Jackson also nodded.
"It's normal for kids to have conflicts, let's both take a step back. No more impulsive actions in the future."
As soon as these words left Jackson's mouth, Cameron probably thought he was siding with her, and a hint of smugness flashed in her eyes when she looked at me.
Little did she know, I was quietly scoffing at her ignorance of Jackson's true intentions.
That evening, Jackson called me to his study.
As my father, he trusted me. So he asked, "Did that girl say something at school that upset you?"
I smiled faintly, replying, "It's nothing, Dad, just a minor disagreement. I'll handle it."
Jackson smiled reassuringly, "I believe in you."
At that moment, Jackson was busy with a major project, and I knew he was overwhelmed. He had no time to meddle in our petty issues.
Revealing these trivial matters would only burden him.
Dealing with Cameron was a task I could handle alone.
So, I started investigating Cameron privately.
The private detective I hired found out about her past at a middle school in a small county.
Through various inquiries, he discovered that Cameron had a severe delusional disorder with a history of troubling incidents.
For instance, she once delusionally believed that the school heartthrob was in love with her and forced him to publicly admit it, tarnishing his reputation and leading to his withdrawal from school.
She also falsely claimed a familial relationship with the owner of a local convenience store, frequently stealing items and using the excuse of distant kinship to evade consequences.
After her reputation went down the drain, she started to fantasize that her desk mate was envious of her "beauty".
So, she teamed up with others to badmouth her deskmate. As a result, the deskmate suffered from a nervous breakdown and took a year off from school.
The evidence I uncovered left me shocked.
I wondered if Uma, who had worked in my household for years, was aware of her daughter's actions.
The next day, which happened to be a Saturday, I deliberately kept Uma occupied.
Cameron was busy pestering Jackson with questions while Uma was tending to the garden outside.
I discreetly installed a pinhole camera in Uma's bedroom and began eavesdropping.
By nightfall, everything seemed calm.
Cameron was serving coffee and water to Jackson, who initially hesitated but eventually accepted her help.
I felt displeased, my gaze turning cold.
Jackson immediately noticed and tried to reassure me.
"Kids from rural areas have had a tough upbringing. Look at her, all tanned and skinny with calloused hands.
"She's never learned proper manners. She told me she wants to be friends with you but is afraid you'll be harsh.
"Anyway, she'll stay with us until the SATs are over. Let's just be tolerant."
I smirked inwardly, thinking, "It seems that Cameron not only has a severe delusional disorder but also a manipulative personality.
Dad, if you truly knew her thoughts, you'd be shocked."
Cameron behaved obediently in front of Jackson, who now showed her some pity, making her feel superior.
That night, she barged into my room and sat down, crossing her legs.
"It's clear that Dad and I share a strong bond. In just a few days, he's already sensed our father-daughter connection.
"Megan, I don't know where you came from, but soon Jackson won't want you around. You should be grateful for my kindness, allowing you to stay in my house until the SATs are over!"
After she finished speaking, she arrogantly got up and left.
I wasn't in a rush to expose her.
Firstly, with the SATs approaching, I needed to focus on studying and avoid causing chaos at home.
Secondly, I needed to let her arrogance peak before watching her fall from grace.
At the same time, the private detective suddenly sent me a message.
It mentioned an accidental discovery about Cameron's biological father.
When I opened the folder, I was shocked.
I now held a lethal weapon to use against Cameron.
During this period, Cameron continued to act sweet in front of Jackson while subtly undermining me.
Jackson was busy with his business and seemed tired.
Cameron personally brought him a late-night soup to his study, reminding him to rest.
Her thoughtfulness made Jackson a bit embarrassed. "Cameron, you're a high school senior; studying should be your priority.
"This is something your mother can handle."
Cameron smiled, "Mr. Fox, you work hard to earn money. I live here, so I should contribute to your well-being.
"And my mom is getting older. I feel sorry for her. Shouldn't children be filial to their parents?"
Jackson nodded. "Cameron is indeed outstanding."
I rolled my eyes and then playfully approached Jackson.
"Dad, you've got white hairs! Let me help you with that."
After teasing him, plucking at his head of white hair, I sighed, "Dad, Mom used to tell you not to overwork yourself.
"It looks like I need to grow up quickly, take over the family business, and let you retire early and enjoy life."
