Chapter 80
She was faking it, all for that fifty million dollars.
Carol had been buying from BLC forever. Ever since Camilla turned the brand into a sensation, Carol never missed a single product launch. It felt almost routine by now. As soon as Carol spotted Camilla walking in, she made a beeline straight for her.
“Oh, Camilla, there you are at last. I’ve been wanting to ask you out for tea, but I kept hearing how busy you’ve been and didn’t want to bother you. It’s been ages, hasn’t it? You and Barnard are still as sweet as ever. Barnard, you don’t mind if I steal Camilla for a moment, do you p>
“Of course not,” Barnard replied smoothly, not missing a beat. “Camilla was just talking about you recently. And she actually prepared a special gift for you today p>
He put on a perfect show, just as expected. In front of Carol, he held back any other feelings and played the loving husband with extra care. BLC had always been the symbol of his and Camilla’s relationship, at least to everyone else. For years, they had been the couple everyone admired—and the brand’s success owed a lot to that image. Now, more than ever, he couldn’t let anything slip.
“Really? Now you’ve got me all curious,” Carol said with a grin. “I can’t wait to see it p>
Camilla smiled. “We’re about to launch our new collection for next season. As one of our most loyal customers, I designed a custom piece just for you. Funny enough, the necklace matches your dress perfectly p>
She handed over the little gift box she’d been holding, trying to hide how rehearsed she felt. Carol’s eyes lit up as she took it.
“You’re so thoughtful, Camilla. I was just about to ask when the next collection launches, but you were already thinking of me. Come on, let’s go over there and chat. Maybe you’ll let me in on what’s coming next season p>
Carol ushered her off to the side and waved over a few friends to join them. Camilla followed along, slipping easily into banter with the group.
Jim appeared then, and Barnard had already gone off to mingle. During a lull, Camilla saw her chance and casually mentioned how interested the Carter Group was in the Verdant project.
Carol didn’t hesitate for a second. “Oh, Camilla, I actually have some pull with that project. I trust you and Barnard, so if you’re interested, don’t head out after the party. Let me talk to Jim, then we can find a quiet spot to have a proper chat. If things line up, maybe we’ll work something out. Wouldn’t that be nice p>
With things sounding promising, Camilla thanked Carol, then chatted happily with her and the other wives, letting the conversation drift from fashion to gossip.
Most of the event was about the Black Family’s leadership with a lot of business partners floating around, so none of that really involved them. Camilla stayed in the lounge area, laughing and swapping stories with the women.
As the night drew to a close, Carol leaned over. “Camilla, I’m going to say hi to Jim. You’d better go give Barnard a heads-up so he knows to keep some time free for us to talk later p>
By then, things were practically settled. Camilla stood up to look for Barnard in the main hall, but he was nowhere in sight. She remembered how seriously he’d drilled Verdant’s importance into her, how much this deal mattered to the Carter Group. A tight little worry started to build in her chest.
Jim was surrounded by people now, but Barnard was missing completely. Camilla’s unease grew. She asked a few hotel staff but got nowhere, so she took out her phone and called him.
The call rang and rang until it eventually cut to voicemail.
One of the wives she’d just been talking with passed by, arm in arm with her husband. Noticing Camilla’s anxious expression, she asked, “Looking for Barnard? I saw him go outside a minute ago p>
Camilla thanked her, glanced back at the nearly empty group around Jim, and caught Carol glancing her way as she spoke to him. Not wanting to make anyone wait or seem rude, Camilla picked up her pace and hurried outside.
Right at the hotel entrance, she finally spotted Barnard. He was standing under the overhang, and Davina was on tiptoe, draping a jacket over his shoulders.
Camilla hadn’t seen Davina in days. The first thing she noticed was how much closer Barnard and Davina seemed. They stood so comfortably together that even their brief touches spoke volumes about whatever had happened between them lately.
As soon as Davina saw her, a guilty look flashed across her face. She rushed to explain. “Camilla, please don’t get the wrong idea. I just brought Barnard a jacket because he was dressed a bit light today. I was worried it might get chilly later, so I thought I’d p>
Worried about a sudden chill—in the middle of summer? Camilla could only raise her eyebrows a little.
“Well, Davina, you really do pay attention to the smallest details. Even Barnard’s own mother probably wouldn’t be so thoughtful p>