When Shannon heard my ringtone, she leaned closer to glance at the screen. Seeing that it was Dominic, she urged me to pick it up immediately. “Hello?” I pursed my lips and answered the call. The first thing Dominic did was show his concern for my well-being. “I know what happened. Are you hurt?” Immediately, I felt a rush of warmth in my heart. “I'm fine. Though I'm not sure about Camille's condition.” “Where are you? Are you at the hospital?” “I'm in a cab. I'll be there soon,” I replied. “Okay, don't enter when you are there. Wait for me, all right? I'll reach the hospital in approximately twenty minutes.” After I agreed to his request, we ended the call. “What did he say? Whose side is he going to take?” Shannon asked eagerly. “No matter what, I don't think he'll help Camille.” I paused as I pondered over his words. “He will probably comfort his mom. Shannon, you shouldn't say anything later. I don't want things to get more complicated.” Shannon scoffed, “If you weren't being bullied, I would have kept my mouth shut. How could I let you face them alone?” Her words caused me to burst out laughing. All of a sudden, the accident didn't seem like such a big deal after all. When we reached the hospital, I waited for Dominic at the entrance. Shannon looked pleased when I told her that Dominic had asked me to wait for him. Not long after, I spotted Dominic's car. Earlier, when Milena slapped me and gave me a hard time, I didn't feel like crying at all. But for some reason, the sight of Dominic walking over had me tearing up. After everything that had happened, I felt wrongly accused and wanted to rant out my frustrations to Dominic.Initially, I didn't want to give an explanation. But as Dominic approached me, I couldn't help but try to explain myself. “I only tried to get her out of my way. I didn't notice the waiter behind her. I never had any intentions of hurting her.” Dominic's brows pinched together in concern. “Did my mom do anything to you?” Before I could respond, Shannon complained right away, “Can't you see the handprint on Liliana's cheek? Dominic, even though she's your mom, that doesn't give her the right to hit Liliana!” Woefully, I looked at Dominic. In the past, I had even told him that I wouldn't let it slide if his mother hit me again. However, she had again slapped me across the face. Dominic checked on my face. His gaze darkened when he saw my reddened cheek. “Couldn't you dodge when you saw her hand?” he asked in a low voice. “How could I have known that she was about to hit me? If I could foresee the future, I would've avoided going out today,” I mumbled petulantly. Though Dominic did not reply, it was obvious that he was in a bad mood. I refrained from saying anything else. After all, I didn't want to make Dominic uncomfortable by bad-mouthing his mother. “Let's go. Your mom must be waiting for us.” Wordlessly, Dominic held my hand as we prepared to enter the hospital. Yet, we only managed to take two steps before he spun on his heel. He then said to Shannon, “You should head back. I'll get Calvin to send you back.” Shannon was stunned. Clearly, she was unhappy with Dominic's words. “Why can't I tag along? I won't be a hindrance. I want to keep Liliana company!” Shannon insisted stubbornly. She must be worried that they might bully me again.But with Dominic's support, I have faith that he won't let me get hit again. “Shannon, why don't you head back first? I'll call you tonight,” I said softly. “Gosh, you big idiot!” Shannon glared at me. Despite her glare, the worry painted across her face told a different story. “This time, I'll stick up for myself. Remember to send the list of shortlisted candidates to James. I promise to call you tonight,” I said with a smile to reassure her. With a final glare, Shannon shifted her attention to Dominic. “Remember, Liliana is your girlfriend!” With that, she walked toward Dominic's car without turning back. We waited until the car drove off into the distance before entering the hospital. Right away, Dominic led me to the VIP ward. Before we entered, I heard Camille's pathetic sobs. Tugging me along, Dominic pushed the door open. Camille was lying on her stomach with half of her back exposed as the doctor treated her wounds. Meanwhile, Milena clutched Camille's hand comfortingly. Repeatedly, she tried to soothe Camille. If I didn't know better, I would have mistaken them for mother and daughter. I was startled by the severity of Camille's wounds. The skin where the coffee had scalded her looked red and swollen. There were also many blisters scattered across her reddened skin. “Mom,” Dominic called out. As soon as she heard his voice, Milena looked up. Her eyes were red with sorrow. She must be genuinely concerned about Camille. However, Milena's sorrowful look vanished when she noticed Dominic clutching my hand. “Why did you let her in? Kick her out! Look at how badly Camille was injured because of her! How am I supposed to explain this to Mr. Madison and Mrs. Madison?”I held my tongue, afraid that anything I said would escalate the situation. By my side, Dominic squeezed my hand reassuringly. “Mom, you can't blame Liliana. It was an accident. As for the Madisons, I can explain it in your stead. They are not unreasonable people. I'm sure they will understand that it was an accident,” Dominic said calmly. However, his words seemed to have provoked Milena. With a cold look, the latter strode toward us. Instinctively, Dominic yanked me behind him to shield me from his mother's wrath. “What are you trying to imply? Are you saying that I falsely accused her? Dom, throughout this entire time, you've never made me or your dad worried about you. Yet, this woman has bewitched you. How could you fall under her influence?” “Mom, I have not been bewitched. Liliana isn't the type of person you think she is,” Dominic retorted coldly.I couldn't bear to watch them argue because of me anymore. After a moment of hesitation, I stepped forward and said, “Mrs. Hartnell, I'll apologize to Camille.” Milena glared at me. “Apologize? Do you think that a simple apology would solve things? Should I let Camille pour hot water on you and apologize after that? Would that be all right?” I was taken aback by her words. Never had I expected that Dominic's mother would be so unreasonable.