Chapter 111
The next morning, when Barnard strolled into the office with Lance’s business card in hand, Camilla could hardly believe her eyes. He’d actually managed to get in with Lance at that charity auction.
“Camilla, I’ve set up dinner with Lance for tonight,” Barnard announced. “You’re coming, no more excuses p>
“I don’t get involved in Carter Group business, and I promised Jasper I’d be home tonight,” Camilla replied, shutting him down immediately.
No matter how Barnard got ahold of Lance, she wasn’t about to let him use her as a bargaining chip again.
Barnard didn’t budge. “You have to go. Lance is interested in your designs. I already told him you’d make something custom. Camilla, we’re supposed to be a team. This is a big chance for the family. We can’t pass this up p>
So even when she wasn’t present, Barnard could promise things on her behalf without feeling the slightest bit guilty.
Camilla stared him down. “Did I ever agree to that? Barnard, can you please stop making decisions for me p>
“This isn’t just about Carter Group. This is your shot too,” Barnard pushed back. “We’re talking about Lance. Everyone wants a connection with him. Now that we have one, we can’t just let it go p>
He noticed the way Camilla’s eyes went blank, and decided to add a little pressure. “It’s for the Carter Group. If you’re not willing, I’ll just get Dad to talk to you p>
She felt a chill in her heart.
Going to dinner with Barnard to meet Lance wasn’t that big of a deal.
What she couldn’t stand was Barnard using her thin connection with Lance to worm his way closer to the Charles family.
After mulling it over, once Barnard left, Camilla shot Lance a message. She asked him to meet a little later—and to act like he didn’t know her.
Usually, Lance would message her back right away. This time there was nothing. Like she’d dropped a stone in a lake and it just sank.
Work ended and evening rolled around. Barnard arrived early to pick her up.
He was clearly taking this meeting seriously. He’d doused himself in cologne and used hair wax—the scent was so strong it made Camilla’s throat itch.
Barnard caught sight of her simple, professional outfit and frowned. “Didn’t I say tonight was important? Couldn’t you dress up a bit p>
She shot right back. “I’m not going speed dating, I’m meeting a business partner. This looks more credible, don’t you think? If you really don’t like it, I’ll just go home p>
Barnard realized arguing was pointless, so he glanced again at her outfit, then switched topics. “Lance isn’t like other people. We barely know him. The Charles family is powerful, and we don’t want to mess this up. When we see him, you need to be polite. Just agree to whatever he wants. Seriously, don’t upset him p>
Camilla had never seen Lance lose his temper. If anything, she thought he was nicer than most of the spoiled guys in their social circle.
Now, seeing Barnard all anxious and trying so hard to please, she couldn’t help but smirk. “If you’re this worried, maybe you should just stay out of it. That’d spare everyone the trouble, right p>
Barnard could hear the sarcasm. It felt like Camilla was out to contradict him on purpose, but he needed her right now, so he swallowed his annoyance and tried to coax her with a few gentle words.
Once he was convinced she wasn’t about to bail, they headed into the hotel together.
Lance was already there when they arrived. He lounged back on a chair, obviously bored, playing a game on his phone.
He only bothered to look up when the door opened.
Abelard was there as well, clearly amused, his eyes darting between Barnard and Lance. He broke the silence with a laugh. “Everyone says Barnard and Camilla are the golden couple in our circle. And standing together like this, you two really do look perfect p>
“You flatter us, Abelard,” Barnard replied smoothly. “We’re hardly model material, just a bit more affectionate than most couples p>
Before his words had even faded, there was a loud smack. Lance tossed his phone onto the table and fixed Barnard with a frosty stare. “Barnard, is it? As the host, don’t you think showing up late is a little rude p>
Barnard cared a lot about this meeting. He’d shown up half an hour ahead of time. But since Lance was already here and calling him out, he couldn’t exactly protest. “Sorry, Lance. Traffic was terrible. My mistake. Camilla and I will drink three glasses to make up for it p>
As he spoke, he pulled Camilla a bit closer.
This was an old trick of his.
He’d rope Camilla into these drinking penalties, betting that most people would back down and let it go if she was involved.