Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 82

Camilla’s face turned cool, clearly not surprised by how things had turned out, though she kept up the picture of the dutiful, supportive wife. “I’m sorry, Jim. Barnard really does care about this project. Something must've really held him up this time. I’ll go find him myself.”

Right as the words left her mouth, the door opened and Barnard walked in, with Davina quietly trailing after him. Davina looked nervous, almost shrinking behind Barnard, as if hoping no one would notice she was there at all.

She didn’t look like the type of woman who could hold her own in a room full of business sharks. Honestly, she seemed more like the kind of companion someone would keep on the side. But she didn’t even fit the usual idea of a young and glamorous mistress.

Seeing Davina show up didn’t stir much in Camilla. She had already caught the ambitious glint in Davina’s eyes earlier, and now that Davina had shown up at the event like this, Camilla realized she was done just playing house as the family’s caregiver.

A moment ago, Camilla had been carrying the whole conversation and keeping Jim interested. Now, she went quiet.

Both Jim and Carol turned their attention fully to Barnard, waiting for him to explain himself.

Barnard tried, his words almost rushed, “I’m so sorry, Jim. The caregiver from home had to drop something off, which held me up. Taxis are impossible to get right now, so I had to bring her with me. I…”

Jim cut him off, clearly losing patience. “Barnard, I didn’t come here to hear about you getting delayed with your caregiver.”

Barnard froze, just for a beat, then shifted his gaze to Camilla. “I’m sorry, Jim. I thought my wife could handle everything in my place. That was a mistake on my part. I’ll punish myself with three drinks to apologize.”

He picked up his wine glass, drinking as he looked right at Camilla.

He knew full well what Camilla was capable of. If she wanted, she could easily smooth things over with Jim and Carol, even if the deal didn't go through. So, seeing Jim this upset, Barnard’s first instinct was to blame Camilla. He wasted no time in shifting the responsibility to her.

Jim looked even more frustrated, his brow furrowed deep as he turned to Camilla before walking out. “Camilla, I really was interested in what you said. But, just like my wife pointed out, your husband’s attitude means I can’t trust the Carter Group with this project. This is all business. My wife’s only looking out for the Black Group. It doesn’t affect your friendship, and I hope you won’t let this make things awkward between you.”

Both Jim and Carol made it clear they respected Camilla, but Barnard was the one they couldn’t accept.

When they left, Camilla’s icy stare finally landed on Barnard. “I covered for you and worked so hard to pull this off, only for you to turn it on me. I can’t help you with something like this again. Don’t ask.”

Barnard’s face tensed. “What’s that supposed to mean? Did you really try your best? Or was this just some act you and Carol put on together?”

He honestly couldn’t believe that missing a few minutes had cost him everything. It wasn’t the first time he’d been late, and Camilla always managed to save the situation. Except for today. It made him seriously wonder if Camilla had planned all along for things to fall apart.