Chapter 107
As soon as Camilla stepped into the office that morning, Ada rushed over, her eyes bright with excitement as she waved yesterday’s press conference report in the air. “Camilla, everything went pretty much as we planned. Sure, Barnard caused a bit of drama, but it didn’t really affect anything. Actually, there’s more. Remember that brooch you gave Lance? He wore it during a financial news interview yesterday and people absolutely noticed. The company’s suddenly got all this buzz, and now a bunch of new folks want to talk partnerships p>
Camilla had expected the first part. She’d spent weeks getting ready for that press conference, so it’s not like she thought anything would go off the rails.
But the part about Lance? That actually caught her off guard.
Ada left the report on her desk and, after a quick nod from Camilla, headed out. Less than five minutes later, Ada was back, stopping at the door. “Camilla, Barnard’s here p>
Before Camilla could reply, Barnard strode right in behind her.
Camilla glanced over and signaled for Ada to close the door. Only then did she look over at Barnard. “What do you want p>
He didn’t bother with niceties. “Camilla, you gave that brooch to Lance Charles? When did you even meet him? How come you’ve never mentioned him before p>
Considering what Ada said earlier, Camilla wasn’t surprised Barnard had found out. Lance had definitely made a splash wearing her brooch in that interview.
Camilla kept her voice even. “I’ve already told you. I have my own friends, my own network. You don’t need to know every detail p>
Barnard immediately bristled, the corners of his mouth tightening. He wanted to snap back at her, to ask why she always had to be so prickly and impossible to talk to.
But he swallowed his irritation. He had his reasons for coming. “Camilla, don’t get defensive. I’m not accusing you of anything. It’s just, since you know Lance, maybe you could p>
“I don’t know him that well.” She didn’t even wait for him to finish. Camilla could see right through him. “Barnard, if every time a big-name client comes through I use that as a chance to pitch The Carter Family, what does that make me? Who’s ever going to trust me again p>
Barnard frowned. “Come on, Camilla, BLC and The Carter Group have always worked together. That’s not new. What exactly are you saying now p>
He pushed off the chair, leaned over her desk, and looked straight at her, like he was searching for the truth in her eyes.
Camilla didn’t flinch. “I don’t think it’s fair for someone who places an order with me to get roped into another deal for The Carter Group. That’s not how I want to do business p>
“Roped in? It’s not like that. I’m just asking you to help set up a meeting. Tons of people in the industry want a shot at talking to Lance. You actually have this connection, why aren’t you making use of it? Lance wore your design for a huge interview, he obviously respects your work. This could be a big opportunity for everyone,” Barnard pressed on.
Camilla knew how circles like theirs worked. The Charles family were always at the top. Most of them kept a low profile and only worked with people they trusted. Everyone wanted in, but hardly anyone got the chance.
Now that Lance was back in town and finally showing his face in public, half the city must be hoping for a chance to get close to him. Barnard was no different. A nod from someone like Lance could take a small-time family to the next level.
Camilla was the one holding the keys this time, and Barnard was getting more and more frustrated that she wasn’t willing to use them.
“Camilla, everyone wants to pull in the best contacts they can. If anyone else had the same chance, they’d jump at it. Here’s what I’m thinking. Reach out to Lance, let’s all have dinner, maybe talk things out. What do you think p>
Camilla could practically feel a headache building. She barely knew Lance herself, but even she could tell he couldn’t stand Barnard. Whenever Lance’s name came up, she sensed an edge to his voice, like he’d rather chew nails than talk to the guy. Barnard, however, was acting like they didn’t even know each other.
One thing she was absolutely sure of: there was no way those two should ever be at the same table. And there was definitely no way she’d ever help Barnard make a deal with Lance.
She looked at him and said, “I don’t even have his personal number. Even if I tried to reach out, he’d just ignore me. Honestly, it’s a waste of time p>
“You don’t know what could happen if you haven’t tried. I mean, Lance wore your brooch—he even took it on live TV. That means he trusts your talent, Camilla. Just set something up, okay p>
Camilla didn’t break her gaze. “Barnard, do you have to be so obvious about what you want from me p>