Chapter 71
Wasn’t this just taking things too far?
That housekeeper had messed up so many times already. The only reason she’d managed to stay this long was because Barnard still felt indebted to her for something that happened years ago.
But instead of being grateful, she actually dared to scheme her way into the Carter family by aiming for their eldest grandson. Calvin couldn’t hold back his anger any longer.
He snapped, “Someone call Barnard. Tell him to bring that housekeeper here p>
If Camilla was willing to make such a scene, then there really couldn’t be much doubt about what had happened.
Even if his grandson didn’t end up marrying some rich girl from a prestigious family, he was absolutely not going to let him pick a housekeeper’s daughter.
Laura didn’t look any happier. This time, she didn’t bother calming Calvin down, either. She might have been able to stand up for Davina once because of that old favor, but quietly going after her own grandson? That was crossing the line, and it was downright disrespectful.
Barnard took nearly an hour after the call before he finally arrived. Davina trailed after him, head low, looking meek and respectful.
Barnard’s eyes landed on Camilla first, and he looked a little lost. “Camilla, what are you doing here p>
Camilla said nothing. Then Barnard faced Calvin. “Dad, what’s so urgent that you called us over so late p>
Calvin slammed his hand on the table and threw the box Camilla had brought straight at Davina.
Barnard stepped in immediately, protecting Davina from the blow, his voice impatient. “Dad, if you have something to say, just say it—there’s no need for this p>
Davina shrank back in fear, her face hidden and her whole body trembling pitifully.
Even Laura couldn’t bring herself to pity her this time.
Calvin glared. “Just say it? What exactly is this? Do you even recognize it? Was this all her idea, or did you put her up to it p>
Barnard lowered his gaze to the wooden box, which looked a little familiar. “Isn’t this the charm Davina got for Jasper?” he asked. “Camilla, Davina was only being nice. You accepted her gift, so why are you bringing this to Mom and Dad now? Since when did you get so two-faced, all smiles up front but scheming behind the scenes? What are you really after p>
Camilla’s lips stayed sealed, and Calvin didn’t wait for her. “A charm? What kind of charm? You mean to tell me you didn’t know this is for matchmaking? She’s clearly trying to tie her daughter to Jasper! Someone like that has no business staying in the Carter family p>
“I don’t care about this so-called debt between you. Get rid of her. Fire her. Now p>
“Matchmaking?” Barnard froze, turning to Davina in shock.
Davina looked just as stunned. She raised her head, eyes wide and full of confusion. “No, really, when I got it, they said it was for protection. How could it be for romance? Calvin, there’s got to be some mistake. I know Daisy isn’t good enough for Jasper—I wouldn’t dare do anything like that, even if I had a hundred times the courage p>
Her voice started shaking, tears threatening to fall. “Please, you have to believe me p>
“Don’t start with the dramatics,” Calvin shot back. “The facts are right here. I don’t care about your story. Jackson, go with them right now. Gather her things and throw her out of Saddlebrook Estates. She’s never to go near Jasper again p>
“Barnard, you have to believe me. I never meant any harm. I… I have no idea how this happened. Maybe they saw I was from out of town and decided to trick me,” Davina stammered.
The same excuse, every time. Every time she got caught, she’d play dumb, as if saying she didn’t know would fix everything.
Just like the time she gave Jasper a dog with distemper.
Now she was calling a love charm a protection amulet. Same story. As long as Barnard believed her, she thought her lies would hold up.
And as always, Barnard stepped in to shield her. “Dad, Davina might not be at fault here. She’s never had much schooling, doesn’t speak the language, and went all the way to Kaston to pick up a charm for Jasper. What if she really was misled? It’s not like she was trying to do anything bad. If the item’s wrong, we’ll just throw it away. There’s really no need to blame her so harshly p>
With every word, Calvin’s face grew darker, his eyes burning with disappointment. “Are you out of your mind, Barnard? They’re scheming against your son, my eldest grandson, and you’re still defending her? You’ve got a lot of nerve. Is this woman really more important to you than Jasper p>
Barnard’s eyes darted away.
Camilla, watching him closely, felt like she could finally see through him. Deep down, he really did seem to think Daisy and Davina were more important than Jasper. He just wasn’t about to admit it in front of Calvin.
Facing Calvin’s fury, Barnard managed to say, “Dad, I told you, Davina would never do something like this on purpose. Why can’t you believe that p>