Chapter 172
Camilla glanced at Barnard’s face, reading the warning in his eyes. She didn’t dare push her luck. So she nodded and echoed his words, “Barnard is right. We’re not planning to get divorced. There’s no way we’d split up over some baseless rumors p>
She’d figured Barnard out a long time ago. He was nothing like the charming gentleman she’d once believed him to be.
The room was packed with reporters. If she tried to drag his affair with Davina into the spotlight, he might just use the chance to stir up things about Jasper. She couldn’t take that hit—not now. No matter how furious she was, Camilla wasn’t willing to bet everything.
The press conference went live across the internet. After all the gossip lately, their attempt to clear things up drew massive attention. News about the event was everywhere in minutes.
As soon as it was finally over, Camilla made a beeline for the dressing room, desperate to get out of that suffocating “Mrs. Carter” dress. She hadn’t even finished changing when she noticed a handful of missed calls—all from the hospital.
Her stomach dropped. Afraid something had happened to Elise, Camilla called back right away.
A nervous nurse picked up almost instantly. “Camilla, can you come by as soon as possible? Your mom saw the press conference online and she’s really upset. She keeps asking for you p>
“Please try to keep her calm, I’m on my way,” Camilla said, slipping out the door already.
Ever since Elise found out about Barnard’s cheating, she’d been pushing Camilla to get a divorce. And now, if Elise had seen the press conference, she definitely knew about Barnard defending Davina, too. To see Camilla not only refusing to divorce him but also standing up for him on camera… Camilla could only imagine how angry her mom must be right now.
She rushed to the hospital. The same nurse who had called was waiting for her outside the room. “Camilla, you’re finally here. Your mother p>
“How did she even see all that?” Camilla interrupted, needing to know.
The nurse explained, “She’s been doing much better lately, has more energy, so she asked for her phone back. She saw everything herself p>
So Elise really did know everything. There was no hiding now.
From inside the room, Elise’s voice broke through. “Is that Camilla p>
Camilla didn’t waste another second with the staff. She pushed the door open and walked in, asking the nurses to give them some privacy.
As soon as the room was quiet, Elise turned to her. “Camilla, what are you actually thinking? Everyone can see that he cheated, and you’re still scrambling to hide it for him. Where’s your pride? Are you honestly trying to drive your mother to an early grave p>
Camilla shook her head. “No, Mom, it’s not like that. I will get a divorce, just… not yet. Please, trust me? I promise I’ll handle it p>
“You were never one to bury your feelings or put up with this kind of thing,” Elise pressed. “What changed? Is it because of me? Are you scared I’ll stop getting treatment if you get a divorce? Then don’t worry about me—I’ll stop the medicine myself. Camilla, I’ve lived plenty long. I can’t watch you swallow your dignity for my sake. End it. Tell him you want out. If I really can’t get better, fine, I’ll just see your father sooner p>
Her grip tightened around Camilla’s hand, enough to make Camilla wince. Elise’s gaze was fierce, searching Camilla’s face for answers.
Elise couldn’t understand why her own daughter, always so strong, would choose to back down like this. The only reason Elise could think of was herself—that Camilla was sacrificing for her mother’s sake. Otherwise, why would Camilla ever pretend everything was fine when she knew her husband was cheating?
Since their last painful argument, Elise hadn’t stopped turning it over in her mind.
“Mom, please… don’t talk like that,” Camilla pleaded. “Dad’s just missing. He’s still out there, and one day we’ll find him. And you’ll be okay too. I won’t let anything happen to you. I swear p>
Tears welled up in Elise’s eyes. “But you’re my daughter. How am I supposed to just watch you suffer every day? Camilla, I’m getting old. This illness was never going to be cured anyway, so maybe it’s just as well p>
“Mom, please—don’t say things like that. I’m not staying married for your sake. It’s because of Jasper. I have to fight for custody, and that’s not something I can win easily. Mom, please, just give me a bit more time p>
At this point, all Camilla wanted was to calm her mom down. So she offered Jasper up as an excuse, hoping it would be enough.
When Elise heard Jasper’s name, she did seem to relax a little. “Is that true? You’re only holding on because of the custody battle for Jasper p>
“Of course, Mom. Jasper is my son. There’s no way I’m letting him stay with the Carters p>
“But last time you p>
“Barnard doesn’t trust me anymore. I don’t want him to know what I’m really planning. So everything you saw was just for show. I’m only staying with the Carters because I want to win Jasper back. That’s what matters. Mom, that’s the truth. Please, don’t worry so much anymore. Once this is sorted out, I’ll get the divorce. I promise p>