Chapter 30
“And… I get that Jasper might feel a little off since Daisy and I suddenly moved in. I can help him settle, too p>
By now, it was obvious to Camilla. Davina hadn’t just dropped by for a visit, she was practically interviewing for the job.
Davina had been working as a nanny for years and had plenty of connections in the housecleaning world, so it made sense she’d hear about the open position. Still, hearing her so-called kind words made Camilla’s stomach twist. There was something about it that was just… gross.
Barnard, on the other hand, looked genuinely worried. He said, “Davina, that’s all in the past now. Why dwell on it? You’ve done so much for me already. There’s no way I’d let you really work as a nanny p>
His words felt like a slap to Camilla. Of course. Calling her a nanny was just a cover. He’d never planned to treat Davina like the help. Now he wasn’t even pretending.
Davina gave him an almost scolding look. “Barnard, don’t say that. You’ll make Camilla misunderstand. You’re paying me such a high salary, I can’t just sit around. Please let me take care of Jasper. I promise I’ll do even better than anyone else could p>
“Davina, thanks for offering, but honestly, I wouldn’t dare leave Jasper with you,” Camilla finally spoke, cutting in before Davina could say more.
Barnard’s response was instant. “Camilla, Davina means well. You don’t need to talk to her like that p>
Camilla kept her voice cool. “I’m just stating the facts. Davina is precious to you, practically family, and you say you owe her. What if something happened to Jasper? I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself. Barnard, you should tell Davina to take it easy and enjoy life instead of worrying about these things p>
She didn’t bother to hide the sarcasm in her voice.
Barnard’s eyes flashed with annoyance. Davina just lowered her head. “Camilla, please don’t mock me. I’m not someone who deserves a leisurely life. Barnard has just been kind enough to give me a place to stay. Not doing something makes me uncomfortable. Besides, would you really trust someone you barely know to watch Jasper? It’s better if someone who knows the family does it p>
“Well, you’re right about one thing. Jasper wouldn’t do well with a complete stranger. Susan has watched Jasper grow up, so why not just let Susan take care of him? Davina, if you really want to help, just look after Barnard instead. You’ve been doing that forever anyway, so it should be easy enough p>
The thought of Susan had crossed Camilla’s mind all along, especially after the last few applicants hadn’t worked out. Now seemed like the perfect moment to suggest it.
Susan had been with them since she and Barnard first got married, practically raising Jasper herself. When Susan stayed behind at Saddlebrook Estates, Camilla always figured Barnard and Davina had to watch their step in front of her. If she brought Susan away now, it would just make things more convenient for them. Soon enough, she figured, the cameras she’d set up at home would catch everything she needed.
“Camilla, you p>
Barnard started to protest again, but Camilla cut him off, sounding perfectly gentle and understanding. “Barnard, I know how busy you are. The truth is, Jasper’s still sick and needs looking after. I can’t be there myself right now, so let Davina take care of you, at least p>
Barnard looked like he wanted to say more, but Camilla beat him to it. Her tone never wavered, warm and forgiving, like she honestly didn’t suspect a thing. Still, Barnard insisted, “Camilla, you’re misunderstanding. Davina and I p>
“I know. Davina has a husband and a daughter. What could there possibly be between you two? I was only upset before because you always give Daisy special treatment. I just felt it was unfair to Jasper. Trust me, I don’t think anything’s going on between you and Davina p>
Didn’t people say that before you destroy someone, you first have to drive them crazy?
From now on, she was done holding tight to Barnard. She was going to give him all the freedom he craved.
Barnard kept frowning. For some reason, Camilla seemed different today. The image of those divorce papers flashed through his mind before he could push it away. But then he remembered Camilla’s mother was still very sick and needed the Carter family’s money. She must’ve accepted reality and realized she couldn’t deal with the fallout if things ended, which meant she was backing down at last.
He’d known it—Camilla could never leave him. She’d never actually go through with a divorce.
Relieved, Barnard smiled a little. “I’m glad you see things this way. Let’s have Susan look after Jasper for now. Wait here, I’ll walk Davina out and be right back p>
Davina glanced at Camilla like she wanted to say something, but held back. In the end, Barnard just called her out of the room.
Once they were gone, Camilla pulled out her phone and texted Susan, telling her to pack all the purses and jewelry she could and bring them over before coming.