Chapter 230
The makeup on Davina’s face was so over the top, like someone had smeared every color from a paint palette across her cheeks. Barnard couldn’t help but look away, uncomfortable, and turned to stare out the window instead.
That was when he caught a glimpse of Camilla. And Abelard.
They walked right past, side by side. Abelard handed something to Camilla. The sight made Barnard’s heart slam in his chest. Before he could even think it through, he was already on his feet and heading for the door, chasing after them.
The photographer sounded startled. “Sir, the shoot isn’t over. Are you coming back p>
“Something’s come up. I’ll be back soon p>
“What about your payment p>
“Relax, you’ll get paid for all your time, I promise,” Barnard said, not breaking stride. He didn’t so much as glance at Davina as he marched right out.
Not long ago, Jasper had stayed with Lance for a bit, and left some things at the office—a couple of toys and a picture book he never finished. Lately, Camilla had been taking Jasper to the hospital so he could spend time with Elise, and he’d brought up that picture book again. Camilla planned to pick it up from Lance herself, but since it was lunchtime, Lance had offered to bring it over so they could eat together. Something came up for him last minute though, so he asked Abelard to drive Camilla back to her office and deliver the book.
Camilla reached the car and was just about to climb in when a large hand slammed onto the door, blocking her path.
A familiar scent filled the air, making her tense before she even turned. Sure enough, Barnard was standing right there, his eyes colder than she remembered.
“What are you doing here?” Camilla’s voice was sharp, tinged with exasperation.
Barnard’s gaze fell to the children’s things in her hands. His voice sounded icy. “As far as I know, we’re not officially divorced yet. That means you and I are still married. Don’t you think you’re moving a little too fast, shacking up with someone else already p>
Camilla rolled her eyes. “Moving in? I have no idea what you’re talking about p>
“Please,” Barnard shot back. “You’re shopping together, buying stuff for Jasper. If that’s not living together, what is? Tell me, did this start before we even split up? Does he know what you were like before p>
The anger in his voice washed over her like poison, heavy and aggressive. Without any warning, he yanked the picture book out of her hands, and right in front of her, ripped it apart. Paper scraps floated everywhere, bright colors spun by the wind—like confetti from a party she never wanted to attend.
It happened so fast. One second Barnard was there, the next moment the book was destroyed. Camilla’s mind reeled as she watched the shredded pages spinning away. By the time she pulled herself together, it was already too late.
She glared at him. “What is wrong with you? If you’ve got issues, get help. Don’t take it out on Jasper’s book p>
Jasper had been asking about that book for days, hoping she’d bring it back to read to him tonight. Now she’d have to tell him it was gone.
Barnard didn’t care. He snapped, “What’s the big deal? So your precious boyfriend’s little book got trashed. It’s not even worth much. You p>
Before he could say another word, Camilla slapped him, hard. The smack echoed, and a red mark instantly blossomed on his cheek.
Barnard pressed his hand to his face, but his eyes stayed fixed on her, burning with hurt pride. “You care about that guy so much? A few words from me and you lose it? What do you think he’d do if he saw you with p>
“Barnard, don’t even try,” Camilla cut in. “Stop projecting your nasty ideas onto everyone else. Or maybe you really do miss spending time at the police station? Want to add slander to your record as well p>
She didn’t even flinch as she said it. She already knew what was coming—that tired old list of insults, the criminal, the drifter, anything he could use to drag her down.
But she’d heard it all before. After so many attacks, her heart was numb to it.
At the word “police,” Barnard’s face shifted, if only a bit.
That’s when Abelard stepped out of the car. He calmly undid his cufflinks, rolled up his sleeve, and shot Barnard a glare that could freeze anyone in place. “Honestly, this isn’t my business. But you’re such an ass, I can’t help myself p>
He left the rest hanging in the air, stepped forward, and socked Barnard right in the face.
The hit landed with real force. Barnard staggered back, nearly falling over, and spat blood onto the sidewalk. The shock on his face was almost comical.
Camilla was just as surprised, her eyes wide. She’d never expected Abelard to step in like that.
Abelard shook out his wrist. “You should count yourself lucky it’s me, not someone else. Otherwise, that would’ve gone a lot worse for you p>
Then he turned back to Camilla, his demeanor entirely different—gentle and polite. He opened the rear door with a small smile. “Ready when you are, Camilla p>