Chapter 264
“You can’t just leave me p>
Barnard’s jaw tightened as a vein pulsed at his temple. He tried to pry Davina off, but she only clung to him harder, like she was trying to become a permanent fixture at his side. Around them, people started whispering, not even bothering to hide their curiosity.
“What is going on? That guy looks so put-together, but here he is playing with her feelings p>
“I swear, today takes the cake. He looks pretty young, but that lady must be pushing forty. How desperate do you have to be to go after her p>
“Wait, don’t these two look familiar? I feel like I’ve seen them somewhere p>
“Oh my god, aren’t they the couple who went viral for being, like, the most awkward pair? Wasn’t he the Carter Group heir? I even read their announcement. It was so dramatic, all about true love and destiny. Turns out it was just for show p>
These days, nothing stays hidden, not when everything ends up online. Davina and Barnard’s heavily filtered engagement photos had a moment of internet fame, mostly because the edits were so bad they became a meme. Even when Calvin scrambled to take them off the trending charts, people were relentless. Those photos became stickers on messaging apps, spreading everywhere.
No amount of damage control could stop it. The two of them were practically household names, at least in sticker packs. Now that someone put two and two together, everyone was eyeing Barnard with fresh amusement.
Sensing the change, Davina’s tone softened, growing almost desperate. “Barnard, it was all just a misunderstanding, right? You’ll marry me… won’t you p>
She wasn’t giving him much of a choice. With all these eyes on him, plus the Carter Group’s public statements, there was no way for him to back out gracefully. Even thinking about denying her would make it look like everything their company had said was a lie.
Watching Davina, tears streaming down her face, Barnard suddenly wondered if she’d done this on purpose. Maybe it was a setup, a way to force his hand publicly. But looking at her, completely falling apart, he doubted it. Davina was never much for schemes. There was no way she could plan something this complicated.
Barnard gently tugged her sleeve. “Davina, this isn’t the place. Let’s talk when we get home, okay p>
Davina ignored him. Instead, she locked her gaze on Camilla, her voice turning sharp. “Barnard, you haven’t been home in days, and now here you are, sneaking around with her. Did she seduce you? My parents keep nagging about grandkids. This isn’t the time to be seeing her. Besides, you two are divorced. It’s inappropriate, don’t you think? Camilla p>
She was practically daring Camilla to answer, hungry for a chance to mark her territory.
Camilla just gave a small, cold laugh. “You’re right, Davina. Since we ran into each other, I hope you’ll keep a closer eye on Barnard. Make sure he doesn’t come bothering me again. I don’t want any more connection to him, ever. Are we clear p>
She glanced at Barnard. “Davina cares about you. Focus on the person who actually wants you, Barnard. Quit creating drama that doesn’t need to exist p>
Camilla was already turning to leave when Barnard called out, “Wait… Camilla, you really don’t want to know about what happened p>
Camilla paused, but when she answered, her voice was perfectly calm. “Do whatever you want p>
Barnard clearly wanted to keep that piece of leverage over her, so he wasn’t going to go nuclear just yet. Camilla had planned it all along, guiding Barnard into saying those things in front of Davina. Once they got home, there was no doubt more fighting waited for them. Barnard would be too exhausted and distracted to come after her for a while, which gave Camilla the breathing room she needed to start her own investigation. People who got their hands this dirty always left clues behind.
Camilla barely glanced at Barnard as she brushed past. Barnard moved like he wanted to chase after her, but Davina clung to his arm, blocking him.
“Barnard, didn’t you say you married her just to make things easier for me? Now you’re divorced, so why are you still seeing her? You… you haven’t fallen for her, have you? What am I supposed to do? You know I’m not as smart or as capable as she is. All I have is you. If you leave, I don’t even know how to keep living. Barnard, I p>
“Will you just stop crying?” Barnard finally snapped, his patience worn thin.
He could put up with her being clueless, maybe a little immature, but she always found the worst possible moment to make a scene. Now she was embarrassing him for everyone to see. His anger simmered close to the surface.
“Can you please just think before you speak? Can’t things wait until we’re home? Do you really have to make a fool of both of us in front of all these people before you’re satisfied p>