Chapter 320
Calvin thought this wedding would boost their family’s reputation, but he never expected it to mark the beginning of the Carter family’s public embarrassment. Gossip spread like wildfire at BLC all morning. Even though Camilla tried to stay out of it, she still picked up pieces of the story from everyone around her.
Work had kept Camilla on her toes for days. She didn’t bother going out for lunch and just ordered takeout. As she headed downstairs to grab her food, someone blocked her way at the entrance.
Standing there in a spotless white suit, obviously fresh from his own wedding, was Barnard. Camilla stared at him in disbelief for a moment, then her expression darkened. “Why are you here p>
“Camilla, I walked right out of the wedding,” Barnard said, grabbing her sleeve. His eyes were pleading, desperate. “I told you I’d do it for you. Do you believe me now p>
Camilla’s frown only deepened. She pulled her arm away from his grasp. “Are you crazy p>
“Camilla, I just wanted to show you I’m telling the truth. Before, I couldn’t see how I really felt, but now I know it’s you. We were together for years… things were good between us. And Jasper… I know how much you love him. I was his dad for all those years. No matter how nice Lance is to him, can he really compare to me? Camilla, can we please stop fighting p>
Barnard took a step closer.
Camilla eyed him with a mix of wariness and sarcasm. “Barnard, do us both a favor and drop this pathetic act. Whatever drama you’re pulling—running out on your wedding or anything else—has nothing to do with me anymore. We’re divorced. Get out of my life p>
Barnard reached out again, this time grabbing her wrist. “Camilla, I’ve done everything for you. Isn’t that enough to prove how I feel? Yes, I used you back then because I wanted to marry Davina, and I thought my parents would never accept her. But look at me now, I’m showing you that you matter more. I’m willing to walk away from her for you. Isn’t that enough? You’re dating Lance now, right? Would Lance ever do this for you? Don’t be stupid p>
His grip tightened, making it impossible for Camilla to shake him off. Emboldened, he pulled her into his arms.
A chill ran through Camilla, making her feel as if she’d been plunged into ice water. Her voice was icy cold, edged with anger. “Barnard, let go of me. Hurting another woman is not some kind of proof of love. It’s disgusting. I don’t see your so-called sincerity at all. And even if I did, there’s no way I’d ever choose someone who’s pulled so much messed up stuff p>
“Camilla, you just haven’t seen how serious I am. This time is different, I want us to be together, I p>
He tried to press himself closer, his chin nearing her neck. Camilla shot back, “Security! Where are you? Get him away from me p>
The security guards rushed over as soon as she called, but Barnard had her in such a tight grip that they hesitated, worried about hurting her. The whole scene ground to a halt.
That’s when Laura arrived on the scene.
She took it in and for a second, she could hardly believe her eyes. “Barnard, what are you doing? You actually left your own wedding? Couldn’t you give your mother a heads-up? There’s chaos at home and everyone’s waiting for you. Get back with me. Now p>
Barnard acted like she wasn’t even there, still staring at Camilla. “Camilla, why can’t you see that I mean this? I don’t care about your past with Lance. Please, come back with me p>
Camilla realized arguing with him was pointless, so she locked eyes with Laura instead. “Mrs. Carter, please take your son away before I have to call the cops p>
Laura heard Barnard’s desperate pleas. Her tone softened but was tinged with frustration. “Barnard, why are you doing this? You were the one who wanted the divorce. Didn’t we already give you what you wanted? Now you’re making a scene… Do you want to embarrass your father and me even more? Enough, let’s go home p>
Barnard shot back, his frustration boiling over. “Me? When did I ever say I wanted a divorce? Wasn’t it all arranged by you and Dad? Same with the wedding. I never agreed to marry Davina. That was all Dad’s plan. He never once cared what I wanted. If he loves weddings so much, maybe he should marry her himself p>
His words tumbled out recklessly, anger getting the best of him.
Laura, who had always been patient and soft-spoken, finally snapped. She marched over and slapped Barnard across the face.
It was the first time she had ever hit him. Barnard stood there, stunned. He clutched his cheek, completely at a loss. Camilla took the opportunity to pull free, stepping quickly backward to put a safe distance between them. She spoke to Laura, her voice steady. “Now you’ve seen it yourself, Mrs. Carter. Barnard broke our agreement by showing up in front of me again. Please remember to transfer the eight million to my account p>