make promises you can’t keep in the future.” Closing her eyes, she burst into laughter. “It’s ridiculous.”
It was indeed a ridiculous situation to her, which explained the tears threatening to trickle down her cheeks.
“I will go. Are you happy now?”
Ophelia was pleased to watch the fight unfold between the two. However, she wasn’t impressed with the outcome. Thus, she added, “Not so fast. The accident might turn out to be a criminal offense. It can’t be solved with just a reprimand. It needs a sentence.”
Callum clenched his fists, and his eyes were shooting daggers at the talking woman. “Enough, Ophelia.”
“Why should I stop? Callum, she’s the cause of your mother’s injury, but you’re choosing to side with her? Have you forgotten all about your mother?”
She couldn’t understand it. Why is he hesitating and worrying about his romantic relationship when his mother’s life is hanging in the balance?
“Mind your own business. I’ll deal with my affairs on my own.”
“Then, ask her to prove it, Callum. If she can prove her innocence, I’ll apologize to her. Or else, I’ll never forgive her for hurting Mrs. Winthrop!”
Her words came cut powerful, so much so that even Elspeth could almost believe that.
“Elspeth.” Callum turned to Elspeth with a hint of a plea in his eyes.
She knew that look-Callum was asking her to show him the evidence to prove her innocence.
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