Chapter 60
“I promised her I’d give her a stable place to land,” Barnard said, steady and unyielding. “If you just fire her now, you’re forcing me into a position where I look heartless. That’s not fair p>
Laura’s gaze drifted back to Davina. For a second, surprise flickered in her eyes. “Wait, she’s that girl from all those years ago p>
Barnard gave a slow nod. “Yeah, that’s her. Back then, if it weren’t for Davina keeping me company, things could’ve turned out a lot worse. She’s helped not just me, but the Carter family, too. That’s why you can’t just let her go p>
Laura hesitated, her expression turning thoughtful. Years ago, when Calvin had started chasing dreams abroad, she’d gone with him, never trusting anyone else to have his back. Barnard had just been a kid, barely old enough to understand. With Calvin always working and Laura busy looking after him, nobody had time for Barnard. He’d ended up stuck at home in the care of a rotating lineup of nannies, every corner covered by security cameras.
As Barnard grew quieter, Davina’s mom suggested maybe the two kids could help each other. Laura was willing to give it a try, and even offered Davina a wage. From then on, Davina stayed by Barnard’s side for ten whole years.
When Barnard finally left for school overseas, nearly all the staff at the Carter estate was dismissed. After that, Laura rarely thought of Davina.
She’d felt a spark of recognition when she walked in earlier, but hadn’t put the pieces together until now.
She glanced at Calvin. “Honey, Barnard wouldn’t be the man he is today without her. She was only a child herself and still put her heart into taking care of him. Maybe she wasn’t perfect, but you can’t say she didn’t try. It wouldn’t feel right to fire her now p>
Camilla wasn’t surprised at Laura’s change of heart. All Laura cared about was Calvin and Barnard. She’d carried guilt over Barnard for years, and now, wanting to fix their strained relationship, she couldn’t help but side with anyone who’d helped her son. Knowing Davina meant so much to Barnard, Laura would naturally defend her.
Camilla looked over at Calvin, her gaze calm and clear. It was as if she were silently pointing out why even Barnard’s wife couldn’t so easily get rid of this nanny.
Calvin stayed firm, his voice cold. “Gratitude? Back then, the Carter family was paying her a salary. That was her job. If she wants to ride the coattails of ‘gratitude’ now to wipe away her mistakes, then she can pay us back all the wages we gave her over those years. With interest p>
“Dad, do you even hear yourself?” Barnard’s tone sharpened. “You really think money can account for everything she did for me? It doesn’t work like that. Let me be clear, if it weren’t for Davina, I wouldn’t have gotten through those years. As long as I’m here, no one is firing her p>
Camilla’s voice was steady. “Dad, you’ve seen it yourself. Davina means everything to Barnard, more than Jasper and me put together. In a situation like before, how could I go against what Davina wanted p>
If even Calvin couldn’t do anything about Davina, there was no way Camilla had a chance.
Her words hit Calvin right where it hurt, his jaw tight, his face dark with frustration. Trying to hold on to what little authority he had left, he snapped, “She’s a nanny, just doing her job, and you’re still so thankful? Are you really that soft? Fine, if you want to protect her so badly, then take a break from work. Stay home for a week and think about your choices p>
Laura rushed in to back Barnard up. “Honey, Barnard’s loyal. That’s not some terrible thing. You said it yourself, she’s just a nanny. If keeping her around makes him happy, it’s hardly a strain on us. Let him make the call p>
Calvin didn’t answer right away. He just stared at Camilla, his expression hard to read. Camilla could guess what was going through his head. He’d come here hoping to use this whole ordeal against her—show her up, maybe even prove her incapable. If he’d managed to fire Davina, that would’ve been the evidence he needed. But now, even he couldn’t get rid of Davina. There was nothing left to use against Camilla.
The standoff dragged on until Laura finally stepped in. “Alright, that’s enough. Let’s just drop it. Jasper and Camilla have had a tough time, and I want to make it up to them. Here.” She handed over a card. “There’s five million on this. Camilla, use it to get some new things for you and Jasper. If you need more, just ask p>
Laura wanted peace more than anything.
Calvin was still frowning, but he didn’t argue. Barnard’s resolve wasn’t something he could just bulldoze over. Forcing out Davina would only drive a wedge between him and his son, and he knew it wasn’t worth it.
Camilla had never expected Calvin to step up for her anyway. He was too calculating, always balancing risks and rewards. For her, dodging responsibility and blame this time was enough. Everything between her and Barnard—she’d have to figure that out for herself.