Chapter 90
Saddlebrook Estates was lit up, every window glowing. As Barnard’s car pulled in, Davina heard the engine and jogged out to meet him. “Barnard, you’re finally home. You look exhausted, come sit down for a bit, let me p>
She reached out to take his jacket, but he stepped aside, avoiding her hand.
The mention of “rest” somehow felt like a slap in the face. Barnard couldn’t help but bristle. All this trouble was because of Davina, and if that security footage ever got out, his reputation would be toast. He didn’t even want to imagine it.
“Barnard, what’s wrong? Are you too tired? I can give you a massage, help you relax a little?” Davina asked, her voice hopeful.
“Did you go see Camilla today?” Barnard’s tone was heavier than usual.
Davina froze in place, her eagerness fading. She quickly dropped her gaze, voice small. “Why would you ask that? Did Camilla say something to you? I just wanted to help, to keep you from working yourself sick. I even got down on my knees and begged her, but she wouldn’t help no matter what I said. I really didn’t know what else to do p>
Barnard said nothing, standing in silence. Davina hesitated, then finally looked up. The look on Barnard’s face sent a chill down her spine.
“What’s the matter, Barnard? Why are you looking at me like that? I was honestly trying to help you. I just didn’t expect Camilla to be so cold. You’re her husband, and she doesn’t even care how hard you’re working… I—” Davina started, sounding more tentative now.
“Help me?” Barnard cut her off with a voice sharp enough to sting. “Davina, do you think I’m nothing compared to Camilla, or am I just some overgrown baby who can’t do his job without her, or live without a nanny at home p>
He had never spoken so harshly to her before. Davina paled, mouth opening and closing, lost for words. The word “nanny” hit her especially hard. Just days ago, he’d told her he cared about her. Did he really just see her as some live-in caretaker?
Barnard’s cold stare swept over her, making Davina flinch. She tried to gather herself, shaking her head, her voice trembling. “That’s not it, Barnard. I never thought that way. I just worry about you. You’ve been pushing yourself so hard, I’m scared you’ll burn out. That’s why I begged Camilla. Did she say something to make you think otherwise p>
“Misunderstand?” Barnard’s voice was clipped and relentless. “Everything you said was caught on camera. Do you have any idea what would have happened if Camilla hadn’t covered for you? If that video landed at the Carter Estate, do you know what Dad would have done to you p>
Davina’s face crumpled at the mention of the Carter Estate. She went quiet, clearly scared.
Barnard let out a long breath, trying to rein in his temper. “Davina, business isn’t your field, so don’t get involved. Just focus on spending time with Daisy, take her out, enjoy yourselves. If you need anything, just ask me p>
He tried to sound a bit gentler, but it only made Davina’s eyes fill with fresh tears. “So I’m useless to you, is that it? Sure, I never finished school, I’m not as capable as Camilla… But if I hadn’t stayed behind to take care of you, I could have gone to middle school, maybe high school… I p>
Her voice cracked and she broke down, sobbing so hard Barnard’s phone ringtone almost blended with it, both sounds needle-sharp in the thick air.
Barnard glanced at his phone. Aaron’s name flashed on the screen again. He must have called a dozen times. Something urgent at work, no doubt.
He had nothing left to say to Davina. Turning away, he called over his shoulder to Jackson, “Take Davina inside. She’s not to leave this house until I get back p>
“Barnard, what does that mean? Are you locking me in? Are you blaming me? Yes, I’m not like Camilla, but I care about you, I really do.” Davina cried, reaching for him again. Barnard didn’t look back. He brushed past her, got in his car, and drove off.
In the rearview mirror, he caught a glimpse of Davina, her eyes red and swollen from crying. His stomach twisted in knots. He knew she’d given up her education because of him, and he couldn’t hold her to Camilla’s standards. But the mess at the company was consuming him. He just didn’t have the patience or energy anymore.
His phone kept buzzing. Barnard shook himself, pushed Davina out of his thoughts, and answered. “What happened? Why are you blowing up my phone p>
Aaron launched right in. “The board’s fuming that you left right now. They’re already talking about complaining to Calvin. When can you come back p>
“I just stepped out for a bit. Can’t you keep them calm?” Barnard asked, rubbing his forehead.
Aaron sighed. “Camilla used to handle all this. With her gone, there’s nobody left who can talk sense into them p>
Barnard pinched the bridge of his nose, finally seeing just how much he’d relied on Camilla all along.