Chapter 22 288 Vouchers Claudine met his gaze , steady now . She had her pride . She didn't want him to think the divorce was a bluff or that she was clinging to him and Darlene . So she braced herself and said something she never thought she would . " You think I want to take care of Darlene ? " She's not even my child . What makes you think you can expect that from me ? " You're her father . Where were you when she needed you ? " Outside the door , Darlene heard everything . She stood there barefoot , frozen . And she believed it . " Miss Barrette , why are you out here without shoes ? " A servant noticed Darlene , walked up , and carried her back to the room . Darlene glanced back at the closed door . Her small hands rubbed at her face to stop the tears from falling . She decided she didn't like Claudine anymore . In the master bedroom , Damian stared coldly at Claudine . He couldn't believe she'd just said that . She'd always been emotional and jealous . But with Darlene , she'd been kind and patient . " Claudine . I didn't know you were this petty . Don't forget I married you because- " She cut him off . " Because Darla needed a mother . You've said it too many times . " And now you've got someone new . Why not let her take over ? " What's stopping you ? Or are you just now figuring out that raising a kid isn't that easy ? " You spent the night with another woman and left your daughter with me , the scheming woman you despise . What kind of father does that ? " With that , Claudine shoved past him , opened the door , and walked out . Damian stood alone . 0.0 % 03:52 Chapter 22 She slammed the door , which only made him angrier . Now he was certain she knew about Audrey and had followed him . Taking care of Darlene was her responsibility , but she blamed him . He couldn't help wondering if it was his fault for letting her get away with too much . Claudine was ridiculous ! *** 288 ( Vouchers Claudine thought Darlene was still asleep . She paused at the door , took a breath , and pushed it open . She didn't want to bring her anger into the room . But Darlene was already awake , sitting up in bed . Claudine walked over quickly . " You're up ? Is your skin still itchy ? I'll put on some more ointment . " " Just leave me alone ! " Darlene suddenly jumped up and shoved her . " I don't want you here . You're so fake ! Just go ! " Then she pushed Claudine out of the room . Still in her pajamas , Claudine knocked on the door . " Darla , let me in . I need to change . " Behind the door , Darlene wiped her tears , replaying every word she'd heard . " I hate you . I don't want to see you again . Just go away . " Claudine's hand froze in the air and stopped knocking . She was beginning to feel pathetic. One phone call had brought her running . She'd stayed up all night caring for Darlene . Once she was better, she pushed Claudine away . To the Barrette family , Claudine was just someone they could call when needed and toss aside just as easily . She couldn't take it anymore . She went downstairs , grabbed her keys , and left . Darlene heard the sound and ran barefoot to the window . She watched Claudine walk away without looking back . 40.5 % 03:52 Chapter 22 Damian heard crying and hurried to Darlene's room . She was sitting on the carpet , sobbing hard . He knelt down and gently pulled her into his arms , whispering , " What's wrong ? " She clung to him , gasping for breath . But she wasn't about to admit she was upset because Claudine had left . She just kept crying , refusing to speak . Damian guessed she might be feeling sick again and asked a servant to fetch the family doctor . 288 Vouchers The servant came in and said , " Is Miss Barrette still itchy ? Mrs. Barrette put the ointment on last night . She should be fine by now . Wait , where is Mrs. Barrette ? " Darlene sniffled . " She left . " " She left ? " The servant blinked . " But she didn't sleep at all last night . Why would she leave so early ? " 03:52