Chapter 38
Laura had always faded into the background in the Carter family. She almost never showed up in front of Camilla, except for the necessary holiday visits to The Carter Estate. They barely ever met in private, so Camilla really had no idea what brought Laura over this time.
When Camilla walked into her office, there was Laura on the sofa, a bundle of photos spread out in front of her.
“Mom,” Camilla called softly. Laura beckoned her over.
“Camilla, come here and explain these to me. Is something going on between you and Barnard lately?” She slid the pictures across the coffee table.
Camilla glanced at the photos. There was Barnard, clearly at Cabinda’s biggest amusement park, spending time with Daisy and Davina. The pictures had obviously been taken just yesterday.
Laura frowned, hesitating for a moment. “Who is this woman? Why does Barnard seem so close to them? And this little girl p>
Camilla could only think of one thing—Laura had never been someone with strong opinions. She always seemed to cling quietly to her husband, her voice barely above a whisper. Even now, showing up with those photos to confront Camilla over a possible marriage crisis, Laura looked like she couldn’t quite summon the courage to say what she really wanted to ask.
“Mom, that’s Davina. Barnard recently brought her to Saddlebrook Estates as a nanny. She used to take care of him when he was a kid. The little girl is her daughter. Davina lost her husband not long ago, so Barnard has been looking after the two of them a bit more,” Camilla explained.
Laura pressed a hand to her chest, obviously relieved. “Oh, so that’s all it is. You really gave me a scare. I’m just glad nothing’s wrong between you two p>
Camilla decided not to say anything more about whatever was really happening between Davina and Barnard. Sometimes it was just easier not to stir up more trouble.
“So, Mom, was this the only reason you came?” Camilla asked as she poured Laura a cup of tea.
“It’s been so long since you went home. Your dad asked me to invite you and Barnard back tomorrow. You know how Barnard is. He’s never been close to us. Camilla, do you think you could talk to him, maybe convince him to come?” Laura looked at her almost pleadingly.
“Maybe in a few days, Mom? Things are so busy at work right now and p>
“Camilla, please,” Laura interrupted, looping her arm through Camilla’s. “It’s been so long since you’ve visited, and I really miss Jasper too.” She made it clear she wasn’t going to leave without a promise.
Camilla didn’t have it in her to refuse her. Right then and there, she messaged Barnard. His reply arrived quickly. Laura only seemed to relax after reading his response. “Now that I know you’re both alright, I feel so much better. How has Barnard been lately? Did he ever mention me? Would you mind saying something nice about me to him now and then? I know, I wasn’t the most attentive mother, but I am his mom. It hurts that he treats me like a stranger p>
If this was before, Camilla would have agreed without a second thought. But now, she just felt a little amused. She couldn’t tell if she was feeling sorry for Laura or for herself.
Laura was Barnard’s mother, but the person Barnard talked about the most, the person he claimed he owed everything to, was Davina. In his eyes, it wasn’t just Camilla who came second to Davina—even Laura couldn’t measure up.
Watching Laura looking so anxious and timid, Camilla thought that if she ever found out the full story, Laura would probably break down in tears.
She mumbled a few polite responses and quickly changed the topic. Laura stayed a little longer, but every conversation circled back to Barnard. Camilla felt mentally drained, but she kept up the act.
By the time Laura finally left, noon was fast approaching. Camilla packed up a few new jewelry samples from the latest company collection for Laura, who left on cloud nine. On the surface, their relationship seemed as warm and pleasant as ever.
But everything changed the next day when Camilla brought Jasper back to The Carter Estate.
After work, she went straight to Brookfield Manor to pick up Jasper. She hadn’t asked Barnard to wait for her. When they arrived, she found Barnard kneeling in the courtyard. Scattered around him were all the photos Laura had taken to Camilla’s office.
Barnard barely glanced her way, his eyes clouded with complicated emotions. His father, Calvin, stood nearby with a hard expression. He looked at Camilla for a brief moment, then turned to Laura.
“Take them inside,” Calvin said curtly.
Laura lingered, looking back at Barnard with worry. “Can’t you just talk this through? Barnard should get up first, this is p>
“I said take them inside.” Calvin’s voice snapped through the air. Laura flinched and didn’t dare push her luck any further.