Jackson burst into laughter, patting my head affectionately. "Of course, all this family business is for Megan. The burden on your shoulders will be heavy in the future."
We laughed together, but I couldn't resist shooting a provocative glance at Cameron from the corner of my eye.
Her face twisted with jealousy, her eyes turning bloodshot.
My gaze towards her said, "See? No matter how much you try to please, I can playfully pluck Dad's white hairs without consequences.
Because I am his true daughter."
As Cameron attempted to sow discord in our father-daughter relationship, I immediately intervened.
"I need to speak with Dad privately. Some matters are not for outsiders to hear. Could you step out for a moment?"
It was a command.
Naturally, Cameron had no choice but to leave, casting a pitiful look at Jackson before storming off.
Once she was out of earshot, I asked softly, "Dad, do you think I'm really your biological daughter?"
Jackson was taken aback. "Of course, who wouldn't see that we're cut from the same cloth? Why would you even doubt that?"
It was time to act.
With tears in my eyes, I played the recording of Cameron's conversation with me from the previous night.
"It's clear that Dad and I share a strong bond. In just a few days, he's already sensed our father-daughter connection.
"Megan, I don't know where you came from, but soon Jackson won't want you around. You should be grateful for my kindness, allowing you to stay in my house until the SATs are over!"
As Jackson listened, his expression grew increasingly grim.
I continued to drive the point home.
"Remember what happened at school? Cameron told the whole class she's your daughter, calling me a bastard. I almost believed it was true."
Jackson slammed the table in anger, exclaiming, "This is outrageous!"
He immediately stood up, intending to confront Uma.
I quickly held him back, explaining that it wasn't Uma's fault but rather Cameron's delusions.
I played the understanding card. "Uma has been with our family for so many years; it's not easy for her. I haven't even told her about Cameron's delusional behavior.
"In two more months, after the SATs, she'll leave our home. Let's not bother with her anymore," I added, trying to diffuse the situation.
Jackson looked at me with a pang of affection. "Ah, my daughter, always so understanding. I'll be more cautious in the future; Cameron is truly mentally unstable.
"And let's not allow her to ride in our family car anymore. Let her take the normal bus to school. Don't let her provoke you with her crazy talk."
I smiled; mission accomplished.
Jackson vowed to follow through.
The next morning, Cameron woke up early to prepare breakfast, serving Jackson food in a filial manner.
However, Jackson's expression was one of disgust, and he walked away without a word.
Cameron looked bewildered while I calmly enjoyed my breakfast.
As we headed to school, I boarded the car, and Cameron tried to follow suit.
Our driver promptly kicked her out, stating, "Mr. Fox said this car is exclusively for Ms. Fox's school commute. Find your own way."
Cameron was shocked, shouting at the driver, "Bullshit! My dad... Mr. Fox allowed me to ride in it!"
The driver coldly shut the door. "I don't know about that. I received instructions last night. Move along, don't block the way!"
With that, the car drove off, leaving Cameron in a cloud of exhaust fumes.
Feeling relieved, I calmly focused on studying in the car.
Later, the bell had already rung, but Cameron was nowhere to be seen.
She arrived thirty minutes late and was promptly punished by the teacher to stand.
After class, Cameron stormed towards me, accusing me, "You bitch! What did you do? Why did Dad stop me from riding the car?"
I took a step back in surprise.
"What are you talking about? Who's your dad? How would I know why he stopped you from riding?"
Other students gathered around, questioning Cameron's motives.
She, red-faced and furious, warned, "I said this secret would be revealed after the SATs. Don't push me.
"If I reveal it now, you won't be able to handle it!
"And you, bunch of lackeys, stop groveling to Megan. You'll regret not standing by my side."
With that, Cameron stormed out of the classroom, slamming the door behind her as if I had committed a heinous crime.
The classmates were left speechless, and I waved them off. "Let's disperse, let's disperse. She's the daughter of our maid, and her mental state is off.
"Let's treat this as a joke. I'll treat everyone to pizza at lunch."
The students dispersed, all agreeing that Cameron had some serious issues.
Back at home, Cameron persistently tried to approach Jackson.
He sternly ordered her out, not wanting to be disturbed while working.
He then called me over, "Megan, come to the study. My mood improves with you around."
I cheerfully walked to the study, telling Cameron to go out.
Cameron was on the verge of collapse. Later, as I returned to my room, I overheard her conversation with Uma.