Chapter 188
Realizing there was no point in talking any further, Calvin shot up from his seat, anger burning in his eyes. “Alright, Camilla. You really think you can take on the Carter family by yourself? Since you’re determined to make us your enemy, don’t expect me to show you any mercy. Just hope you don’t come to regret the decision you made today p>
With that, he called Laura out and stormed off, leaving Camilla with his empty threats echoing in the air.
She barely felt anything. After all these years as the lady of the Carter family, she knew the company inside and out. Calvin was all bark right now, trying to intimidate her because he didn’t really have the energy to deal with her directly. The hospital was under Lance’s protection, Jasper was safe with Lance for now, and Camilla finally had nothing holding her back. She could focus completely on the legal battle with the Carters.
Soon after Calvin left, Barnard tried calling her. Since she couldn’t even reach an agreement on the divorce with Calvin, she doubted Barnard would offer anything new. She let the call go unanswered.
That night, her phone exploded with notifications—her name was suddenly trending. The headline came with pictures of her storming into Afterglow and attacking Davina.
She didn’t even have time to digest the news when someone knocked at her door. She opened it to see a police officer. “Camilla? We have a report that you intentionally hurt someone, leading to a pregnant woman’s miscarriage. Please come with us p>
No surprises there. This was obviously Calvin’s payback—out to trash her reputation and warn her not to cross him.
The moment the news hit, the internet split in two. Some people cheered her on, saying the homewrecker got what she deserved. Others outright attacked her, saying no matter what, she shouldn’t have caused a miscarriage.
When the police brought her to the station, Barnard was already waiting. As soon as he saw her, he asked to talk to her in private.
Once the room cleared out, Barnard looked at her, trying to sound sincere. “Camilla, after all our years together, I really don’t want to take this down the path of mutual destruction. I know I’ve let you down, and honestly, I could drop what happened with Davina… if you’re willing to return the Carter Group shares and withdraw the lawsuit. We could stay married and I’ll treat this all as a big misunderstanding. What do you think p>
Camilla didn’t even blink. “Not a chance p>
Barnard tried to keep his cool. “Camilla, this isn’t the time for tantrums. Davina lost her baby, and plenty of people saw you causing a scene at Afterglow. If I don’t cover for you, you’ll end up taking the fall. We’re talking a few days in holding, at least, and a record that’ll follow you forever. Your dad was a well-respected police officer before he disappeared. Do you really want to stain his legacy? We’re still married. Wouldn’t it be best to settle this in private p>
“Oh, that’s your grand plan? You ignore my calls all day, and now you think you’ve finally got something to threaten me with?” Camilla looked unimpressed.
“I’m not threatening you. I’m just laying out your options,” Barnard went on. “If Davina and I don’t back off, you’re stuck with those charges. Think about your father. He spent a lifetime building his reputation. Do you want to be the one to ruin that p>
Camilla cut him off. “You keep saying that, but you’re assuming this is all my fault. What if Davina’s miscarriage had nothing to do with me p>
Barnard’s voice hardened. “Don’t be stubborn. You showed up at Afterglow, freaked Davina out, and she lost the baby. Everyone saw what you did. How can you deny it now p>
He looked way too sure of himself and even took a step closer. “Camilla, I don’t want to abandon you. If you agree not to divorce me, I’ll testify that the whole thing was just a terrible accident. We can wipe the slate clean and start over. Doesn’t that sound good p>
Camilla felt nothing but disgust. “Honestly, you make me sick p>
The words were bitter but true. She couldn’t understand how Barnard could say these things like they meant nothing—like Davina’s child was just some bargaining chip. He could claim he cared about Davina and mention how grateful he was for everything she’d done, but deep down, she knew he only cared about himself. When he wanted to win Camilla back, Davina’s baby was a tool to manipulate her. When he was focused on Davina, his marriage was just another move in his game. His so-called affection had always been fake.
“Camilla, don’t be reckless now. You have to make the smart choice,” Barnard insisted.
She let out a cold laugh. “You still don’t get it. I never needed to count on you for anything. I have proof to clear my name p>