Chapter 175
Dahlia had cracked the window just a little, just enough for Camilla to get some fresh air. But it was enough for someone outside to recognize her. Suddenly microphones were everywhere, being shoved through the small gap, each reporter desperate to get their question in first.
“Mrs. Carter, did you see what people are saying about you online p>
“Is it true Jasper isn’t Barnard’s biological son? How did you keep it from him all these years p>
“People say you only married into the Carter family because you got pregnant. Were you planning this from the beginning? When did you start scheming against Barnard p>
Their questions came fast and careless, built on nothing but rumors and wild guesses. None of them knew what had really happened, but that didn’t stop them from acting like they had the whole story. They wanted a scandal, and they wanted Camilla to fall apart right in front of them.
The microphones kept coming, pushed closer, almost pressed against Camilla’s face. But instead of flinching, she felt herself growing calmer with every nasty word they threw her way.
“Can you please move? I need to get out of the car p>
“Camilla, wait Dahlia clutched her sleeve, worried. Getting out now didn’t seem smart. Dahlia could see how aggressive the crowd was, how everyone was pushing and shoving. It was dangerous.
But Camilla hardly seemed to notice Dahlia’s concern. If she stayed in the car, she wasn’t getting anywhere either. The reporters were blocking every exit, their cameras rolling nonstop. Camilla knew what they wanted, but she wasn’t afraid of them.
As soon as the reporters realized Camilla was getting out, they pulled back a little, giving her space. But the second she set foot on the ground, they closed in again, even tighter than before.
Microphones were everywhere, crowds of people with eager faces, everyone anxious for a headline.
“Mrs. Carter, please answer our questions p>
“You said just yesterday that you wouldn’t divorce Barnard. Are things still okay between you two p>
“Did you ever feel guilty during all those years you were happy with Barnard p>
Each new question was harsher than the last.
Camilla felt anger burning somewhere deep, but mostly, she found these accusations ridiculous. Guilt? If anyone should feel guilt, it was never her.
Dahlia couldn’t take it anymore and stepped out to stand beside Camilla. “I’ve called the police. Blocking someone and disturbing public order is illegal. You should leave now while you still can. If you wait for the police, you won’t be able to walk away so easily p>
A reporter immediately pointed a microphone at Dahlia. “Are you friends with Mrs. Carter? How much do you know about her so-called affair? Were you involved? Did you help her cover it up p>
No one seemed to care about Dahlia’s warning. They were too busy chasing the promise of a scandal. At that moment, Camilla and Dahlia must have seemed like bags of money walking around, just waiting to make someone famous.
Camilla took a breath and spoke clearly, “I don’t have to answer these rumors. Maybe you all should stop and consider who told you where my family lives. Do you really not see you’re being used? You choose the sharpest words to hurt someone who’s done nothing wrong. Is this what you call professional journalism p>
“Mrs. Carter, are you avoiding the question because you’re guilty p>
“Why won’t you answer honestly? Can’t you explain yourself p>
“Are you and Barnard really getting divorced? Is he leaving you with nothing p>
“If you’re that curious, go ask Barnard yourself. As for all of you crowding my home, you’re upsetting my child. I need to check on him right now. If anyone keeps blocking me, I’ll make sure to sue every single one of you,” Camilla told them.
Her words made some of the reporters glance nervously at each other, a bit uncertain. Then one or two seemed to stiffen up and keep the pressure on, unwilling to lose the story they’d come for. There were so many reporters that they probably figured nothing would happen to them as long as they stuck together.
They crowded in so tightly that Camilla could barely breathe, much less move.
Then her phone rang. Susan’s voice, barely holding it together, came through the receiver. “Camilla, please come home. There are people everywhere and Jasper heard something he shouldn’t have. He won’t come out of his room, no matter what I say p>
Camilla’s heart nearly stopped. Her voice shook, sharp with fear and anger. “Get out of my way. If anything happens to my son because of all these things you’re spreading, you’ll regret it. And to those who want answers—pick on someone your own size. If you’re really that brave, go bother Barnard. He’d love to tell you everything p>
But the crowd refused to budge. Even when Camilla finally snapped, they only pressed in closer, determined not to leave empty-handed.
Dahlia, desperate now, tried to push through. “Don’t any of you have a heart p>