Chapter 196
“If you can’t get the full amount together right now, that’s fine. We can set up a contract. Just pay me back in installments and cover the standard interest,” Camilla said, her voice even and cool.
Laura didn’t know what to say. Camilla was like a wall—nothing Laura tried seemed to get through. She stood there, unsure of how to respond.
Calvin waved his hand, clearly annoyed. “Just give her the money. The Carter family isn’t so broke that we’d need to split this up over payments p>
Laura hesitated for a second, but under Calvin’s impatient glare, she went ahead and had someone draw up the contract.
Camilla poured herself some tea with slow, steady movements. From beginning to end, her expression didn’t change at all.
She knew Calvin cared about appearances. Just the mention of a payment plan had struck a nerve, making him desperate to prove himself. He’d shown up today determined to get her shares one way or another, so even though he was furious, he had to back down.
Soon after, Laura’s assistant brought over the updated contract. Camilla flipped through it, and when she saw there was nothing wrong, she signed her name without a second thought.
Right before leaving, she gave Laura another look. This Laura was so much more understated than before. Her outfit was plain, her handbag definitely not the latest season’s.
Camilla didn’t bother to sugarcoat it. “I’ve noticed Barnard’s been giving Davina plenty of gifts lately. Mrs. Carter, maybe instead of selling your own jewelry, you should check what’s missing at home first p>
Once the door closed behind her, Calvin lost it. He swept all the cups off the table, sending them crashing to the floor. His breathing grew louder and heavier, anger practically radiating off him.
Laura rushed over. “Honey, please, don’t get so worked up. The Carter Group still needs you. Your health is too important p>
Calvin let out a bitter laugh. “Calm down? How am I supposed to calm down? That son of yours. I thought he had good taste, married to Camilla all those years—turns out he proved me wrong in the worst way possible. Never, in the entire Carter family history, has there been such a disgrace. He’s made a fool out of all of us p>
Laura kept her eyes down, not knowing what to say. Even as his mother, she couldn’t really stick up for Barnard.
After venting, Calvin frowned and asked, “Where is he? Still at the hospital with that woman p>
Laura hesitated. “Well… that woman is carrying the Carter family’s only heir. We can’t risk anything happening to her, so Barnard is…” She trailed off when she saw Calvin’s face getting colder. Quickly, she added, “I’ll talk to him. There’s no way he’s marrying someone like her. If he divorces Camilla, I’ll find him a proper match. Once that woman has the baby, I’ll make sure he ends things with her p>
Her voice didn’t waver. Normally, Laura had a soft spot for Barnard. Whatever he wanted, she’d always make excuses for him. This time was different.
If the woman had known her place, kept quiet—maybe Laura would have let things slide. But this woman was greedy, always causing trouble, older, and there was nothing likable about her. Laura just couldn’t let Barnard keep seeing her.
Calvin grunted. “Go visit the hospital. If she’s feeling better, get her discharged. I don’t want her making a public scene p>
Half the people in their social circle already knew Barnard was fixated on a woman who didn’t even belong in their world. Some were even poking around, asking for gossip. The whole thing made Calvin feel like he couldn’t hold his head up when he walked into a room.
Laura nodded and helped him out of the private room. As they stepped into the hallway, the person they’d just spent so long talking about appeared right in front of them.
There was Barnard, in the downstairs lobby, having a meal with Davina.
Camilla was there too.
It looked like things had just blown up. Davina was on her knees in front of Camilla, talking quickly, while Barnard tried to help her up.
The anger Calvin had been working so hard to swallow came right back. “What are you all doing?” His voice echoed through the lobby.
Davina looked up, her face full of tears. “Calvin, Laura, I know this is all my fault. Seeing Barnard upset every day just breaks my heart. Since I’m the cause, it’s only right I ask Camilla to forgive us and help sort things out p>
It was emotional blackmail, plain and simple.
Calvin’s forehead vein was practically throbbing. He remembered the last time the Black family’s business fell apart—Davina had knelt at their front gate, begging for another chance. This was just who she was. First sign of trouble and she was on her knees, with no self-respect, no clue how to actually fix things.
He had no idea what Barnard saw in her.
“Get up!” Calvin snapped. “You’re an embarrassment. Do you want to drag the Carter name through the mud p>
Still, Davina clung to Camilla’s sleeve. “Calvin, I just want to help. I p>
But Calvin couldn’t stand it anymore. He turned to Barnard, voice still tight with anger. “What are you waiting for? Take her away. Don’t let her show her face out here again p>