Chapter 30
"If you wanna settle the score, go find Albert."
Camila was on the verge of tears from Stella's stupidity. The heir to the Garcia family was either Michael or Albert. Making things tough for her was pointless.
"Why would I go find Albert? We're all family, right?"
Stella's eyes were practically shooting flames. "If it weren't for you, you little witch, doing who knows what to my parents to make them trust you so much, would they treat me like this?"
She took a sudden step forward, her crimson nails almost poking Camila's face. "Today, I'm gonna show you what happens when you mess with me!"
The next second, the person following Stella picked up an iron rod from who knows where, muttered "Won't hurt anyone," and started smashing up Camila's entire office.
Some of the female colleagues screamed in fear. Stella watched everything coldly, her gaze sweeping over the trembling crowd.
"I suggest you all be smart and quit early. As long as I'm around, she won't survive in this city."
With that, she glanced at the mess she had made and strutted out in her high heels with her entourage.
The entire office was destroyed, all the computers smashed.
Coco took a deep breath, trying to keep her cool. "Everyone, don't panic. Let's see which computers can still be saved. We..."
"Coco, I wanna quit."
A timid voice interrupted her.
It was an intern they had hired two months ago. She clutched her shirt, her eyes red. "I'm leaving now. This is too scary. I don't wanna risk my life just for a job."
Hearing this, many others also expressed their desire to leave.
"We can't afford to offend the Garcia family. Ms. Wilson and Mr. Garcia's engagement was ruined. Things won't be easy from now on."
"I'm leaving too."
"Me too."
A dozen people raised their hands, most of them new hires.
Camila looked at their fearful faces and nodded understandingly. "I respect your decisions. Go to the finance department to settle your wages."
With so many people leaving at once, the company's finances took a significant hit.
She returned to her office, and soon after, Coco came in with red eyes.
"Camila, what do we do now?"
Camila's fingers traced the cracks on her desk. "Either we give up, or we fight back."
There was no third option.
That afternoon, news about Stella and Oscar starting a new entertainment company was all over the headlines.
Stella, looking smug, accepted media interviews. "Our goal is to discover new talent in the entertainment industry and produce high-quality films and TV shows for everyone."
She even announced the signing of eight new artists, three of whom were top-tier in the industry, making quite a splash.
Camila scrolled through the news, her phone buzzing non-stop on the desk.
She finally picked up, her tone a bit impatient. "What is it? I'm busy."
"They're coming for you. You can't be unaware of that."
Clifford's voice was as steady as ever. "I'll handle this. The Garcia Group's influence can't reach the Thompson family."
"No need." Camila refused without a second thought.
There was a two-second silence on the other end before Clifford's voice rose. "Camila, do you know what you're saying?"
"I don't need your help. I can handle it." She repeated, not wanting to trouble Clifford with such a small matter.
Clifford almost laughed in exasperation. His breathing came through the receiver, tinged with helplessness.
"I've been wondering why you'd rather trust that jerk Albert than come to me."
"In terms of family background and ability, how am I any worse than him? I'm even better."
"Then I figured it out."
Clifford's voice softened, no longer probing but certain. "Camila, you like me, don't you?"
Camila nearly choked on her own spit, blurting out, "I never realized you were so full of yourself."
Clifford paused, then deliberately cleared his throat, sounding nonchalant. "If that's not the case, I have a dinner tomorrow night. You should come."
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not helping you. It's just that the entertainment industry is so lucrative, the Thompson family wants a piece of the pie too."
Camila didn't know his true intentions, but since the opportunity was there, she didn't mind checking it out.
She stared at Stella's smiling face on the news, tapping her fingers on the desk. "Alright, I'll go."
The next afternoon, she tidied up a bit and arrived at the restaurant Clifford mentioned on time.
Pushing open the private room door, she saw five or six people already seated, all big names in the industry.
"Ah, this must be Ms. Wilson. First time meeting you."
The big shot closest to the door stood up enthusiastically to shake her hand as soon as he saw her.
Camila graciously accepted, her fingers slightly bent. "I've seen you before, Mr. Palmer. Unfortunately, there were too many people at the time, and I didn't get a chance to greet you."
After some small talk, Camila took her seat.
Everyone had heard the rumors about her, not just with Albert, but also with Clifford.
But seeing the two of them calmly dining at the same table, their expressions unbothered, the others exchanged glances and smiled without saying much.
Camila didn't care about their looks, appearing very composed.
Once everyone was present, she picked up her wine glass, lowering her stance. "I'm sorry for inviting myself. Please allow me to toast each of you."
She could hold her liquor well, making her rounds without turning red or losing her breath.
When she finally reached Clifford, they still didn't make eye contact, clearly both being stubborn.
Clifford wore a dark blue suit today, accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist, giving him a sharp, business-like aura.
"Mr. Thompson, thank you for inviting me." Camila held her wine glass, slightly leaning forward, waiting for him to accept.
But after waiting a while, Clifford showed no intention of taking the glass.
Camila's smile didn't waver, but she felt a spark of anger. She looked at him, her tone light. "It seems Mr. Thompson doesn't want to drink."
As soon as she finished speaking, she tilted her wrist, pouring the red wine steadily onto the carpet at his feet.
This action was clearly a provocation.
Those with ties to the Thompson family immediately darkened their faces. "Ms. Wilson, what do you mean by this?"
Camila didn't explain much. "Since Mr. Thompson doesn't want to drink, I can only pour it out."
She stood up. "Excuse me, I need to step out for a moment."
It wasn't until Camila left that the others began to express their indignation.
"Mr. Thompson, that was too much. She completely disrespected you."
"Exactly. And you were trying to help her."
Clifford suddenly stood up, startling everyone.
His voice was low and carried a warning. "I'll be back in a bit."