Chapter 83
Davina hovered behind Barnard, picking up on the tension in the room. She kept quiet, almost as if holding her breath.
But some things don’t just disappear when someone tries to fade into the background.
As Barnard’s anger flared, Camilla only became more composed. “Barnard, let’s be real, I should be the one upset here. We had a contract. I put in my time, gave it everything, and we were this close to sealing the deal. But because you dropped the ball, all of it went down the drain. Now, I have no clue who’s going to make up for the fifty million I just lost. Should I be talking to Davina about it p>
Hearing the number again made Barnard’s jaw tighten. But as the words hit, he finally settled down.
He couldn’t deny it. It wasn’t just the Carter Group on the line—Camilla had skin in the game too. There was no way she hadn’t put her heart into this.
Being dragged into the spotlight, Davina immediately panicked. “Camilla, I… I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I was just worried about Barnard. I don’t really get the whole business thing p>
Camilla cut in, her tone sharp but even. “Exactly, you don’t get it. Davina, you work here as a housekeeper. Managing things at home is your job. What kind of housekeeper wanders into business meetings and stirs things up p>
“I wasn’t thinking that much. I just didn’t want Barnard to get sick,” Davina stumbled through her words. This time, Barnard didn’t defend her like usual. He just stayed quiet.
Watching all of this, Camilla finally understood. When it came down to real money, even Barnard’s protectiveness had its limits.
Camilla went on, “So your intentions were good. But what about everything I’ve done? Am I just supposed to accept this? Barnard, I held up my end. I did my job. The project’s gone, and that’s not my problem. As for my fifty million, you two can figure out who’s paying me p>
Her relentless tone finally got through to Barnard.
He took a deep breath. “Camilla, I’m sorry. I jumped to conclusions. But this isn’t the end, right? You and Carol get along—could you talk to her for me? One more time. I swear I won’t let anything else go wrong p>
Camilla didn’t budge. “You saw how Jim and Carol reacted. Thanks to you being late, they’re seriously upset with the Carter family. Personal relationships and business are not the same. I can’t just pull off another miracle for you p>
Barnard tried again, softer now. “I know, Camilla. But I believe in you. How do you know it can’t work if you haven’t even tried? Please… just give it another shot. Think about your fifty million p>
Camilla shook her head. “I already told you, I can’t work magic, not this time. And because of your arrangements, our new collection for next season is missing a piece. I have to get back and fix that. If Davina’s the reason for the holdup, let her handle it. As for my money, I hope you pay up soon. If not, I’ll take the contract to Dad myself p>
Her glare skated over Davina before she turned and walked out without looking back.
Her relationship with Barnard was basically over. The Carter family’s problems weren’t hers anymore. All she cared about now was what she was owed.
And honestly, she wouldn’t mind letting everyone know about Barnard and Davina’s little secret sooner rather than later.
After she left, Davina mumbled under her breath, “Barnard, how could Camilla be so cold? You’re married. Aren’t you supposed to be a team? If she’s so good at what she does, why wouldn’t she help you? If I could do what she does, I’d help you no matter what, and I wouldn’t even want anything in return p>
“Davina, why did you really come here today?” Barnard asked, his tone different now.
Davina froze. For a second she couldn’t speak, then she said, “Didn’t I already tell you? I was worried about you, so I brought you a coat. Are you mad at me p>
Barnard didn’t let up. “But you could have left at any time. Why did you insist on staying? Davina, I’ve already told you you’re special to me. Isn’t that enough? Why do you have to play these little games p>
For the first time, his gaze was heavy and a bit intimidating.
Davina realized he wasn’t the same boy from her memories, the one who would do anything for her. He was the CEO of the Carter Group now. Even if he still had feelings for her, he had boundaries.
She looked at him, almost pleading. “Barnard, are you blaming me? Fine, I came on purpose. I was worried. We haven’t seen each other in years, and your wife is incredible. I’ve never gone to any of your events. Even if you promised me things, how could I not be scared? You know after you left for abroad, things weren’t great for me. When you said you liked me, do you know how much it took for me to even try? I’ve already had a marriage fall apart. I’m just scared you’ll leave me too p>