Chapter 167
When Davina stepped outside, the first thing she saw was Camilla and Barnard talking quietly together. She couldn’t hear their conversation, but Barnard’s tall figure blocked Camilla from view, and just like that, the two of them looked way too close for comfort.
Instantly on edge, Davina nudged Daisy. Daisy glared at her, but even as she did, she couldn’t help herself and ran straight over to Barnard. “Barnard, please don’t be angry at Daisy. Daisy didn’t mean to lie. I just missed you so much p>
Daisy wrapped her arms around his leg, her voice soft and wheedling. “Daisy didn’t know where you were. I had to ask the police. They wanted to know who you were to me, so I said I was from the Carter family p>
She rambled on, the picture of innocent affection, but Camilla was having none of it. There was something in Daisy’s eyes, a shrewdness that felt unnatural for a five-year-old. She looked even younger than Jasper, but with this little performance, it was impossible to see her as just another kid.
Davina rushed forward, eager to smooth things over. “I’m so sorry, Barnard. I never thought Daisy would run off by herself. I was just worried and ended up blaming Camilla for no reason. Camilla, I owe you an apology p>
But Camilla wasn’t going to play along. “If you want to apologize, Davina, then answer me this. Do you have any idea how much work I’m backed up on now that you wasted half my day? I actually have my own life, you know. I’m not here to play your family games. I don’t bother you, so do me a favor and stop bothering me. This is the last time. Next time you drag me into your mess, I’ll make sure your biggest dream never comes true p>
She didn’t even wait for their reactions. Camilla swung open her car door and slid inside, shutting out the world as she drove off.
Watching Camilla’s car disappear down the road, Davina couldn’t shake a wave of anxiety. More than anything, she wanted to become Mrs. Carter. She knew exactly what Camilla had meant when she threatened to crush her dream.
Still, Camilla hadn’t filed for divorce yet. As long as she held onto that title, Davina was never going to get it. Instead of waiting her turn, that just made her want to force Camilla out even more.
Barnard was already at the car, staring at Davina with little patience. “Do you want to embarrass yourself even more? Get in the car p>
Davina’s face tightened. She knew she’d only made things worse. Without another word, she grabbed Daisy and hustled her into the backseat.
As Barnard started the engine, Daisy blinked her big eyes and spoke quietly, “I’m sorry, Barnard. Daisy shouldn’t have run off just because she missed you. Please don’t be mad at me p>
Even though she was only five, her little apology, complete with downturned head and trembling voice, could melt anyone’s heart.
Barnard didn’t blame her. Instead, his gaze flicked to Davina in the rearview mirror. “Davina, I’ve told you before. Camilla isn’t going to be a problem for you. But you need to stop stirring up trouble for her p>
“I… I know, Barnard. I already explained myself. I only panicked because Camilla doesn’t like me or Daisy. She was with her, and I wasn’t thinking clearly. This brat ran off on her own. I swear, I wasn’t out to get Camilla.” Davina’s voice was small, careful.
Barnard didn’t look convinced. “It better be the truth. Camilla has mom and dad wrapped around her finger. Even the shareholders trust her right now. This is the worst time to pick a fight with her. But don’t stress. Once our baby is born, I’ll make everything right for you p>
He was putting Davina in her place, but offering a promise too.
Davina’s expression soured. “So you’re saying I have to wait until the baby’s born before you’ll divorce Camilla p>
She was barely pregnant. There would be months of waiting, and honestly, who knew if Barnard would stick to his word?
Her mind spun with frustration. Before she could stop herself, she blurted, “I’m already carrying a Carter baby. Camilla’s kid isn’t even a real Carter. Honestly, if we just told everyone, Laura and Calvin would know who deserves their support, wouldn’t they p>
Barnard’s face went cold. His hands clenched the steering wheel, veins standing out starkly.
He slammed the brakes and pulled over, then turned to Davina with a dark, unreadable look. For a second, the tension inside the car was thick enough to choke on.
The worst part was, this had always been his plan. Back when he didn’t have control over the Carter Group, he’d picked a competent wife like Camilla to satisfy the board. Once he had the power, he brought Davina in. The child that helped Camilla win her place in the family would become the knife used to drive her out.
He’d always figured, after Davina gave birth, he’d expose Camilla and kick her out for infidelity.
But hearing Davina say it out loud, as if spelling out his scheme for the world to see, made Barnard feel sick.