Chapter 213
When Camilla picked up Davina’s call, she had to bite back a sigh. The last thing she expected was for Davina to actually come looking to her for help, all because Camilla had pointed her in the right direction for her own reasons. Did Davina truly see her as some kind of love strategist for chasing Barnard? Did she just assume Camilla would always have her back?
Even after hanging up, Camilla honestly couldn’t figure out where Davina’s head was at. Dahlia, who’d stopped by just to spend time with her, was just as baffled.
“What’s going through her mind? Seriously, does she think you’re supposed to offer after-sales support now that you’ve let her have Barnard?” Dahlia asked, shaking her head. “You ever hear of a mistress asking the wife for tips on how to take over? That’s got to be a first p>
Camilla just lifted her hands in surrender. “I guess she’s at rock bottom, just grabbing at anything that might work p>
“Rock bottom?” Dahlia snorted. “That’s ridiculous. Wasn’t Barnard always talking about how she was his precious treasure? What, he’s already tired of her p>
Honestly, as Camilla’s best friend, Dahlia couldn’t let it go. Just thinking about Barnard treating her beautiful, capable friend like some tool while fawning over a totally useless woman made her blood boil.
Camilla gave a small shrug. “They never really saw eye to eye. Spending all day together was bound to get messy sooner or later. Anyway, enough about that. What had you all smiles earlier? Looked like something fun p>
Thankfully, the topic change worked. Dahlia’s smile came right back. “Oh! You won’t believe what happened. I got interrupted before I could tell you. My shop received a massive custom order—dog clothes and toys—but the customer’s request is wild. He wants the name ‘Barnard’ embroidered on every single item. Look at this, Camilla. You think the guy’s got a vendetta against Barnard or something? Why else would he go that hard p>
She handed Camilla the phone. In the chat, a little clown icon blinked at her. Camilla’s smile faltered. She had a really good guess about who was messaging Dahlia.
Dahlia kept laughing like this was the most entertaining thing she’d seen all week. “What grudge does this man have against Barnard to even name his dog that? I kind of want to meet this legend in real life p>
“You’ll get your chance,” Camilla said, her voice softer now. Lance always did have a flair for drama, but this—she hadn’t seen coming.
Dahlia looked at her suspiciously. “Camilla, that reaction tells me you know exactly who this is. Come on, spill p>
“I think so. And you’ll know soon enough,” Camilla replied.
Dahlia was still staring at her phone when another message popped up, more impatient this time. Can you take this order or not? If not, I’ll just go elsewhere.
“So, what do you think?” Dahlia asked. “Should I take it? The guy’s generous, if a little petty. Actually, I kind of want to—I mean, it’s good business p>
Camilla made her decision. “Do it. No reason to turn down a sale p>
She was as sure as she could be about who was ordering, but in the end, she didn’t text him. Lance was always impulsive and a little childish. If Barnard had done something to tick him off, well, he was welcome to blow off a little steam. Camilla had no reason to get in the middle of it.
Dahlia started organizing the order on her phone, and once Camilla finished up her own work, Dahlia beamed. “Today’s your big day—divorce papers signed. We have to celebrate. Come on, I booked us a table for dinner p>
It had been ages since they’d eaten out together. Camilla tidied up and followed her to the restaurant. Dahlia couldn’t resist anything new, so she picked all the menu’s trending bestsellers.
“So, what’s your plan now, Camilla? You finally broke away from the Carter family. Aren’t you thinking of going somewhere, taking a real break p>
“I’ll travel when work lets up. After this last project, my client invited me to a gala. I can’t really turn it down,” Camilla said.
Dahlia pouted. “You’re always busy. But hey, this is your own company now. Your health matters just as much. Don’t run yourself into the ground p>
Camilla gave in with a laugh. “Alright, alright. After I finish up, we’ll plan a trip p>
Dahlia had tried to get her to take a vacation plenty of times, but Camilla was always tied up by The Carter Group, trying to prove herself. She’d bounced between BLC and the Carter Group, running herself ragged just to prove a point. Now, even though she was free, wrapping up all that leftover work wasn’t so simple.
Dahlia was easy to cheer up. As soon as they finished eating, she was already talking about planning routes and vacation ideas.
The next few days went by in a blur while Camilla cleared her backlog. Then the day of the gala arrived. For once, Barnard wasn’t there to boss her around, and she didn’t have to pretend for anyone’s benefit. She went with her own gut, picking a fitted black velvet dress—no fuss, no frills, just clean lines and freedom to move. It was exactly her favorite kind of style.