Chapter 421
Barnard’s expression shifted, but Camilla had already turned her attention to Clement. “Clement, I’ve actually been thinking about venturing into the health supplement industry. After seeing how flawlessly you ran things yesterday, I wanted to come and learn from the best. I apologize for dropping by unannounced. Is it a bad time p>
It was just polite banter. She had planned this ambush, so she naturally wouldn’t have given him a heads-up.
It was just Camilla today—no Lance, no Mike. Yet, Clement maintained his warm, welcoming smile. “You’re too kind, Camilla. It’s no trouble at all. We’re honored you’d choose to observe The Williams Group. Since you and Barnard already know each other and seemed to be having a great chat, why doesn’t he show you around p>
Clement was playing the gracious host perfectly. Even knowing she was Lance’s girlfriend, he was subtly trying to play matchmaker for her and Barnard. That alone proved how highly he valued the man.
Barnard didn’t refuse the assignment. Before Clement left, he added, “Barnard, take your time. You can give me the brief on the new project later p>
Barnard agreed without hesitation. But the moment Clement was out of earshot, he turned a cold shoulder to Camilla. “I don’t care why you’re really here, but The Williams Group isn’t a place for you to hang around. Take a quick look and find an excuse to leave p>
“Why?” Camilla challenged, meeting his gaze head-on. “You’re acting incredibly strange, Barnard. It only makes me more curious. What massive secret is The Williams Group hiding that has you so on edge p>
Barnard’s eyes were shadowed behind his glasses, harboring a dark intensity. His hands gripped the armrests of his wheelchair. After a heavy silence, he refused to explain. “You should know by now that curiosity kills the cat, Camilla. I don’t care if this health supplement excuse is real or not. The Williams Group is not your studying ground. I suggest you look elsewhere p>
He was clearly avoiding something. As he spoke, his gaze darted around the room, reeking of a guilty conscience.
His suspicious behavior only cemented her resolve—she had to get to the bottom of this.
At the same time, a flicker of surprise brushed through her. Barnard’s constant attempts to push her away almost felt like he was trying to protect her. If that was true, he had to be guarding some dangerous secrets to be this cautious.
They had wasted too much time by the entrance. The bodyguard in black who pushed Barnard’s wheelchair kept shooting them impatient glances.
Barnard shot Camilla a warning glare before calling the man over. Right in front of him, Barnard snapped, “I don’t have all day. If you’re going to look around, make it quick. We’re too busy to entertain outsiders p>
He was still trying to drive her out.
Deep down, Camilla was stunned. After all the horrific things Barnard had done, she assumed he had abandoned every last shred of his morals. She never expected him to actually try and shield her now.
Inside, the company looked exactly as it had the day before. Everyone was busy at their stations. Occasionally, employees would pause their work to greet Barnard with polite deference.
He didn’t look like a mere employee; he carried the air of a high-ranking executive on a VIP inspection tour.
Her suspicion deepened. The Williams Group was just a shell, a glossy front masking something far more sinister.
Catching her grim expression, Barnard pressed on. “Just go through the motions and be done with it, Camilla. There’s no need to take this seriously. I’ve made myself perfectly clear—this is not a place you want to get involved with. You’ve had your tour. Can you leave now p>
“I’m here with Clement’s permission,” she retorted. “Isn’t it a little inappropriate for you to kick me out behind his back? Besides, I’m curious. The Carter family never had any ties to the medical industry. How exactly did you climb to this position so fast? And what exactly is this ‘new project’ you’re managing p>
She kept her voice low, ensuring only the two of them could hear.
Barnard’s expression contorted. He avoided her eyes, deliberately looking away. Finally, he muttered, “That’s none of your business. Let’s talk about us instead. Have you thought about what I said before? I still care about you. My parents don’t control me anymore, and I don’t have a board of directors breathing down my neck. Being with me would be a thousand times more freeing than being with Lance p>