Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 214

The gala was held on a cruise ship.

As soon as Camilla stepped on board, she could feel all eyes turn her way. Most people in this crowd knew each other, and almost everyone recognized her as the woman who used to be Mrs. Carter. She picked up on the soft hum of gossip, most of it about whether she and Barnard—once the perfect couple—had really split for good.

An event organizer came up to greet her, hesitating just a moment before going with what he was used to. “Welcome, Mrs. Carter.”

Camilla didn’t hesitate. “Maybe it’s better if you just call me Camilla from now on.”

She didn’t have to speak up. The words carried just fine, clear enough for everyone nearby. It was official—everyone now knew the divorce was real.

As she walked into the main hall, she could feel the way people were staring at her shift. Their interest turned sharper, more curious, the whispers growing just a little louder.

Camilla barely noticed. She’d never cared much about people watching her.

She slipped into a quieter spot away from the crowd. It didn’t take long before someone slid into the empty seat next to her. It was Carol.

Carol grinned at her, eyes shining. “Everyone’s busy cozying up to the host, you know. You found the best seat in the house. Honestly, for a second I thought you’d skipped out.”

Camilla smiled, teasing back. “Really, Carol? Aren’t you here too?”

Carol shrugged, laughing. “We’re not here for business—we’re just here for the party. But I did see Barnard earlier. Are you—?”

Camilla cut her off. “We’re divorced. BLC is mine now. He’s probably here on behalf of his family, but honestly, whatever he’s doing has nothing to do with me.”

She hadn’t seen Barnard, but even if she had, she would have just walked right past him. He’d become a stranger.

Carol seemed thoughtful all of a sudden. “I heard things got ugly with the divorce. Camilla, seriously… stay alert. Don’t underestimate how far someone will go just to hurt you.”

Before she could say more, someone came over to take Carol away.

Camilla had always known Barnard could be a snake, but she’d never imagined he’d stoop as low as he did tonight.

His hand gripped her chin, forcing her to face him. Camilla felt dizzy, but she could still see his twisted reflection in her eyes as he leaned closer, trying to kiss her.

Revulsion surged through her. She ducked her head and bit down on his finger so hard she tasted blood. Her words were muffled, but each one burned. “Keep dreaming, Barnard. You only know how to play dirty. It’s disgusting.”

He had always known she’d never come back to him on her own, so he tried to trap her again, same as before, using a child to tie her down. Maybe he’d done the same thing with Davina.

The thought made her stomach turn. She bit down harder, the metallic taste filling her mouth, refusing to let go.

Barnard finally pried her off, pain flashing across his face. Blood oozed from the deep bite marks she’d left on his thumb—stark and crimson.

He acted like it didn’t even hurt. With blood smeared across his hand, he grazed her cheek gently, leaving a warm, sticky trail behind.

His voice dropped, a frustrating mix of tenderness and warning. “Camilla, I really don’t want to hurt you… but you never learn, do you? You make everything so hard.”