Chapter 54
As Barnard pulled away, he rolled down the window, taking one last look at the hospital behind him. For just a second, he could see Camilla’s tear-streaked face in his mind. He forced himself to shake it off.
He hadn’t actually used much strength at all, he told himself. It was Camilla’s slap to Davina that really echoed through the halls, sharp and loud. When it came down to it, this whole mess was Camilla’s fault.
Just like she’d guessed, Camilla’s right hand was dislocated. The doctor fixed it and wrapped it in a brace, telling her she’d need to rest for the next three weeks.
Luckily, the designs for her latest project were all settled, so there was nothing urgent that needed her hands-on attention. She didn’t have to stress about falling behind at work. Skipping the office, she called a cab and went straight home.
On the way back, the pet hospital called. Snow was healing well—almost ready to come home. She’d promised Jasper they’d pick him up together.
At home, Susan and Jasper were both stunned when they saw Camilla’s bandaged wrist. Jasper’s eyes went red instantly. He ran over and threw his arms around her.
“Mom, what happened to your hand? Why’s it all wrapped up? Did you get hurt? Does it hurt a lot?” His voice wobbled with worry.
Camilla stroked his hair with her good hand, putting on her calmest smile. “It’s nothing, sweetheart. Mommy just bumped it. Don’t worry about me. How about we go pick up Snow now p>
Jasper sniffled, gaze glued to her wrist, still not convinced.
Susan chimed in, “Camilla, you know what they say, you are what you eat. You and Jasper should stay for dinner tonight. I’ll make a big pot of bone broth—for your hand. Bone injuries aren’t small things, you need to take care of yourself p>
Those simple, caring words warmed Camilla’s heart, but right after, a bitter feeling settled in her chest. Funny, she thought, even Susan—the person she paid to help around the house—showed her more love than her own husband ever had. She honestly couldn’t understand how she’d once believed Barnard really loved her.
At the pet hospital, Snow looked happy and healthy. Not only were his injuries gone, but he had actually gotten chubbier. As soon as Jasper saw him, he scooped Snow up into a hug, and the cat nuzzled his face in return. Seeing Jasper so full of joy, Camilla felt the tension in her chest finally ease up.
The next morning, Camilla went to the office as usual and found out Bonnie had already shown up for her first day.
With the whole Elaine situation finally settling down, Bonnie clearly felt thankful to Camilla, treating her with extra respect.
“I thought you were going to wait until Elaine was feeling better. What brought you here so early?” Camilla asked.
Bonnie shook her head. “Elaine’s still in the ICU and there’s not much I can do for her. You’ve already been so generous about hiring caregivers, and my mother-in-law is there all day. I figured I should come by and get used to the work while I have the time p>
It made sense. Bonnie used to be a sales manager at a jewelry company. The industry changed so fast that when she quit to take care of Elaine, her old clients drifted away. Finding a new job with the same pay had been impossible, so she finally accepted Camilla’s offer. From the first time they met at the police station, Camilla had been impressed by Bonnie’s sharp thinking and smooth talking. Even without the need to make up for Elaine’s trouble, Camilla would have wanted someone like her in the team.
After chatting for a bit, Camilla’s good impression only grew stronger. She wasted no time giving Bonnie some tasks to get started. But Bonnie hadn’t even left Camilla’s office before the receptionist called—the front desk said Barnard was here, and he’d brought a client.
Barnard had registered the company originally. They shared a lot of clients with the Carter family, so Barnard dropped by now and then to introduce new clients. Camilla didn’t want to see him, but she couldn’t refuse a client, so she told them to come up.
When Barnard walked in and spotted Bonnie sitting in Camilla’s office, his face went stiff. He stood there awkwardly, unsure if he should say hello or just pretend nothing happened.
Bonnie barely glanced his way. She just said to Camilla, “If there’s nothing else for now, I’ll get back to work.” Then she left.
Once Bonnie was gone, Barnard finally spoke up. “You really hired her p>
The office was chilly with the air conditioning turned up. Camilla had draped a thin blanket around her shoulders and was leaning back in her chair. The blanket hid her injured hand from Barnard’s view.
“We signed the contract in front of you,” she said. “I’m just keeping my word. Is there an issue p>
He shook his head. “It’s not that there’s a problem. I just think, since she and Davina didn’t exactly get along, maybe it’s not appropriate to have her working here p>
Camilla didn’t hesitate. “Like you said, whatever happened is between her and Davina. It’s got nothing to do with me. Besides, Bonnie is really good at her job. And honestly, having her here means I don’t have to worry about Davina showing up and stirring up trouble. It’s actually a win for everyone. Why wouldn’t I hire her p>
After nearly tearing down all their pretenses the day before, Camilla wasn’t interested in pretending anymore. She let her dislike for Davina show, right there in front of Barnard, without trying to hide a thing.