Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 373

Tonight was New Year’s Eve, and the Charles Estate practically sparkled. Every corner had been redone, every room humming with that festive, holiday vibe.

But Tessa’s words swept in like cold wind, wiping out all the good energy and tightening the air with tension.

She stared at Jasper, her expression as harsh as her words, that look of barely disguised disgust cutting right through him.

Before Lance could say anything, Darwin spoke up, his voice sharp. “Can’t this wait until after the holiday? Why make a scene now and let others laugh at us?”

Ever since Sarah had left, Tessa had been in a sour mood, but Darwin hadn’t paid it much attention. He thought he knew her well enough. Sure, Tessa could be petty about little things, but she always seemed to know where to draw the line. He never expected she’d explode like this, right on New Year’s.

“We’re all family here,” Tessa said, looking straight at Darwin. “Who’s the outsider?

“Dad, some things shouldn’t be dragged on. The Charles family is rich, sure, but our wealth isn’t just going to some random child without a word about it.”

That word—bastard—landed like a slap. Jasper flinched. His lips pressed tight, fighting tears that hovered on his lashes.

Camilla walked over, gently taking Jasper from Lance’s arms. She looked directly at Darwin, eyes clear. “You invited me here yourself. That’s the only reason I came. But don’t think I’ll just sit by while your so-called noble Charles family throws insults at my son like it’s nothing.

“We clearly have nothing left to say to each other. No need to share a table. I’ll see myself out.”

Camilla didn’t want to blame Lance for any of it. After all, this was his family. If this world didn’t want her, fine. She just wouldn’t come back.

“Leaving? You’re already here, aren’t you? Why not stay and clear everything up?” Tessa wasn’t backing down. She stepped in front of Camilla, blocking her way, her voice sharp. “If you’re really as pure as you claim, why show up with Lance at the Charles Estate in the first place? Let’s be honest. You just want to get your not-so-clean son into a rich family.

“I don’t know what tricks you used with the Carter family, but the Charles family won’t fall for it. Today, I’m putting everything out in the open.”

Lance didn’t even bother arguing with Tessa. He just turned to Darwin. “So this is what you meant by inviting us here for New Year’s? Looks like your authority in this house isn’t what it used to be.”

Darwin called out, “Oscar, come handle your wife.”

Oscar showed up almost instantly but didn’t say a word. He just watched Camilla, eyes full of questions, clearly siding with his wife.

Lance had left the army years ago, never bothering with the Charles family business. He’d built his own company instead. It was thriving. It might not compare in size to the whole Charles fortune, but his piece was bigger than Oscar’s and Oscar’s wife’s could ever dream of.

He never planned for Jasper or Camilla to have to put up with this kind of treatment. Tessa’s act was nothing new. She just wanted everyone to know the paternity test was fake so that she could block Camilla and Jasper from getting into the Charles family. Lance could see right through her.

Darwin’s face flushed with embarrassment. He gave Tessa a sidelong glance, but before anyone could leave, Tessa pulled out a stack of papers—a paternity test among them.

“You might be fine with this, but what about the kid’s real father? He’s been looking for him all these years.

“Lance, I don’t know why you’re so obsessed with claiming this child as your own, but let’s get one thing straight. His father is still alive. He isn’t yours to keep.”

“What real father? I am his father.” Lance didn’t even spare Tessa a glance. Frustrated, he pulled open the car door, ready to leave.

But Darwin held up the report, his voice low and serious. “Lance, wait.”