Chapter 25
Barnard was clearly in a bad mood. Even when Daisy called out, hoping he’d play with her, he didn’t respond at all.
Davina sat next to him, watching, her face clouded with guilt. After hesitating for a moment, she stood up and spoke softly. “Barnard, I’m really sorry. This is all my fault. Camilla wouldn’t be upset if it weren’t for me. Maybe I should go find her right now and apologize in person. If Camilla truly can’t stand to have us here, I’ll pack up and take Daisy with me. We’ll move out p>
Just then, Camilla walked in, catching Davina’s words. She didn’t bother to be polite. “So your way of showing you’re sorry is just by saying it? If you know I don’t want you here, what are you waiting for? Why haven’t you moved out p>
Davina’s whole body stiffened, her eyes darting to Camilla, embarrassed.
Barnard stood up, frowning at Camilla. “Camilla, where have you been lately? I called and texted, but you ignored me. Are you still mad about the dog? I’ve spoken to a breeder. If Jasper really wants another dog, we can get one p>
He sounded caring, but to Camilla, his words just felt empty. He still didn’t see how much Snow meant to Jasper. To him, a lost dog could be replaced, as if that would fix everything.
Camilla shook her head. “No need. We already found Snow. That’s not why I’m here today p>
Divorce papers sat on the table, plain as day. Barnard noticed them and immediately looked anxious. “Camilla, whatever it is you want, let’s sit down and talk. We’ve been together for so many years. Are we really going to throw that away over something so small p>
He guided her to the sofa and poured a glass of warm water, trying his best to comfort her.
Camilla’s eyes landed on the divorce papers. She figured Lance had mailed them. She hadn’t been in touch with him lately. He must have thought she’d moved back, so he sent the papers to the house.
Either way, she’d have to talk to Barnard about it. Sooner or later, it made no difference.
Pulling out her phone, Camilla brought up the security footage and set it in front of Barnard. “You want to talk? Fine. Snow didn’t just wander off. The footage clearly shows Davina opening the door on purpose and not lifting a finger while Snow ran out. On top of that, the home cameras just ‘happened’ to go out that same day. They’ve never broken before. Davina’s the nanny. She couldn’t have messed with the cameras herself. So tell me, Barnard. You knew she caused it from the beginning, and you covered for her. You watched your own son cry and acted like nothing happened. Isn’t that right p>
Camilla had always been gentle and agreeable around Barnard, but now her words were sharp and relentless. Normally, she’d consult him about any decision; she’d never have divorce papers mailed to the house without a word.
Barnard looked rattled, his panic showing. “Camilla, you have it wrong. You don’t understand. Davina grew up in the countryside where dogs roam freely and always come home. She just thought Snow was being playful and would come back eventually, so she let him be. As for the cameras—I admit, I deleted the recordings, but I only did it because I didn’t want you worrying or overthinking p>
He looked at Camilla, eyes tired, almost saying, “See, I told you. You’re just being too sensitive p>
Davina stood awkwardly beside Camilla, hanging her head. After Barnard spoke up for her, she started apologizing again and again. “Camilla, I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. Please don’t be upset with Barnard because of me. He cares about you, really. When you and Jasper were gone, he called you whenever he could. Please don’t divorce Barnard over something I did. If you don’t want me here, I’ll go now, pack my things, and take Daisy p>
Daisy, who’d been quietly coloring nearby, immediately rushed over and clung to Davina’s leg. Her little voice wavered. “Mom, are we really leaving? Does that mean I won’t see Barnard or Jasper anymore? I still want to play with Jasper p>
Davina cut her off, voice sharp. “Quiet! This is all because of you. You had to get sick and go to the hospital, and it turned into this big misunderstanding with Camilla, who now thinks we lost Jasper’s dog on purpose. How could we possibly stay now p>
She scooped Daisy up and headed for the stairs, ready to pack.
Barnard turned to Camilla. “You heard her. Davina really didn’t mean any harm. Why are you being so harsh p>
Camilla’s voice was cold. “I’m not being harsh. If you want them to stay, fine. I’ll be the one to move out p>
She glanced at the footage again, unable to hide the sarcasm in her eyes. Her husband had just shown her, clearer than ever, where his priorities really were.