Chapter 350
She only half paid attention to the advice Shirley had given her. But now, stepping into the dazzling banquet hall with glasses clinking all around, Davina froze when she saw Tessa surrounded by a crowd of the city’s top socialites. Her confidence wavered and she didn’t dare get any closer.
The longer she stood there, the more she thought about it, the more uncertain she became. If she went straight to Tessa, she might get thrown out on the spot. That would be completely pointless. It’d be much smarter to make a scene with Camilla instead, right here, right now, for everyone to see. If she could ruin Camilla’s reputation in front of all these people, Camilla would never be able to show her face in Cabinda again. The man backing Camilla must care about his own image. Once Camilla’s reputation was trashed, Davina was sure he wouldn’t bother going after her. That thought gave her all the courage she needed. So here she was, ready to set everything on fire.
“What’s going on here? Who is this woman? How bold do you have to be to stir up trouble at a Charles family party p>
“Seriously, did she really just pour wine all over Lance’s girlfriend? This woman is something else p>
“Well, this is about to get real interesting. Someone’s bound to get it today p>
As the atmosphere shifted from elegant to chaotic, the gossip began whipping through the room. Lance got up from his seat, looking ready to call security, but Tessa marched right over and blocked his way. “What did you just say?” she demanded, staring Davina down. “Do you even know where you are? Who gave you the nerve to act up at this party p>
Davina had made up her mind to drag Camilla through the mud, no matter how desperate she looked. She dropped straight onto the floor, slapped her thigh, and started wailing in front of everyone. “I am innocent! If it wasn’t for that woman seducing my husband, I never would’ve ended up here. Tessa, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to ruin your party, but I didn’t know what else to do. I cut ties with my family for my husband, and now I find out he’s been seeing this woman behind my back and even giving her money. I’m out of options. I’m begging everyone here, please have some mercy and help me get justice p>
There was once a time when Davina would’ve thought twice about making such a scene, for the Carter family’s sake. But once she found out Barnard had taken her own allowance to give to Camilla, her rationality snapped. Coupled with Shirley fanning the flames, all she wanted now was to kick Camilla out of Cabinda as soon as possible.
Tessa turned to the staff. “Where’s security? How does just anybody get in here?” she snapped, her eyes narrowing with annoyance as she glanced at Camilla. She was torn. Part of her really wanted to know if Davina was telling the truth, but this was Sarah’s birthday, and she didn’t want to ruin it for her friend. She decided the best move was to have Davina taken out first.
Before she could give the order, Sarah quietly spoke up. “Tessa, I’ve spent time with Camilla. I know what kind of person she is, and I don’t think things are how Davina says. Why not let them talk things through, right here in front of everyone? At least then we can clear Camilla’s name if she’s innocent p>
Tessa frowned, clearly impatient. “Sarah, you’re too kind. This is your birthday party—we shouldn’t let things get messy p>
Sarah just smiled and said gently, “Why is it messy? Camilla is the woman Lance loves. She might become part of this family one day. We have so many guests here tonight. If we can use this chance to clear her name, then I think this birthday party will have been worth it p>
Tessa gazed at Sarah, her irritation softening. Camilla had already stood up and was calmly dabbing wine from her hair with a tissue. She looked right at Davina, her eyes sharp and cold. “Did the Carter family actually send you here to lie for them? Davina, did you really think that coming into a crowd like this, spouting nonsense, would confuse everyone p>
The moment their eyes met, Davina felt her heart thud with guilt. But she also knew Barnard was drifting away from her, drawn toward Camilla again. If she didn’t get rid of Camilla now, she might lose everything. That thought pushed her to be even bolder.
“Stop trying to scare me,” Davina shouted, her face twisting with anger. “You’re nothing but a gold digger, leeching money off another woman’s husband. You’re already divorced. What right do you have to take money from Barnard p>
A wave of shocked whispers spread through the crowd.
“Wait… is that true? Lance’s girlfriend is not just divorced, but keeps asking her ex for money? Does Lance even know about this p>
“He definitely knows she’s divorced. Didn’t he stick up for her online before? But going to her ex for cash… that’s another matter. Look at Lance’s face. He’s about to explode p>
“It’s stupid, honestly. She’s with Lance now. If she just lay low, she could have anything she wanted. Why risk it all begging her ex p>
“What could the Carter family even offer her at this point? They’re barely holding it together. Total waste—she’s trading a fortune for pocket change p>
People whispered nonstop, voices buzzing louder and louder. Lance’s patience snapped. He slammed a hand on the table and barked, “If you can’t say anything decent, keep your mouths shut. Nobody here wants to listen to your garbage. Do any of you even know who Camilla really is? You’re all talking like you know something, but I’m the only one who truly knows how good she is p>