Chapter 163
Barnard sat in a daze for a long time after Camilla left, his mind stuck replaying her final words. No matter how he tried to shake it off, something about what she said kept twisting inside him. Camilla had to still care. People didn’t say things that sharp unless they still felt something, right? And the way she’d brought his father into the room, right when he was defending Davina… She was definitely trying to get his attention.
He tried to comfort himself with the idea that, after his injury healed, all he had to do was sweet-talk Camilla a little. She’d agree to his proposal, he was sure of it.
Just then, Davina’s voice, small and apologetic, broke through his thoughts. “Barnard, I’m sorry… I really didn’t mean to cause trouble again. Please don’t be angry with me, okay p>
That snapped him back to the room. “Davina, I don’t blame you,” he said, trying to sound gentle. “I’m just tired today. You should go home and get some rest. I’ll take care of the custody issues with Daisy p>
“You really don’t have to. I hate to trouble you. I p>
“It’s settled,” he interrupted her, his patience running thin. “Go home, Davina. I’ve made up my mind p>
She looked like she wanted to say more but stopped herself. “I’ll talk to my mom,” she added softly. “I won’t let her bother you again. And don’t worry about what Calvin said. You’re his only son. He’ll give you the Carter family business, I know he will p>
Her words barely registered. Until now all he’d been thinking about was Camilla, but as soon as Davina mentioned his father, reality hit him. Calvin actually told him not to come to the company. That wasn’t just a warning, it was taking away everything that belonged to him. Barnard’s face turned cold, and when he spoke to Davina, there was nothing gentle about his tone. “Alright, I heard you. Just go. Daisy’s at home waiting for you p>
Davina could only leave. She headed back to Saddlebrook Estates with heavy steps. As soon as she walked in, she saw Daisy on the sofa, munching on snacks.
Daisy didn’t even bother greeting her. She just glanced at Davina through half-closed eyes and kept eating.
That was all it took—Davina’s temper snapped. She strode over, yanked the snacks out of Daisy’s hands, and tossed them away. “Look at you! Do you ever stop eating? All you ever do is cause trouble! Did you tell your grandparents about me? Was it you p>
Daisy didn’t look scared. She shook her head and fired back, “It wasn’t me. You’re always yelling at me and dumping me at Grandma and Grandpa’s. You said that if I wasn’t around, you could get Barnard to marry you. How come it hasn’t happened yet p>
The words stung. Davina’s face went bright red and she almost lost control. “What would you know? If it weren’t for you—and that useless, deadbeat father of yours—I’d be Mrs. Carter by now. You’re just dead weight. Do as you’re told. I’m sending you back to your grandparents. From now on, you’re their problem, not mine p>
Daisy looked up, her eyes big and hurt. “So… you’re giving up on me? You don’t want me anymore p>
Davina didn’t answer, but the look in her eyes was all Daisy needed. For Davina, Daisy hadn’t been anything but a burden for a long time now. Every time her late husband’s parents came looking for handouts and favors, she knew Barnard’s patience was wearing thin too. Sure, he promised to help her keep Daisy, but it didn’t matter. Davina had already made up her mind—get rid of Daisy before Barnard did anything official, and she could keep playing the victim, convincing him she was willing to give up everything for him.
Plus, getting Daisy out of the picture meant the Green family wouldn’t be able to use her as leverage against the Carters. And, best of all, Davina would finally be free from dragging around this dead weight.
She looked Daisy straight in the eye. “Your father’s gone, and I’m not part of the Greens anymore. You’re their kid, not mine. That’s where you belong p>
Daisy went quiet for a second. Then suddenly, she pushed Davina away, her face flushing with anger. “You’re horrible! I’m going to find Barnard and tell him everything. Barnard’s the only person who treats me well. He would never leave me p>
Davina just laughed coldly. “Barnard only cares about you because of me. If it weren’t for me, he wouldn’t know you exist p>
She took a few steps forward, grabbed Daisy by the arm, and shoved her toward Jackson, the housekeeper standing in the hallway. “I can’t make more trouble for Barnard. Jackson, take her back. Make sure she gets to her grandparents, and don’t let her come back p>
Daisy kicked and screamed, her little voice trembling with fury. “You’re the bad one! I’m telling Barnard the truth! If you won’t let me stay, I’ll make sure you lose everything too p>
She was just a five-year-old kid, but the way she looked at Davina… her eyes were filled with nothing but hate.
Davina didn’t care. She just turned to Jackson again, impatience clear in her voice. “Get her out of here, quickly p>
While all this played out, Camilla had stopped caring about Barnard and Davina’s mess. She was too busy to bother—Calvin had given her sixty percent of BLC’s profits, and she was more motivated at work than ever. Other than an occasional trip to the hospital to see Elise or spending time with Jasper, she threw herself completely into the company, determined to make the most of her new opportunity.