Chapter 119
Laura was always so gentle, hardly ever voicing a strong opinion about anything. She never raised her voice, let alone showed any real dislike for someone. But today was different. For the first time, she didn’t bother to hide how much she disliked a person. As she spoke, she hugged Jasper close, almost as if she was promising to protect him from the world.
Camilla could see how much Laura cared about Jasper. It felt genuine. Still, that alone wasn’t enough for Camilla to believe Jasper was really Barnard’s son. There was another explanation—the Carter family might not know what Barnard had done. Maybe Barnard brought her here to use the family’s kindness toward Jasper to clear away any suspicion she had. If that was his plan, he was definitely playing a deep game.
Barnard broke the silence. “They really crossed the line this time. I just didn’t expect they’d actually say something that outrageous. I already talked to Davina. Daisy can’t stay here anymore. I’ll find a boarding school for her and have her move in there p>
He had already discussed everything with Davina the night before. After what happened, if he didn’t do something to discipline Daisy, he’d never be able to explain it to Camilla. Plus, having Daisy around at Saddlebrook Estates was just becoming more and more of a hassle. Sending her away would put an end to it all.
Laura nodded in agreement. “That’s probably for the best. The girl’s always been a bit petty. Some time away at a school might do her good.” She spoke as she gently ruffled Jasper’s hair. “Besides, someone like her needs to learn that the Carter family’s oldest grandson isn’t someone just anyone can pick on p>
Calvin came down the stairs just in time to hear Laura’s last words. His face tightened. “From now on, keep that mother and daughter in check,” he warned Barnard. “If they ever say anything like that to Jasper again, I won’t show any mercy p>
Barnard nodded, promising them both. Then he turned to Camilla, his tone sincere. “After yesterday, I get it. I let Daisy get away with too much because I wanted to look out for Davina. I shouldn’t have. Daisy crossed the line and bothered Jasper. It won’t happen again. I’ll make sure of it p>
Laura seemed satisfied. She turned to Camilla with a warm smile. “Alright, that’s enough about that. We asked you here for a family dinner, not to deal with all this nonsense. You’ve handled things really well. From now on, if you ever have a problem, just come to me. I’ll always be on your side. Never let a small misunderstanding drive a wedge between you and Barnard. The two of you, you’re a team. Whatever you do reflects on the whole family. We can’t let anyone think less of us p>
Camilla agreed politely, keeping her real thoughts to herself. After dinner, Barnard walked her outside and drove her back to the office. Upstairs, Calvin called Laura into his study. “What do you think about everything Camilla said today p>
Laura shrugged. “What is there to think? It’s just a kid who talks too much. Darling, do you actually believe something like that? Do you really think Barnard would be clueless enough to raise someone else’s child p>
Calvin didn’t answer right away, his brows drawn together as he stared into the distance.
Laura went on, “I know you worry about everything, but this time it’s just ridiculous. I simply can’t see Barnard raising a child that isn’t his. The idea is actually funnier than that rumor about him fancying that old woman. Let it go. Kids say the wildest things. Even Camilla didn’t take it seriously. Why should we p>
Calvin still felt uneasy, but the more he thought about it, the less sense it made. He could still remember the day Barnard knelt in front of him, swearing that Camilla was carrying his child, insisting he’d only ever marry her. That determined look had left a lasting impression. Calvin just didn’t think Barnard would do something as senseless as raise another man’s son.
Finally Calvin said, “That mother and daughter are only causing trouble. They’re already stirring up chaos for Barnard at home. We can’t let this go on. Look into their backgrounds, find a good reason to send them away for good p>
He might not have liked Camilla in the beginning, but over the years she’d proven herself. He was satisfied with her now and there was no way he’d let two outsiders mess that up.
While Laura and Calvin plotted in the study, Barnard drove Camilla back to work. She hadn’t let him take Jasper home—she wanted the boy to stay with her for a while.
Once Barnard was gone, Jasper looked up at Camilla, his voice small. “Mom, was that crying girl telling the truth? Am I really not Daddy’s son? But Grandma and Grandpa really like me, and Daddy’s been so nice to me these past few days p>
There was a troubled look on his face, confusion in his eyes. Daisy’s words had clearly shaken him.
Camilla’s heart twisted. She didn’t have an answer, not one she could share. She knelt down, looking him in the eye. “Jasper, what other people say doesn’t matter. As long as you remember that you will always be Mommy’s precious boy, that’s all that’s important. I’ll give you all my love. Always p>