Chapter 451
Barnard calculated everything perfectly. If he let Clement take the fall, Clement would definitely make his life a living hell afterward.
Given Clement’s ruthless nature, he would never leave him an out. It was better to take the blame himself. Mike seemed much more reasonable than Clement. As long as he explained it well, it wouldn’t cost him his life.
By taking the heat for Clement, Clement wouldn’t abandon him either. He was still useful. Clement would surely vouch for him with Mike. That way, he would remain Clement’s favorite, perhaps even gaining more trust than before.
With that, he could access Clement’s core secrets and investigate Camilla’s father along the way.
Camilla was far too persistent. She might uncover something someday, and Barnard was desperate to destroy the evidence.
“You?” Mike finally looked directly at Barnard for the first time.
Despite Mike’s calm demeanor and unreadable expression, Barnard’s heart leaped into his throat. A wave of unease washed over him.
He eventually stated with certainty, “I did it. When I first arrived in Valdoria, I knew Boss Clement was stressed about the clinical trials, so I approached him and took over the project. I sourced all the test subjects during this period. Boss Clement was busy with a million things and rarely checked in, so I got bold and went straight for the healthy people in the fishing village.
At the time, I figured they needed the money, and I needed the bodies. It was just a simple transaction p>
A simple transaction, indeed.
Camilla clearly remembered Carol mentioning that the people from the fishing village had vanished mysteriously. There were no contracts.
Just as Camilla was about to call out Barnard’s lie, Clement handed over a stack of documents. “Mike, these are the contracts we signed beforehand. After the incident at the village, I wanted to explain everything to you, but I got tied up with other matters. Since you reached out today, I brought them along.
My staff who were taken by the police should be back soon. Once you see this, Mike, you’ll know my hands are clean p>
Camilla glanced at the contracts Clement offered. They were all life-or-death waivers stamped with fingerprints.
These things were incredibly easy to forge. Even if they killed someone, they could just press the dead person’s finger to the ink, lie about it, and make it look completely legitimate.
Camilla spoke up, questioning him, “Since this was just a simple transaction, and Boss Clement has produced the waivers, why not bring the bank transfer records too?
That would be the best proof, wouldn’t it p>
“Oh, Camilla hit the nail on the head. I wanted to bring those, but unfortunately, my company accounts have been acting up the past couple of days. The money can’t be wired out just yet. I planned to sort out the company issues first, then issue the compensation to the families all at once,” Clement said.
“So, aside from these easily forged waivers, Boss Clement has no other evidence to prove his innocence?” Camilla challenged.
Clement replied, “That’s not entirely true. Everyone in my office knows I handed full control of the project to my subordinates. I stopped micromanaging it ages ago. Otherwise, Barnard wouldn’t have had the power to go behind my back and recruit so many healthy people.
It’s my fault, really. I trusted my team too much and failed to supervise them properly.
Mike, since you came to me today, I won’t shirk my responsibilities. To make up for my oversight, I’m willing to transfer The Williams Group to your name. You can oversee it personally. How does that sound p>
His sincerity seemed overwhelming, but Camilla knew perfectly well that if he could say such a thing, he had already severed any ties between his shady dealings and The Williams Group.
By taking this stance, he was putting Mike on a pedestal, making it hard for Mike to punish him.
Clement continued, “I know I’ve committed a grave sin. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your protection, Mike. Yet, I was negligent, made a massive mistake, and caused you trouble. I feel terribly guilty. I’ve brought the equity transfer agreement. Please, accept it p>
As he spoke, he reached into his bag, but Mike stopped him. “Enough. I have absolutely no interest in The Williams Group. But you did break my rules today. You know what needs to be done, right p>
“Three stab wounds to set an example. I remember every single one of your rules. I’ll do it myself,” Clement said.
He held out his hand, and Mike’s bodyguard handed him a dagger.
But before the blade could plunge down, Barnard reached out and blocked it. “Boss Clement, this is my fault. I broke the rules, and I should be the one to pay the price p>