Chapter 73
It was already late when Calvin told Camilla to stay at the Carter Estate for the night. He wasn’t just being polite—deep down, he wanted her and Barnard to have some space to fix what was broken between them.
Davina, who had been the one looking after Barnard, wasn’t as lucky. Calvin didn’t ask her to leave—he had Jackson physically drag her away. Still, before she was forced out, Davina managed to tend to Barnard’s wounds, so at least Camilla wouldn’t have to take care of that herself.
As the bedroom door closed, Camilla could still hear Davina’s desperate pleas echoing in the hallway. She stole a glance at Barnard, who lay unconscious on the bed. Her gut told her that when he finally woke up and found out what happened to Davina, there would be hell to pay. Calvin and Barnard would inevitably blow up at each other.
But honestly, none of that had much to do with Camilla. She had already worked out her plan. With Davina gone and Barnard still unconscious, she’d slip out early the next morning and head to Saddlebrook Estates to pick up the surveillance camera she’d hidden there.
Meanwhile, Laura was in the study with Calvin, clearly not happy. “Why’d you kick that woman out after already punishing Barnard? What if he wakes up tomorrow and p>
Calvin cut her off. “That woman is nothing but trouble. Forget about her little schemes with Jasper. Did you not notice how Barnard keeps trying to protect her? Something isn’t right p>
Laura hesitated, shaking her head. “I seriously doubt that. She’s way older than Barnard. She’s almost my age. Camilla is younger and amazing, not to mention that Barnard insisted on marrying her in the first place. He’d never be that dumb, would he? Maybe he’s just grateful for something from their past. You’re reading too much into this p>
No matter how she looked at it, Laura just couldn’t picture Barnard having any feelings for Davina. Davina was in her late thirties, but without careful maintenance, time had etched lines on her skin, making her look even older than Laura herself. There was no way Barnard would be into someone like her.
The whole idea just seemed wild. “Really, you’re imagining things. If Barnard liked her, well… his tastes would be seriously questionable,” she said.
Calvin just shook his head, not really answering. He didn’t want to believe it either. Barnard, in love with someone so rough around the edges, someone who lacked grace and charm—someone who wasn’t even half the woman Camilla was? It was absurd. And yet, every clue was pointing him in that direction.
He turned to Laura. “Don’t worry about that woman anymore. From tomorrow on, spend more time with Camilla. Try to find out how she feels. Don’t let her give up on Barnard p>
Even though he’d had his doubts before, Calvin couldn’t deny what Camilla had done for the Carter family over the years. He didn’t want to see her marriage to Barnard fall apart.
That night, Camilla made do with the little sofa. It wasn’t comfortable, but she managed.
At sunrise, she got up quietly to wash and get dressed. She was hoping to sneak out of the Carter Estate before anyone noticed her absence, but Laura was already awake. She came over, holding a warm glass of milk.
“Camilla, you’re up early. Barnard’s still sleeping, isn’t he p>
“Yeah, he is,” Camilla replied easily. “Mom, I’m a little worried about Jasper at the hospital. I want to go check on him p>
That was all it took. Laura dropped the idea of keeping Camilla for breakfast. “Of course. Well, don’t let me hold you up, then. I just had this milk warmed for you. Drink a little before you go. I’ll visit Jasper at the hospital later myself p>
Camilla nodded and made her escape. She drove back to Saddlebrook Estates. The minute she walked in, the place felt colder and much emptier than before. Davina’s things were gone. The maids were busy scrubbing and tidying up. When they saw Camilla, they perked up and greeted her in unison.
“Camilla, welcome back. Yesterday Jackson told us to clean this house top to bottom and make sure nothing from that woman or her daughter is left behind to bother you p>
Camilla couldn’t remember the last time these maids had been this pleasant with her. It was clear they’d all heard Calvin’s message loud and clear—she was the real mistress of this house.
She gave them a polite nod, not really interested in small talk. She grabbed what she came for and was heading out when she heard a car engine outside.
Barnard burst through the front door, practically stumbling inside. His back was still bandaged, his walk unsteady, but he was moving as fast as he could. The look on his face was frantic.
Camilla barely had a chance to react before he was right in front of her. His hand shot out, gripping her wrist—right where it was still bruised and sore.
“Where’s Davina? Where did she go?” he demanded.
He didn’t even notice the way his fingers pressed into her injured wrist, or if he did, he just didn’t care. For him, only one thing mattered right now—where Davina had disappeared to.
“I don’t know,” Camilla replied, a little stunned. “I just got here myself p>
Barnard sneered. “Of course you did. Camilla, I never realized how cruel you could be. You went to all that trouble to kick Davina out, and now you rush back here like you own the place. What are you here for? To make sure you got your way p>
He had clearly heard about Davina being sent away while he was still at the Carter Estate. He must have rushed over in a panic, ready to confront anyone he could find. Now that Davina was gone, Camilla was the one left to take the heat.