Mahoney scowled at the billionaire, flatly ignoring the bait. He turned back to Camilla. “I need to get back to the precinct. I'll catch up with you later.”
He had come to brief her, but with Barnard brazenly interrupting, he knew it was best to leave them to handle their business.
“Drive safe, Chief! Let's grab a coffee sometime!” Barnard called after him, practically glowing with smug arrogance.
Once Mahoney was out of earshot, Barnard shifted his dark gaze back to Camilla. “Welcome back to Valdoria, darling.”
Despite being an outsider himself, he swaggered as if he owned the entire city.
Camilla had zero patience for his theatrics. “I'm here. Where is my father?”
“Where's the fire, sweetheart? We haven't seen each other in ages. Let's catch up first,” Barnard purred. His eyes flicked to Lance, his lips curling into a mocking sneer. “Are you really so terrified of me that you had to bring a babysitter?”
“Isn't it obvious why I don't trust you? Cut the crap and get to the point,” Camilla snapped coldly.
She needed him to crack, but his infuriatingly casual demeanor was making her want to scream.
“And if I refuse to speak while he's standing there?” Barnard countered. “You want your father back? Fine. Be my girlfriend for one week, and I'll give you everything you want.”
Camilla’s expression darkened into a stormy scowl. “I am not in the mood for your twisted games. If you're going to hold him hostage for your own sick amusement, I'll take my chances with Clement.”
“Whoa, let's not be hasty. I'm not asking for your hand in marriage. I just want you to have dinner with me, go shopping, act like a normal couple. Give me one week, and you get the file. That’s a hell of a bargain for a man's life. Or... are you worried your new boyfriend won't allow it? Tell me, Camilla, do you really value this guy's ego more than your father's life?”
Barnard intentionally threw a venomous look in Lance's direction.
He still remembered the day Lance had humiliated him by waltzing in and dragging Camilla away. This was his long-awaited revenge.
By forcing her into a sickening ultimatum, he knew exactly which option she would have to choose.
Sitting in his wheelchair, looking up at Lance, he had never felt more drunk on power.
“You are a monster,” Camilla spat.
“Insults won't change the terms. Make your choice,” Barnard replied effortlessly.

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