Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 273

“There’s no need to talk like that. Camilla never tried to get with me. The truth is, I was the one chasing after her.

And as for you, Barnard, if you hadn’t lost interest and moved on from Camilla, I wouldn’t have even had a shot. So really, you kind of did us a favor. When Camilla and I get married, if you want to show up, maybe I’ll even save you a seat.”

Lance stepped forward and stood next to Camilla, putting himself directly between her and Barnard’s glare.

He was just stating facts, but hearing it from Lance still sent Barnard into a quiet rage he struggled to contain.

Barnard let out a sharp, bitter smile, the kind that didn’t reach his eyes. “Wow, that’s some confidence, Lance.

What makes you so sure you and Camilla will get married?

What makes you think the Charles family will sign off on this?

Nothing’s decided until it’s over. Whether you end up with her or not, that’s far from certain.”

There was a challenge in his voice, his eyes shadowed, studying Camilla like he was trying to read everything she was hiding.

Camilla met his gaze, her own eyes showing a hint of unease. She still hadn’t been able to solve that particular problem looming over her, and if Barnard really wanted to stir things up right now…

Lance spoke up, his tone cool. “What does their approval have to do with me?

You think everyone’s like you, marrying someone just to ignore her after, leaving her to fend for herself with your whole family?

If they’re against it, I won’t make Camilla beg them. We’ll just leave.”

Barnard’s face kept shifting, unable to mask his discomfort. Just then Davina, who'd been rushing after them, paused as those words hit her. Jealousy flickered across her face and her gaze bounced between Lance and Camilla.

Finally, Davina looked at Camilla, and the envy sharpened into resentment.

Why does Camilla get everything?

Davina had heard Camilla came from nothing, but she’d still managed five years as Mrs. Carter, living comfortably the whole time. Even divorced, with a kid in tow, she somehow lucked into someone better than the Carter family... and this new guy actually treasured her.

But Barnard...

He’d told Davina she was the one he loved, that marrying Camilla was just for appearances, but he never once defended Davina in front of his parents. He was still tangled up in things with Camilla, and even if Barnard never spelled it out, Davina’s insecurities kept growing.

Barnard felt his irritation boil over.

He wrenched his arm away, leaving Davina standing there, but didn’t even acknowledge her words. Instead he looked at Lance and said, “You’re really good to Camilla, Lance. But do you even know ...”

“Barnard!” Camilla cut in, her tone tight. She knew exactly what he was about to say and wouldn’t let him finish. Right at that moment, the husky who’d been playing with Jasper suddenly burst into the scene like someone flipped a switch. It ran straight for Camilla, barking nonstop.

Its loud barks broke through all the tension, making everyone stop.

Davina yelped, startled by the big dog. “Whose giant wild dog is this? Get it away! Who keeps a pet that scary?”

Jasper hurried over, chasing after the husky. He gave Barnard a quick, uneasy look before turning stern eyes on Davina. “He’s an Alaskan, not a wild dog. He’s super sweet, not scary at all.”

Davina glared at Jasper, but when she looked at the husky—huge compared to her—she still looked nervous.

It was just a little interruption, really. Camilla, her voice a bit frosty still, started, “Barnard, my—”

But before she could finish, the husky—who had finally calmed down—started barking again, eyes on Camilla, its head butting her hand, tail wagging in a clear plea to be petted.