Chapter 3 The sheets beside her didn't even have one single crease . She knew - once again , Damian hadn't returned all night . But she no longer cared . In the next second , the room door was pushed open . " This is Daddy's room . " Darlene stepped in with Lindsay , neither of them realizing how rude they were . " Who said you could come in ? " Even speaking caused knifing pain in her throat , and her voice was utterly hoarse . Lindsay said , " Mrs. Barrette , Mr. Barrette wants me to fetch his clothes for today . " Though she addressed Claudine politely , the provocation in her tone was undisguised . Claudine , of course , sensed her hostility . " They're in the walk - in closet , " Claudine said , her voice flat . Lindsay was secretly surprised . The old Claudine would have demanded to know Damian's whereabouts last night and why he'd asked her to fetch his clothes . And Claudine would never have let her anywhere near his walk - in closet . What had gotten into Claudine today ? Lindsay shrugged . She was quite pleased with Claudine's change , actually . Getting to handle Damian's clothes - his underwear even - was such an intimate thing , which made her heart flutter . She stepped into the walk - in closet . Soon , rustling sounds rang out . Claudine still seemed indifferent , as if she hadn't heard anything at all . She got up and headed toward the table , wanting to fetch some water . Throughout the whole time , she didn't even shoot Darlene a glance . She had never neglected Darlene before this . Darlene walked over to her and tugged at her arm . She was about to take the pills . Her hand tilted , and the hot water splashed onto her arm . Her fair skin reddened at once . 0.0 % 03:50 Chapter 3 Some of the water spilled on the back of Darlene's hand , which also turned slightly red . Darlene burst into tears instantly . Hearing her cries , Lindsay quickly stepped out . " What happened ? " she exclaimed . Claudine had already fetched the ointment and was about to apply it to Darlene's hand . " Darla , it's nothing serious . Everything's gonna be fine . The ointment will do the trick , " Claudine said . Lindsay , however , grabbed Darlene and held her close protectively while glaring at Claudine . " Darla's crying so miserably . How could you say it's fine ? " I get it now . You scalded her deliberately just to get Mr. Barrette home , right ? " I can't believe how vicious you are ! " Lindsay spat . 288 iVouchers Claudine's hand holding the ointment hovered in mid - air . Blisters had formed on her scalded forearm , causing throb- bing pain . She glanced at Darlene , assuming the girl would at least explain . But to her surprise , Darlene only briefly met her gaze before retreating into Lindsay's arms . It'd be lying to say she wasn't disappointed . After all , she had raised Darlene for five years . She averted her gaze and put the ointment back onto the table . " I'm vicious ? Fine . Then take her away . " After saying this , she turned around . The physical pain was nothing compared to her heartache . Lindsay shouted at her retreating figure , " I'm so going to tell Mr. Barrette what happened today ! " He'll know what kind of person you really are ! " " Whatever , " she responded nonchalantly . She didn't even stop or look back . Seeing this , Darlene , who had been burying herself in Lindsay's embrace , pouted unhappily . She was still mad at Claudine for refusing to make cookies with her last night . That was why she didn't explain . She glanced at the back of her hand - the redness had faded , and it no longer hurt that much . But she clearly remem- bered seeing blisters on Claudine's forearm . 41.6 % 03:50 Chapter 3 It must have hurt so much … Lindsay lowered her head , asking Darlene , " Darla , how about I take you to the office to see Mr. Barrette ? " Kids ' moods changed quickly . At the mention of Damian , Darlene beamed at once , totally forgetting about Claudine . By the time Claudine stepped out of the walk - in closet , Darlene and Lindsay had already left . The throbbing pain in her forearm was like a reminder , telling her there was nothing left to keep her here . 88.5 %