Chapter 110
The brooch was Camilla’s donation, so Lance knew exactly how much it was worth. Even with the added prestige of the award, it shouldn’t go for more than thirty million. But Lance had just bumped the bid up by a hundred million in one go, making it clear he wasn’t going home without it.
Barnard was surprised at first, but the shock quickly turned to excitement. He knew plenty of people in their crowd who loved collecting rare, one-of-a-kind treasures, and there were always a few who went for more niche pieces. Maybe Lance just had a thing for Camilla’s designs. If so, this was the perfect chance to connect with him.
His eyes barely left Lance for a second. Even Abelard picked up on the tension and leaned in, whispering near Lance’s ear, “Looks like the husband has spotted the guy messing around with his wife. Should we get out of here p>
“Leave? That’d mean missing out on all the fun.” Lance just smirked, shooting a glance toward Barnard. Barnard, thrilled by the interaction, gave him an eager nod.
Not surprisingly, Barnard didn’t try to outbid Lance for the brooch. The auction wrapped up soon after, and Lance was quickly surrounded and led into a nearby banquet hall. Once everyone had settled onto one of the smaller sofas, Barnard saw his opportunity. He walked over, wearing a nervous, eager smile. “Hi, Lance, I’m the president of The Carter Group and I p>
Lance lifted his eyes lazily and gave Barnard a quick once-over. “The Carter Group? Never heard of it. What do you want p>
The words landed like a slap, freezing Barnard’s smile in place. Even Abelard almost burst out laughing. Figures, only Lance could act this smug as the so-called ‘other man,’ breezing around like he was in charge right in front of the actual husband.
Still, Barnard tried to hold onto his smile. “It’s okay if you don’t recognize me, but I’m sure you know my wife. That brooch you’re wearing and the new piece you just won? My wife designed both of them. I p>
Barnard hesitated as Lance’s eyes danced with amusement. He suddenly found it hard to keep talking, and a wave of annoyance with Camilla washed over him. Why hadn’t she come with him tonight? Maybe then he wouldn’t feel so awkward.
Just as he started to flounder, Lance picked up the Eclose brooch and twirled it slowly between his fingers. “So. You came all the way over here just to brag to me about your amazing wife p>
“No, no, not at all. What I meant is…” Barnard scrambled to switch gears. “You seem to really appreciate my wife’s designs. I could introduce you—maybe even have her create some custom pieces for you in the future. Would you be interested p>
Abelard couldn’t hold back any longer. He burst out laughing, only to get a frigid look from Lance, but that grin refused to die. Even though they stood on opposite sides, Abelard actually started to feel a little sorry for Barnard. If only he knew Lance’s real interest wasn’t just jewelry. Abelard figured the day Barnard realized what was going on, he’d regret being so generous tonight.
Lance finally stopped fiddling with the brooch and tucked it carefully into its velvet box, fixing his gaze on Barnard. “Go on. Tell me more p>
Barnard practically glowed. “If you want, I can call Camilla over tonight. She’s had a ton of orders lately, but you can relax—if I ask, she’ll always make you a priority p>
He actually sounded a little proud, thinking Camilla had opened doors for him, giving him the chance to network with someone like Lance.
But then Lance’s face turned stony. He dropped his hand to the table with a thud. “Wow, Barnard. That’s generous of you. So as long as you get something out of it, you’d trot out Camilla for anybody? Ready to entertain whenever it suits you p>
Barnard was caught off guard. When he saw the iciness in Lance’s eyes, his mind raced to find some explanation. After a moment, he thought he figured it out. “No, Lance, that’s not it at all. Camilla is my wife. There’s no way I’d just have her play hostess for anyone. She’s definitely more important than any business deal. I just thought, since you seem to genuinely admire her work, maybe you’re kindred spirits or something. They say true understanding is rare. I just wanted to help you and Camilla make that connection p>
Abelard glanced at Barnard like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He’d seen people get played before, but nothing quite like this. This man was practically pushing his wife into Lance’s arms on a silver platter.
Lance, meanwhile, didn’t flinch. “Looks like I judged you wrong, Barnard. That’s very considerate of you p>
“Of course, Lance. Should I give Camilla a call now?” Barnard asked.
Lance waved him off. “It’s late. Let’s not bother her tonight. Another day will do p>
He caught Abelard’s eye, and Abelard snapped back to himself, quickly pulling out a business card and handing it to Barnard.