Chapter 85
As soon as Barnard walked through the door, Davina blurted out, “Barnard, I’m so sorry. I just wanted to help. I never thought things would get so out of hand p>
Of course, Calvin happened to be stepping out of the living room at that exact moment. He overheard everything, his face twitching with obvious irritation.
“Barnard, get in here,” Calvin snapped.
He didn’t even glance Davina’s way. Seeing her kneeling outside in the scorching sun didn’t stir any sympathy. A woman who made such a mess of things was not worth his attention.
Davina reached for Barnard’s sleeve, her eyes begging for help. Even now, just being around Calvin made her nervous. The Carter Estate was unfamiliar territory, and Barnard was her only support here.
Barnard’s brow had been furrowed the whole way home. Davina had caused him a huge headache this time, and he was definitely annoyed. Still, seeing her look so lost and desperate, he couldn’t help but soften. He turned to Calvin and said, “Dad, the sun’s way too strong out there. Let Davina come in too p>
Calvin made a sharp sound of disapproval but said nothing. Barnard gave Davina a look, quietly motioning for her to stand up and come inside.
Camilla looked bored with the whole scene. She just pushed Jasper’s wheelchair ahead, taking him inside.
The tension in the house was thick. Even the staff seemed to shrink into the walls, going quiet and acting invisible.
Laura hovered close to Calvin, looking like she might collapse from nerves at any second. She was never good under pressure, and right now, she was completely at a loss.
Camilla spoke up. “Mom, since Jasper just left the hospital, I don’t feel right leaving him with anyone else. Can you keep him company for a while p>
Laura glanced at Calvin, and only after getting his silent go-ahead did she agree, leading Jasper away with her.
Barnard and Davina finally stepped inside. Davina was shaky on her feet, as if she might faint. She’d been kneeling out there so long that her face had gone completely pale.
Calvin took one look at her and gave another dismissive snort. Then he turned to Barnard. “Have I not told you how important Verdant is? It was already bad enough to keep her around, but now you let her stick her nose into business? Are you trying to bring down the Carter family? What does she even know? Did she ever go to school? What makes you think she’s someone you should involve in our business at all p>
He shot all his anger at Barnard, venting what he’d been holding in. He didn’t even look at Davina, just spat out every harsh word without holding back.
Davina tried to shut out Calvin’s anger, clutching tighter to the idea of Barnard as her shelter, practically shrinking behind him.
Barnard tried to defend her. “Dad, please don’t talk about her like that. Davina stayed out of school to take care of me. I p>
“Enough! That doesn’t excuse any of this.” Calvin cut him off sharply. “Do you realize how much losing out on this project could hurt the Carter family p>
Barnard tried to salvage the situation, desperate not to let things get even more out of control. “Dad, it’s not hopeless yet. I’m already looking for a way to fix everything. The Black family’s project is still open—no one else has partnered with them. Camilla and Carol are close. I believe she can convince Carol p>
But Camilla lifted her gaze, her voice dry and cutting. “If it was before today, maybe I could have. But now, Davina’s little scene at the Black family’s door… how can I show my face and ask Carol for help? Even if I tried, I doubt Carol would dare give us the project now. After all, everyone’s seen our family go so far as to kneel for a business deal. What will happen if people start thinking that’s the way to get projects from the Black family? They’d have people kneeling at their door all day. If I were Carol, I’d want to avoid that at all costs—and I’d never give the project to the Carter family p>
The sarcasm in her voice stung, and Barnard’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
He couldn’t help snapping back. “Camilla, you haven’t even tried. How do you know it won’t work p>
Camilla just shrugged. “Do I have to try? This was supposed to be a straightforward business deal, but Davina turned it into a circus. Honestly, it’s not just me. Even Dad probably doesn’t want to go near this project now p>
Her words hit their mark. Calvin’s lips trembled with anger.
The truth was, ever since Davina knelt at the Black family’s house, Calvin had ruled out the project completely. He still had his pride. If he pushed any further, rumors would start, and people might think he ordered Davina to do it. Years of reputation would turn to dust.
Barnard finally noticed the look on Calvin’s face and realized the true weight of everything. His own face grew rigid and tense.
He’d run the Carter family for a whole year and hadn’t managed any major wins. Verdant was supposed to be his big chance. Now it was just another reason for people to laugh at him.
Calvin didn’t waste any more words. “I brought you here for one reason. She can’t stay in the Carter family. Either you send her away, or I’ll have someone throw her out myself p>
Davina’s voice trembled. “Calvin, please, I’m so sorry—I shouldn’t have acted on my own just because I was worried about Barnard. I’m begging you, don’t kick us out. We have nowhere to go, no money, nothing to fall back on. We won’t survive p>