Chapter 50
“Daisy’s innocent. But what about their daughter? Isn’t she innocent too p>
“Barnard, if this is how you’re going to act, we’re never going to fix this. I’m not going to waste my time with you. Why don’t you just head back and tell Dad to stop sending you after me.” Camilla’s voice was sharp and steady.
Barnard stared at her, totally taken aback. When had Camilla become so firm, so decisive? She used to ask for his opinion on everything. She always listened, always checked with him, even about what he wanted for dinner.
Now, she was running the show and hardly cared what he thought.
Daisy, rattled by Camilla’s tone, gripped Barnard’s arm and started crying quietly. Barnard’s eyes filled with sympathy, but in the end, he signaled for Aaron to take Daisy back to Saddlebrook Estates.
In a blink, it was just Camilla and Barnard in the car. Camilla still looked furious.
Barnard, looking guilty, tried to explain. “Camilla, it was just an accident. The girl’s in the ICU, and the medical bills keep piling up. That family… I just figured they couldn’t afford it, and p>
“So what?” Camilla cut him off. “Are you trying to act like you’re some kind of hero? Their daughter’s life got turned upside down for no reason. Davina should’ve covered her medical bills from the start. You only did what any decent person would do. You never stopped to think what that little girl’s actually going through. If I were in their shoes, I wouldn’t forgive you either p>
Her own mom was still in a hospital bed, and now she was getting dragged into Davina’s mess. Camilla could feel her frustration bubbling over.
Barnard’s face darkened with annoyance, but he knew he’d screwed up. He didn’t bother arguing. “So, Camilla, how do you think we should solve this p>
“I can handle it,” Camilla replied, her tone cool. “But first, I need you to lose that superior attitude. And keep Davina away from me in the future p>
The car rolled up to the hospital, and Camilla went back in to see the young couple. This time, they looked even more guarded. The husband spoke first, voice cold. “What now? Has the mighty CEO come to humiliate us again?
“My daughter’s life is hanging by a thread. My wife and I have nothing left to lose, not even our dignity. We’ll do whatever it takes to get justice for her p>
Listening to his words, Barnard finally started to realize his money-can-fix-anything approach was never going to work.
Camilla spoke gently. “Sir, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. We’re here today because we genuinely want to make things right.
“I understand that some things can’t be undone, but I want to help your daughter however I can. Maybe we can talk about this somewhere private p>
The tension in the room was thick. The man looked ready to argue, but his wife touched his arm, watching Camilla carefully. After a moment, she nodded.
Ten minutes later, they were all sitting together in a private lounge.
The woman fixed her gaze on Camilla. “You told us before you weren’t getting involved. Now what, you’ve changed your mind p>
Camilla stayed calm, her tone soft but strong. The woman could tell she wasn’t someone who’d be easy to deal with.
“I’m sorry,” Camilla said. “I really didn’t want to step in at first. But my husband’s behavior has caused serious problems for the company, and now I have to take responsibility.
“I know the nanny’s mistake hurt your family deeply. All I can do now is try to make up for it, as much as possible.
“You two aren’t greedy people, I know that. You just want your little girl to get better. If you’re willing, I’ll find the best doctors and specialists, even international plastic surgeons, to help her heal.
“Don’t worry about the medical bills. We’ll handle everything.
“I also heard that after your daughter was hurt, you had to quit your job to take care of her. Here’s my card. If you trust me, once your daughter’s well enough, I’d be happy to offer you a position at my company.
“I heard you also had to mortgage your house. I know how much it must mean to you after all these years. I’d like to buy it back for you so you can keep your home.
“Once your daughter recovers, I can help get her into the best schools too.
“If there’s anything else you need—anything I haven’t mentioned—please let me know, and I’ll do everything I can to help p>
Camilla laid out every offer she could think of in one go. Barnard watched her, frowning, clearly skeptical.
To him, it didn’t seem like Camilla’s arrangement was much different from his original offer of five million. He doubted the couple would agree so easily.
“Are you serious?” the woman asked, testing Camilla’s words. “Can you really fix my daughter’s burns p>
Camilla replied, honest and steady. “I can’t promise she’ll recover completely. But the doctors I know overseas have much more advanced techniques. They should be able to hide most of the scars and help her look and feel like any other child p>