Chapter 1162: Candid

Chapter 1162: Candid

Camille's response didn't elicit much reaction from Preston, and her

tone even carried a hint of indifference, "Aren't you busy lately?"

Camille didn't bother responding to his words but shifted the topic to

something else.

Deep inside, Camille wished she could crawl into a hole and regretted

having a phone conversation with Sienna. These words would probably

become the subject of Sienna’s mockery for the next year.

Nevertheless, Camille maintained her composure, trying to conceal any

discomfort or slip that Preston might notice.

Preston's expression flickered slightly at Camille's change of topic. A

fleeting hint of emotion passed through his eyes, but he quickly

resumed his usual demeanor, so subtle that Camille failed to detect any

change.

He calmly watched Camille and spoke in a low voice, "Not too busy.

Armstrong Corp just signed a contract with the museum, and there are

some preliminary tasks to finish. It'll take some time."

Camille nodded lightly, "Well, it seems like you've settled into

Armstrong Corp."

"Cami, are you blaming me for something?" Preston asked in a gentle

tone, looking at Camille.

Camille blinked involuntarily, feeling a bit stunned. She smiled lightly

and countered, "Why would I say that? I have no intention of blaming

you. I merely commented that you seem comfortable at Armstrong

Corp. Did you misunderstand me, Preston?"

Camille wondered how a seemingly harmless statement could lead to

yet another misunderstanding with Preston. Their interactions always

seemed to involve misconceptions, and it was becoming tiresome.

She sighed silently, realizing how exhausting this pattern of

communication was. “I didn't mean anything by that statement. I invited

you here today to discuss something else. As for your work at

Armstrong Corp, it's your personal matter and has nothing to do with

me. Although my last name is Jian, and you know about Armstrong

Corp, I've never been involved. So, there's no connection.”

Camille smiled faintly, her expression exceptionally cool.

Preston hastily reassured her, "Cami, I don't blame you, nor do I have

any intention of misunderstanding. I'm just afraid you might

misunderstand me."

"Alright, let's drop this topic. Don't discuss it any further to avoid

arguments. Agreed?" Camille suggested.

Preston nodded in agreement, "Sure. Let's move on. What did you

want to talk to me about today? Is there something on your mind?"

Camille's reaction remained calm. She looked directly at Preston, her

gaze slightly cold and distant. She kept her eyes on him without

blinking until Preston felt a bit uncomfortable and asked, "Cami, why

are you silent?"

Camille's brows furrowed slightly, and her tone turned chilly, "Preston,

have you seen the online gossip about me, insinuations from a tabloid

journalist?"

Preston maintained his poker face, showing no signs of surprise or

awareness. He nonchalantly responded, "Someone spreading rumors

about you online?"

He seemed genuinely surprised or ignorant.

His acting was too flawless, and Camille couldn't discern any

loopholes.

This kind of Preston made Camille feel helpless. Honestly, she didn't

know what to do or how to handle him. The truth was, when she

decided to confront Preston, she had anticipated this scenario.

But when the moment arrived, Camille found it somewhat unbelievable.

Upon careful reflection of their past interactions, she wondered if he

had exhibited such behavior before. After all, this time, the information

came from Ayan. Without knowing the context, it was easy to be

deceived by Preston's demeanor and responses.

Of course, there was also the possibility that Ayan lied. However, Ayan

wouldn't resort to such deceit, especially not to manipulate her thoughts

in this way, as Ayan wasn't that kind of person.

Camille's subconscious inclined toward trusting Ayan blindly. She

believed Ayan without any conditions because Preston had uttered too

many lies. Despite knowing him for many years, she felt she had never

truly understood him. Even though they were friends, he never seemed

to reveal his true self to her.

As these thoughts crossed Camille's mind, her expression softened

involuntarily. She spoke lightly, "Preston, some things are clear to both

of us. Do I need to spell them out for you?"

"Cami, I don't understand what you mean. Are you suspecting me of

something?" Preston looked at Camille in disbelief, his eyes showing

clear astonishment. He seemed hurt by Camille's words and

maintained direct eye contact, appearing completely candid.

Camille didn't respond immediately. Disappointment flickered in her

eyes as she took a deep breath and addressed Preston, "Preston, I

thought our purpose in meeting today was to be honest with each other.

It seems I was overly optimistic. I thought too naively."

Camille's indifferent words made Preston's expression turn serious. He

gazed at Camille, his voice hoarse, "Cami, I didn't mean that. I just..."

"Preston, what do you think is most important between friends? Our

relationship is different from others. Although it's said that girls can

share everything, we were once good friends who fought side by side,

weren't we? I don't understand why it has come to this, why you doubt

me every time I speak to you."

Camille interrupted Preston, and displeasure became evident on her

face. She conveyed to Preston that she genuinely disliked his current

demeanor. He made her uncomfortable, and she had no desire for

prolonged contact with him.

Today, Camille was unlike her usual self, where she ignored everything

Preston did. Her emotions seemed patient, and she responded

earnestly to any comments or replies from Preston.

She looked at Preston, her voice somewhat cold, "Preston, can you tell

me why?"

Preston was stunned because Camille rarely acted this way. For a

moment, he didn't know what to say. The two locked eyes, and Camille

persisted in her attitude, insisting on a response from Preston before

relenting.

The two stood there in a stalemate for a while, and then Preston finally

spoke in a low voice, saying, "Cami, you're right. Between friends,

mutual honesty is essential for a lasting and meaningful relationship. I

understand what you mean, and I've always approached our friendship

in this way. So, there won't be any change in our relationship. You can

trust me on that."

"Is that so?" Camille chuckled, devoid of confidence. She looked at

Preston, her gaze treating him as if he were a joke. She said, "But

you've never spoken a truthful word to me, have you?"