Chapter 43

Quinn felt a surge of conflicting emotions. James’s claim of being there for her when it mattered seemed absurd, considering he had been an absent gambler for as long as she could remember. He had never shown any genuine care for her or Simon.

Nonetheless, it wasn't the time to delve into the past. Quinn took a deep breath and pushed her feelings aside. Turning to Cameron, she said, “Mr. Sutton, thank you for saving my—”

“No need to,” Cameron replied slyly.

Quinn instantly remembered their agreement, and her cheeks flushed red.

“Charity, Quinn,” James chimed in, looking completely at ease. “Why are you thanking Mr. Sutton like he’s a stranger? He’s not an outsider.” He glanced at Cameron. “Isn’t that right, Mr. Sutton?”

Quinn wished she could disappear, mortified by James’s shamelessness. Cameron agreed with James, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he looked at Quinn. Desperate to escape the awkward situation, Quinn addressed James, “Wait here while I change. Then we’ll leave.”

James looked confused, clearly not eager to leave. “Leave? Why? Where would we go?”

Quinn couldn't believe James's audacity. She replied, “This is Mr. Sutton’s home. We’ve already caused enough trouble. You can’t seriously be thinking about staying here any longer.” James frowned, his tone growing irritated. “Mr. Sutton’s not a stranger. What’s wrong with staying? He doesn’t mind. Are you trying to get rid of your old man? If this is how you are before marriage, I can’t imagine how you’ll be afterward.”

Quinn felt humiliated, especially with Cameron present. “Dad, what nonsense are you talking about?”

“Am I wrong? Isn’t Mr. Sutton your boyfriend?” James asked, turning to Cameron before Quinn could respond. “Mr. Sutton, you don’t want me to leave, right?”

Cameron smiled, though the look in his eyes remained cold. “Of course not. But I don’t have staff here. You might not be comfortable—”

“That’s no problem. Quinn can handle the housework,” James stated shamelessly.

However, Quinn knew they could not stay. Cameron had already done them an enormous favor by saving James. Moreover, she understood that someone like James wouldn't be welcome in someone else's home for long, least of all in Cameron’s.

“Mr. Sutton, I’m so sorry for the trouble. We’ll leave right away,” Quinn said, hurrying upstairs to change.