Chapter 56
Stella's movie had a huge budget, and the quality was top-notch. But it had the bad luck of going up against the surprise hit, "The Past."
Because of that, Stella's movie screenings kept getting cut back, and the box office earnings tanked. In the end, it fell short by about $300 million.
Camila laughed openly, "So, what brings you here?"
She tilted her head slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Let me guess, is Mr. Garcia planning to give you a new position?"
Stella screamed, her face twisted with rage, makeup smudged, veins bulging. She lunged at Camila with a raised hand.
Camila was ready. She deftly caught Stella's arm, her fingers pressing into Stella's wrist. With a slight twist and using Stella's momentum, she shoved her backward.
With a dull thud, Stella lost her balance, her high heels twisting beneath her, and she fell awkwardly onto the carpet.
The surrounding secretaries turned pale and rushed to help her up.
At that moment, the heavy wooden office door swung open from the inside, and William's authoritative voice rang out, "What's all this noise?"
"Camila, what are you doing here?"
Albert was also there, unexpectedly. He peeked out, frowning when he saw Camila at the door.
Stella, supported by the secretaries, stood up shakily.
She pushed away their hands and stumbled toward William, her voice choked with emotion. "Dad, look at her! She actually hit me!"
She pointed at Camila, tears streaming down her face. "I knew she was bad luck. She caused her parents' and sister's deaths, and now she wants to harm me too."
"Don't worry, that day will never come. I'm not part of the Garcia family," Camila interrupted coldly, her gaze bypassing Stella to lock onto William.
"Mr. Garcia, I'm not here to cause trouble. I need to discuss the shares I previously held with you in person."
Camila wasn't sure if the previous agreement had William's approval, but right now, the only person she could think of who had the power to silently threaten her life was this enigmatic head of the Garcia Group.
William raised his eyes, his murky gaze scrutinizing her like she was a commodity up for sale.
He didn't say much, just nodded slightly, indicating she should come in. "Come in."
In the spacious office, only the three of them remained. The air was thick with the scent of cigars and coffee, the heavy curtains drawn, casting a dim light like twilight.
Albert's eyes stayed on Camila, filled with complex emotions.
She deliberately turned away, her voice calm and steady. "Mr. Garcia, I believe you're aware of the previous agreement. According to the terms, I have won."
William sat in his large office chair, his fingers tracing the edge of his coffee cup. "I wasn't aware of that matter. It was the younger generation's decision. The Garcia family never takes back what we give."
Camila sneered inwardly. This old fox was clearly playing dumb.
"Well then," she paused, her fingers curling slightly at her side. "I won't return the shares. But I can consider sharing some of the profits from 'The Past' with the Garcia Group."
It was a polite offer. After all, no matter how valuable the movie was, it was just a minor industry in William's eyes.
Sure enough, he sneered, standing up and looking down at her. "You can keep those meager profits for yourself."
His tone shifted, his gaze turning icy. "If your parents in heaven knew how 'capable' you are now, they'd be very proud."
His words were like an ice pick, stabbing into Camila's heart.
She was about to retort when Albert suddenly spoke, his eyes heavy as he looked at her. "I've already discussed it with my dad. You can keep the shares. Moreover, we're planning to invest in your entertainment company for long-term cooperation."
"Really?" Camila's heart skipped a beat, her fists clenching unconsciously. If that was true, then the backstabber might not be William after all.
"If Mr. Garcia is willing, I would welcome it."
William suddenly laughed coldly, patting her shoulder with a pressure that felt oppressive. "You're very smart, smarter than my own children."
He paused, lowering his voice. "But remember, only the one who wins in the end is the true victor."
"Yes, I understand." Camila lowered her eyes, hiding her emotions.
Leaving William's office, Camila headed toward the elevator when Albert quickly caught up with her.
He seemed a bit nervous, his fingers tugging at his shirt collar, his face pale, as if summoning great courage to speak.
"Are you in a hurry? How about we grab a bite to eat?"
Camila glanced back at him and nodded silently.
Instead of going out, they chose the Garcia Group's employee cafeteria.
They sat across from each other by the window. Many employees passing by with their trays couldn't help but steal glances at them.
Camila didn't mind, instead, she asked him directly, "How have you been?"
Albert was momentarily stunned, his voice low. "Not bad. Just work and taking care of the kid at home."
"Almost forgot to congratulate you," Camila smiled.
He looked up sharply, his eyes reddening, lips moving as if unsure what to say.
The meal was heavy with tension, their conversation stilted and awkward.
Camila put down her utensils, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and was about to leave when Albert suddenly called out, his voice urgent. "Did you know Emily is missing?"
"Emily?" Camila turned sharply, her eyes wide with shock.
Seeing her genuine surprise, Albert's expression changed. "You didn't know? I thought you had Clifford..."
"I'm not that despicable," Camila cut him off, her tone colder. "Her disappearance has nothing to do with me."
She paused, then suddenly looked up, instinctively asking, "Do you remember when she went missing?"
Albert squinted, recalling carefully. "It was the day before I booked her flight, July 24th."
"July 24th..." Camila murmured, her heart sinking.
That was the day Emily had come to see her.