Chapter 524
They lurked in the shadows like rats, spying on a bright world. Countless families had their happiness destroyed by their actions.
Since those criminals had finally been caught, they deserved the harshest penalties.
They were monsters who deserved zero sympathy.
With the old woman taken away, the lobby gradually quieted down.
The nurses maintaining order dispersed the crowd.
Chief Mahoney, dressed in civilian clothes, approached Camilla at a measured pace. “We will handle Zack’s family appropriately. They won’t bother you anymore. But Camilla, there is something I need to tell you.
“Barnard escaped.
“He cleared out all of The Williams Group’s cash and vanished without a trace.
“You were close to him. Do you have any idea where he might have run off to p>
Zack’s arrest meant the trap Barnard had set up was blown wide open. He definitely couldn’t stay at The Williams Group anymore, but Camilla hadn’t expected him to slip past the police.
Camilla thought carefully and shook her head. “I know about his past associates, but none of them would dare take him in.
“And given his current situation, if he managed to evade your surveillance, he definitely didn’t use any conventional methods. I really don’t have a clue p>
During her five-year marriage to Barnard, she had always carefully played the role of the perfect Mrs. Carter. Everything she knew about the Carter family was just what they presented on the surface.
In those five years, she hadn’t even heard that Calvin had ties to Zachary in Valdoria.
As for Barnard’s current whereabouts, she was even more p>
Wait!
Something suddenly clicked for Camilla. “A remote fishing village. He definitely wouldn’t dare go through customs or take a plane. Mahoney, check the isolated coastal villages. He might hire a private boat to escape p>
Back when Barnard was helping Clement run live experiments, he had considered using the small fishing villages as a starting point.
Now that he couldn’t use public transportation, those remote areas would serve as his natural cover.
Chief Mahoney nodded. “That makes sense. I’ll deploy teams to search right now.
“Camilla, that man has committed countless crimes. He’s deeply twisted, and he still has an obsession with you.
“You must be careful. For the time being, it’s best not to leave Lance’s side. The boy’s got skills; he’s more than enough to protect you p>
He made sure to give Camilla this earnest warning before leaving.
Camilla agreed without hesitation. After seeing Chief Mahoney off, a heavy weight settled in her chest.
They said good people died young while menaces lived for a thousand years. Camilla finally understood the true weight of that saying.
She used to think Barnard was stupid and useless, but when it came to criminal activities, it was like a switch had flipped in his brain. He always had his own twisted ingenuity.
He had managed to evade the police time and time again, and now he had slipped right out from under their noses.
Until Barnard was caught, Camilla’s heart would never truly be at peace.
Lance noticed her unease and gently patted her shoulder. “Don’t panic, Camilla. I’m right here with you p>
Dahlia added, “Camilla, Barnard has done so much evil, and the police have laid out an inescapable net for him. I doubt he has the guts to show his face around you anymore. The most important thing right now is Tanner’s recovery.
“Let’s get the bills paid and lock down the treatment plan p>
Comforted by her friends, the heavy anxiety in Camilla’s chest dissipated slightly.
She calmed down, managed a small smile, paid the medical bills, and went out to buy groceries.
Earlier, Magee had sent her a list of nutritious recipes for Tanner. Since Camilla was staying in Valdoria, she wanted to do everything she could for him. At the very least, she was going to personally handle his meals for the time being.
On her way back from grocery shopping, Camilla passed by The Williams Group. The once grand and magnificent medical building was now completely abandoned. Even the sign at the entrance had been smashed by furious citizens.
With Zack’s arrest, the dark secrets inside could no longer be covered up. It was effectively outed as a drug syndicate’s headquarters, and everyone passing by spat on the ground in disgust.
Perhaps everything inside would soon be auctioned off by the court.
Camilla thought about it and turned to Lance. “The Charles Group hasn’t ventured into the medical industry yet. The surface-level equipment at The Williams Group is brand new and functional. I plan to acquire this place. It’ll provide jobs for the truly innocent employees who were deceived by Clement.
“Plus, the facility is already well-equipped for manufacturing standard pharmaceuticals. It could be The Charles Group’s first stepping stone into the medical field. What do you think?
“I know The Williams Group’s name is toxic right now, but I can rebrand it, renovate the building, and get a clearance certificate from the police. It won’t affect us negatively, and p>
“You make the call on these things,” Lance smiled. “Don’t forget, Grandpa handed The Charles Group over to you. You are the boss.
“I believe that with a driven leader like Camilla, The Charles Group will definitely reach new heights p>