Chapter 49
The printed photos landed in front of Camilla like a flurry of snow, the glossy sheets spilling across the table until she couldn’t ignore them anymore.
Every headline was the same. Barnard throwing money at people. Barnard threatening people. Barnard acting like he was above the law. It was all there in black and white, painting him as reckless and cruel in the eyes of the world.
As she scrolled through the articles, Camilla pieced together what happened. That couple insisted on dragging Davina into court, and Barnard panicked. He tried throwing five million dollars at them to keep everything quiet. When that didn’t work, Aaron stepped in, had Carter Group’s top lawyer deliver the message. There was no way the couple would win, not with the Carters involved.
That kind of arrogance was a slap in the face. The couple posted every detail online. Within hours, everyone was talking. The whole thing spun out of control.
Camilla stared at the pile of photos, silent, her mind racing. She barely noticed Calvin until he spoke again.
“Was this on purpose? Barnard keeps telling me you’re the most capable person we have. But look around you, Camilla. Is this your idea of handling things? Did you mess up because you’re careless or just not capable enough p>
With a sigh, Camilla finally looked up, her patience long gone. “Dad, you told me to get Barnard out of police custody. I did exactly what you asked. Whatever happened after that isn’t on me p>
This whole disaster started because Barnard wanted to protect Davina, and everyone in the room knew it. Still, Calvin was pushing her to clean it up, forcing her to help Davina too.
“Barnard is your husband. It’s your job to protect his reputation, to look out for the Carter family. That’s your duty,” Calvin fired back.
That self-righteous tone made something ugly rise up in Camilla, a secret about Barnard and Davina that she was almost ready to spill. But before she could get another word out, Barnard walked in, Daisy held close to his chest. He looked completely drained, dark circles under his eyes.
“Dad, I still have things I need to take care of. You wanted to see me p>
Calvin’s eyes zeroed in on Daisy, his expression instantly hardening. “Why did you bring her here p>
Part of the reason the online uproar happened so fast was because Barnard had shown up at that negotiation holding Daisy. One family’s daughter was lying unconscious in the ICU, and here Barnard was with Davina’s perfectly healthy girl. No wonder those parents snapped.
Even though it was the first time Calvin had seen Daisy, his glare was so fierce it made her shrink back.
Barnard adjusted his hold on Daisy, trying to sound calm. “Davina’s not home. Daisy was scared to be alone, so I brought her here p>
“What about Jasper? You take care of this girl and just leave Jasper home by himself?” Laura asked, her voice gentle and uncertain.
Barnard hesitated, his eyes drifting toward Camilla. “Susan is with Jasper. He grew up with her. He’ll be fine p>
Calvin didn’t bother arguing. The mess needed to be fixed, and fast. “I don’t care how you do it, but you have three days to get the situation under control. Especially you, Camilla. Don’t forget, you’re a Carter. Do this right. No shady shortcuts. Now, go p>
Camilla couldn’t hide how annoyed she felt, but what choice did she have? She left with Barnard, biting down her frustration.
As soon as they got into the car, Daisy clung to Barnard, her voice small and shaky. “Barnard, I’m scared… when is my mommy coming back p>
Barnard leaned down to comfort her, but Camilla couldn’t keep quiet any longer. “Honestly, you should just take her home. The longer this goes on, the worse it’ll get p>
Camilla couldn’t figure out what Barnard was thinking. Did he honestly not realize how much trouble Daisy’s presence could cause? Or did he know, and just couldn’t let her go?
Daisy looked over, eyes wide and pleading. “Camilla, please don’t be mad at me. Don’t make me leave. I promise I’ll be good p>
Barnard’s face tightened, clearly irritated. “She’s just a kid. Why are you putting all this on her? Her mom’s gone and she’s terrified enough as it is. She p>
Camilla cut him off, her voice crisp. “Barnard, get real. That couple’s daughter is in the ICU because Davina messed up. You want to fix things, but all you’re doing is showing up with Davina’s healthy daughter and acting like you can buy their forgiveness. Can’t you see how insulting that is p>
Barnard froze, his mouth slightly open like he didn’t know what to say. He looked down at Daisy, his eyes softening with guilt.
Finally, he murmured, almost to himself, “Davina didn’t mean for this to happen. And Daisy… she’s just a kid. She didn’t do anything wrong p>
Camilla shook her head. “You really think saying it wasn’t intentional erases everything? That it makes all the pain go away p>