Chapter 74
Camilla leaned in, her tone cool but steady. “Since we’re talking about this, I have to ask… After what Davina did to Jasper, do you really believe she did nothing wrong at all p>
Barnard’s jaw tensed. “Didn’t we already settle this at the Carter Estate? Davina got confused, she was fooled. It isn’t all her fault. You already made sure she was kicked out, so what more are you after p>
Camilla’s lips pressed tight for a second, then she gave a short laugh. “What do I want? She tried to tie your son’s future to her daughter’s, all behind our backs. Jasper’s just a kid, and she’s already playing games with his life. And you’re really okay with that p>
She watched Barnard’s face for any sign of guilt or doubt, but there was nothing, just that same old blankness. For a wild moment, she considered asking him outright, just like Jasper had done, whether Jasper really mattered to him as much as Daisy did. The thought vanished as quickly as it came. Jasper could push boundaries like that, she couldn’t.
Barnard shook his head. “Why use such ugly words? Daisy’s a good kid, she’s sweet, she’s well-behaved. Sometimes life just throws people together in strange ways. Maybe they were meant to meet. I think you’re overthinking everything. Honestly, I like the idea of Daisy and Jasper growing up close. Who knows what could happen p>
Camilla could feel her patience unraveling. “That’s your problem, not mine. I don’t want Jasper tangled up with Davina or Daisy. Now move, I have things to do p>
He grabbed her arm before she could get far. “Wait, Camilla. Don’t think I can’t see what you’re doing. Things have gotten this far, so let’s just put it all out there. You’re going after Davina because you’re suspicious about me. Maybe you’re even hoping for a divorce.” His eyes narrowed. “I already explained myself, but you still don’t trust me. Go ahead, check all you want. If you find anything, I’ll agree to whatever you say. But if you come up empty, then you need to stop causing trouble and leave Davina alone p>
He said it all like he had already won, calm and smug. Camilla could almost feel the chill on the new camera she’d just gotten her hands on. It was clear Barnard knew exactly what she’d been up to for a while now. As for that footage… She doubted she’d find anything useful anymore.
Barnard’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Did you hear what I said p>
She finally looked at him. “Just make sure you’re careful. Because if I find proof, I won’t be waiting around. Divorce is happening.” Her voice was even, but inside, she was already moving on.
She was already gathering evidence. Whether or not Barnard kept his so-called promise didn’t matter. She was determined to take him to court if she had to.
Camilla pulled her arm free and walked away. Barnard stood in the hallway, watching her go, a deep frown creasing his forehead. He’d picked Camilla all those years ago because she was obedient, adoring, so easy to control. But now, the woman standing in front of him felt like a stranger. She carried herself with a confidence he didn’t recognize, even using that sharp, decisive attitude from the business world against him.
Gone was the gentle, docile partner he thought he knew. Now, she was more like a hedgehog, bristling with quiet strength, impossible to ignore or control.
Barnard wandered back inside, feeling unsettled. All trace of Davina had disappeared from the house. Camilla no longer crossed his mind as he dialed Aaron, ordering him to track down Davina’s whereabouts immediately.
Meanwhile, Camilla had made her way to the hospital. On the way she’d picked up breakfast for Jasper. She arrived earlier than expected, and in the room, Jasper was still sleeping. Only Susan was there, quietly keeping watch at his side.
Camilla handed Susan some breakfast, then lowered her voice. “How did things go yesterday p>
Susan hesitated, then said, “Camilla… yesterday, your mom spent a long time talking with Jasper. She had me leave the room. When I came back, she looked upset p>
“And Jasper?” Camilla asked, searching Susan’s face for any worry.
“He seemed fine,” Susan said. “After your mom left, he just wanted to know when he could go out and play p>
Camilla nodded her thanks. “And Susan, from now on, just call me Camilla. No more Mrs. Carter. And don’t call my mother anything formal either, just Elise. There’s no need to keep up the Carter family habits p>
When Susan was gone, Camilla sat quietly beside Jasper’s bed. She fished out her phone and started reviewing the camera footage she’d collected. Just as she suspected, all she saw were servants moving around the house. On the few occasions Barnard and Davina appeared on screen, there wasn’t so much as a hint of intimacy.
She watched the video for a long time, searching for anything she could use. But it was obvious now. Barnard was already onto her. He’d made sure she could only see what he wanted her to see.
Still, she refused to give up. She knew Barnard couldn’t hide the truth forever. Everyone slips eventually.
She reached out to Ada and asked her to hire a private investigator to follow Barnard, just to be sure. That same night, she received a set of photos: Barnard’s car parked by a shabby apartment building, Daisy coming out to meet him, beaming as she led him inside.
Davina, for now, was nowhere in sight.