Chapter 504
“And what are these ‘plans’ of yours? Does it involve Camilla? What about me? What am I to you? All those times you promised to treat me well—was it all a lie?” Davina demanded.
Ever since they arrived in Valdoria, Barnard hadn’t touched her once. Lately, as his success soared, he didn’t even bother humoring her anymore. She lived in a constant state of anxiety. Today, she had finally convinced Laura to let her deliver his dinner, only to overhear him talking about Camilla.
“Just write it off as a moment of temporary insanity. I mistook gratitude for love, Davina. I’ve figured it out now. I have no romantic interest in you. I already told you I won’t let you struggle financially, but our relationship ends here p>
“Ends here? You started this whenever you wanted, and now you’re ending it just like that? You can’t be this ruthless to me! I gave you my body! If word gets out, my reputation will be ruined! You know how conservative people our age are, I p>
Davina burst into loud sobs.
Barnard watched her play the tragic victim, his head throbbing with irritation. He finally lost his patience and tore down the facade. “Enough. Stop acting. You weren’t exactly hesitant when you slept with me. It was fully consensual, and I’m giving you enough wealth to last several lifetimes. That’s more than fair. Know your worth, Davina, and don’t get greedy. What I’m giving you now is something others would kill for p>
Davina’s eyes were red and swollen, her cheeks burning with humiliation.
“Leave now, while I’m still willing to maintain some semblance of peace. Keep pushing, and when my patience runs out, I don’t know what I might do p>
Panic flashed across her face. Despite her resentment, she retained enough rationality not to jeopardize her golden ticket. She had grown accustomed to living in luxury with Barnard and absolutely refused to go back to scraping by.
She lowered her voice, clinging to his arm. “Are you really going after Camilla? She never liked me. If you two get back together, will she make my life miserable p>
“No. Camilla isn’t petty. I’ll explain to her that there’s nothing between us anymore. Just stay put and don’t worry about it,” Barnard said flatly.
“But what if she can’t tolerate me? You know I’ve cut ties with my family. I have nowhere else to go. If she kicks me out, who’s going to take me in p>
Her tone had softened into a pitiful surrender. The sheer misery on her face chipped away at a fraction of Barnard’s irritation.
“Relax. As long as you don’t provoke her, I’ll ensure you’re taken care of. You won’t live worse than anyone else. Let’s just put the past behind us. If you can do that, I won’t mistreat you p>
Tears pooled in her eyes. She felt a profound sense of betrayal but didn’t dare cross the line. She tried one last desperate plea. “Then… for Mike’s gala tomorrow night, are you taking Camilla as your date p>
She still harbored a sliver of hope. She had been seen around the company; people knew she was his partner. For an official event like this, even if just for show, he should take her.
“Your image isn’t suited for this kind of event. You don’t need to worry about these things anymore. Just stay home and take care of my mother,” Barnard said.
Davina nearly choked on her own breath. He was forbidding her from showing her face and ordering her to stay home and look after his mother. He was literally treating her like a nanny. And meanwhile, he was out parading around with Camilla! If he had cheated on her with anyone else, she wouldn’t be this furious. But it had to be Camilla—the woman she had previously chased away.
“Are you taking her? She’s Lance’s girlfriend! Are you really going to offend Lance for her?” she pressed.
Barnard let out a mocking laugh. “Lance? Please. He might have some sway in Cabinda, but this is Valdoria. Here, he has no choice but to hand Camilla over to me. Enough talking. Clean up the mess out there and go home. I have work to do p>
He glanced at the ruined thermos with utter disgust. Davina gritted her teeth. The office had a cleaning staff, yet he was ordering her to mop the floors.
He really did view her as nothing more than a maid.