Chapter 2
“Her husband only passed away recently. It’s not easy for a single mother with a kid. And didn’t she already scold Daisy? Let’s just move on,” Barnard said quietly.
He poured a cup of hot water and handed it to Camilla. The message was clear: conversation over.
Camilla dropped her eyes, silent. Over the years, Barnard had rarely let her feel mistreated. The only time he ever asked her to step back was when it came to Davina.
Maybe he noticed something was off with her mood, because Barnard tried to explain. “You know, Davina basically raised me. When my parents were both out of the country, the staff didn’t care about me. Only Davina did… She’s pretty upset about what happened. She wanted to come see Jasper, but I told her not to p>
“I get it,” Camilla said softly. She didn’t push anymore, but some part of her still felt uneasy.
Barnard didn’t stay at the hospital that night.
After Jasper woke up, Barnard stopped by, chatted a bit with him, then left for work. He’d only just started taking over the company this year. Things were hectic, and Camilla understood.
The next day, the doctor checked Jasper again. Aside from the bandaged scrape on his head, everything else was fine.
Camilla took care of the paperwork and brought Jasper home. As soon as they walked in, Davina came out with Daisy in tow, pushing Daisy’s head down in a forced bow. “Kneel and apologize to Jasper. Beg Camilla not to send you away p>
Daisy’s eyes were swollen and red from crying. She was about to do what she was told, but Camilla reached out and gently held her up. “Davina, what are you doing p>
Davina said, “It was so generous of you to let Barnard bring us here. Daisy made a mistake. She should answer for it p>
Even though Davina was hired as a nanny at Saddlebrook Estates, she never once called Barnard “Mr. Carter.” She always used his first name, like they were family. And Barnard seemed to prefer it that way.
Camilla had mentioned once that it felt too personal.
Barnard had just laughed and told her, “I grew up with Davina. She’s always called me that. You’re thinking too much p>
So Camilla never brought it up again, but every time she overheard it, it stung a little.
“That’s not necessary. She didn’t mean any harm,” Camilla replied, her voice a touch stiff.
Davina stood there nervously, head still low. “As long as you aren’t throwing us out, that’s enough. If Daisy ever messes up again, you can punish her however you like. Hit her, whatever you want, it’s all right p>
The way Davina was lowering herself so much made Camilla uncomfortable, as if she was the kind of person who’d take things out on a kid.
“You don’t have to act like this. About what happened yesterday p>
The sound of a car engine drifted in from outside. A minute later, Barnard came through the doorway, eyes moving straight to the knot of people at the entrance. “Davina, what’s going on here p>
“I’m having Daisy apologize to Camilla, that’s all. Go inside, Barnard,” Davina said.
“There’s no need for this apologizing. Didn’t we already say it was just an accident? Jasper’s fall had nothing to do with Daisy. Let this go. Go get some rest and don’t think too much about it.” Barnard spoke gently but firmly. He glanced at Camilla, his gaze lingering. “Camilla, remember, you promised you wouldn’t blame Davina p>
Camilla watched as Barnard, almost by instinct, walked right over to Davina and stood next to her, facing Camilla head-on. The way they stood there, side by side, made Camilla feel like she didn’t belong. Her voice came out sharper than she meant. “I’m not blaming her. Jasper wants sweet and sour ribs, so I’m going to make them for him p>
“While you’re at it, can you make some cola chicken wings? Daisy likes them,” Barnard said.