Chapter 1096: Losing Face

Chapter 1096: Losing Face

Brody looked at Preston with a serious expression, his demeanor

indifferent, and his eyes devoid of any warmth or emotion. He

questioned, "So, you're telling me you're cooperating with me because

of Camille?"

Preston's face revealed no emotional cues or thoughts. He smirked

lightly, and the subtle smile in his eyes made it difficult to discern what

he was thinking.

He casually curved his lips into a smile and said, "What does Mr.

Armstrong think?"

Brody replied, "I don't care if you're cooperating with me because of

Camille. Since we're working together, I hope both of us can take it

seriously. Don't ruin your career because of a woman."

“Yeah, don't ruin your career over a woman. So, Mr. Armstrong, rest

assured. I know what I'm doing."

Preston's words made Brody feel something was off, but he couldn't

pinpoint exactly what it was.

Brody looked at Preston, his suspicions growing stronger. He asked,

“Did you and Camille have a falling out?"

“Not really a falling out. I just wanted her to leave Ayan, but she refused

to agree. I just think she's a girl. Since she's divorced from Ayan, why

continue to suffer with him? This only makes Ayan more ruthless. After

all, a girl shouldn't be too submissive, right?"

Preston's words resonated with Brody, and suddenly he felt that his

thoughts aligned with Preston's.

Following Preston's lead, Brody responded, "You're right. A girl should

strive for independence and not rely too much on a man. If she's

divorced and still with that man, it's not only embarrassing for herself

but also tarnishing our Armstrong family's reputation. But no matter

what I say, she doesn't listen. In her mind, everything related to the

Simpson family is more important.”

"Could it be because the Simpson family treats her better, so she acts

this way?"

"How is that possible? The Simpson family isn't her family. How could

they unconditionally treat her well? It's a joke. The Simpson family is

nice to her because she's part of our Armstrong family, and my father

has a good relationship with the Simpson family. It's not solely because

of Camille. She's just overthinking and deluding herself."

Brody launched into a new round of criticism against Camille, attributing

all the negative thoughts to her. He continued speaking without

realizing that Preston's expression had become less pleasant.

Brody talked about many faults of Camille, even bringing up the

marriage alliance with the Simpson family. He said, "Originally, we

didn't agree to let Camille marry Ayan. Our plan was for our eldest

daughter, Grace, to marry Ayan. They often met, and there was a

certain rapport between them. Getting along would undoubtedly be

much better. But my old man in the Armstrong family had different

ideas. He insisted on having Camille marry Ayan. Now, although they

have children, the current situation is not good."

Preston said lightly, “I think you should be grateful that the old

Armstrong arranged for Camille to marry Ayan."

"Don't you also think they're not suitable for each other?"

"It seems like your Armstrong family has never truly understood her.

You've never asked her what she really wants. So, do you think you're

a responsible father?" Preston looked at Brody indifferently, his gaze

revealing a clear chill. His tone sounded like he was questioning Brody,

causing Brody's expression to instantly become solemn.

Brody looked at him and asked, "What do you mean by all these

words?"

"No special meaning, just casual remarks. Mr. Armstrong, don't be too

nervous. I was just speaking casually.” Preston smiled faintly, and his

eyes made it uneasy to maintain eye contact.

Their gazes met for a moment, and Preston smoothly changed the

subject, saying, "Mr. Armstrong, don't overthink it. I was just making

casual remarks. Well, I need to go to the company. Horace has

arranged some work for me, and I have to do my best to ensure that

Mr. Armstrong doesn't lose face in Armstrong Corp."

After finishing his words, Preston didn't wait for Brody to respond; he

had already walked away.

Exiting the Armstrong family, Preston's face became extremely

unpleasant, especially when he thought about what Camille had said to

him just now. He genuinely felt an inexplicable anger.

Why would Camille treat him like this?

Why does she always feel that whatever he does is wrong?

In her eyes, is everything he does considered a mistake?

The more Preston thought about it, the more uncontrollable his

emotions became. His face turned cold, and his expression constantly

reflected silence.

This incident significantly affected Preston's mood.

However, today, he still had to go to the museum to meet with Jenson,

the project manager and his former partner. Jenson's company, Wind

Construction Company, was the main contractor for the museum

project, responsible for both external design and interior decoration.

Preston had questioned Jenson's identity and how he could have the

capability to secure such a large project, but despite numerous

inquiries and investigations, no useful information was found.

Preston had many doubts, but without any breakthrough, it all seemed

futile.

Arriving at the museum, a considerable amount of time had passed

since his last visit. This time, the experience was completely different

due to the significant change in his status.

After getting out of the car, he walked directly to the museum entrance,

but the security stopped him.

The security guard was the same as before and recognized Preston.

He was aware of the recent events surrounding Preston, so he insisted,

“I'm sorry, please register.”

The security guard was firm, not allowing Preston to enter the gate

without registration.

Quintus, standing beside Preston, suggested, "Mr. Walker, maybe we

should just register?"

Preston remained motionless, and Quintus had to sign on his behalf,

leaving behind Preston's identity information.

After checking the details, the security guard finally allowed them to

pass, but Preston's face was extremely unpleasant, cold to the

extreme.

Quintus spoke cautiously, “Mr. Walker, don't bother with these small-

minded people. Our main purpose for coming today is to secure this

project.”

Preston's expression eased slightly at Quintus's words, but a hint of

coldness still lingered in his eyes. He felt it was a lack of respect.

The two took the elevator to the third floor of the museum, where the

bidding site was located.

Entering the bidding area with their invitation cards, Preston was

arranged to sit towards the back. After sitting down, nobody paid him

any attention. Many well-known companies in the front were eager to

boast about their company's strengths, some even presented well-

prepared design drafts.

The results were not immediately announced, causing the companies

and studios that had worked hard to leave one by one.

Since Preston sat down, he hadn't moved the entire time. Quintus,

noticing this, seemed somewhat concerned and asked, "Mr. Walker,

shouldn't we try to assert ourselves?"

Preston crossed his arms and said, "At this point, how do you think we

should assert ourselves? There are so many people, all considered

more qualified than Armstrong Corp. No matter what I say, they'll still

think Armstrong Corp is not qualified enough.”

"What should we do then?"

"Wait."

Preston said calmly.

They waited for about an hour, and most people in the room had left.

Preston stood up and walked towards the front. He stopped in front of a

person, his voice warm and light, “Mr. Evans, long time no see!"

Jenson, who was reading through the compiled information of various

companies, instinctively raised his head upon hearing the voice. His

eyes flickered with a hint of surprise as he looked at Preston. He said,

"Mr. Walker?"

Preston gave a faint smile and looked at Jenson. "It's me. I'm honored

that Mr. Evans still remembers me."

"Mr. Walker is joking. Of course, I remember. It's been a long time since

our last business dealings!" Jenson stood up, extending his hand for a

handshake.

Then Jenson asked, "Is there something specific, Mr. Walker, or did you

come to check on the project, which is nearing completion?"