Chapter 295 Everything About You Matters
"Camilla, you know each other?" Tobias asked coolly.
Camilla and Marcus spoke simultaneously, "Yes, we do."
Tobias raised an eyebrow, sizing Marcus up from head to toe and back again, looking increasingly unimpressed.
Marcus wasn't bothered by the scrutiny. He confidently pulled out a chair and sat down next to Camilla. He felt he wasn't second to Tobias in any respect.
Tobias thought to himself, 'This man is certainly full of himself!'
"Camilla, aren't you going to introduce us?" Tobias tilted his chin. "He doesn't look like someone you'd know."
What did he mean by that?
What did he look like then?
Marcus immediately recognized the mockery.
Yet strangely, Camilla seemed unusually tolerant of this guy and was actually preparing to make introductions.
"Yes, Camilla, this gentleman doesn't look like someone you'd know either. Do tell us about him," Marcus fired back sarcastically.
Tobias's expression darkened.
Their eyes locked, and in the silent standoff, the two men had already exchanged hundreds of mental blows.
Camilla frowned, clearly sensing the tension, though she couldn't understand it.
What possible grudge could two men who'd just met have against each other?
"Fine, I'll introduce both of you. This is Marcus Davis, my friend and the owner of an investment company. And this is Tobias Learmond, my cousin, who currently runs a smart home furnishing company."
"Any other questions, gentlemen?"
Marcus was stunned. "Your cousin?"
Tobias asked in disbelief. "He's actually a CEO?"
After speaking, they exchanged an awkward glance.
Marcus recovered fastest, immediately raising his teacup. "I apologize. I didn't realize you were Camilla's cousin. My mistake. Please accept my apologies—tea instead of wine, but the sentiment's the same."
Seeing Marcus's sincere attitude and straightforward manner, Tobias felt his irritation dissipate.
He raised his teacup in return. "No offense taken, Mr. Davis."
Marcus said, "Camilla mentioned you're in smart home furnishings?"
"That's right. Are you familiar with the industry?"
"I've invested in two companies in that sector." Marcus named the firms.
Tobias was surprised. "Those are both pioneers in domestic smart home technology, both went public in recent years. It seems you have quite an eye for investments, Mr. Davis."
"You're too kind. Just some casual investments that happened to work out."
Tobias smiled, not taking the modesty at face value.
Was there really such a thing as "casual" investment? It was all real money on the line.
Marcus could say what he wanted, but only a fool would believe investing was that casual.
"For an investor, does the boss really need to visit construction sites personally?" Tobias asked.
Marcus replied, "Without on-site inspections, how would I know if a project is worth investing in? How's the progress? Is the return rate meeting expectations?"
Tobias casually asked, "Which project are you referring to?"
"Sunset Haven Resort."
"What a coincidence—it's right next to ours!"
"Is that so?" Marcus raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting as he seized the opportunity to ask: "And what's your project?"
Tobias immediately looked at Camilla, silently asking, "Can I tell him?"
Camilla nodded slightly.
Initially, she hadn't planned to share this information, but now, needing his help, she couldn't afford to be secretive.
Tobias said, "I'm helping Camilla build a smart technology lab."
"Building a lab!" Marcus was genuinely surprised.
Having come this far in the conversation, Camilla naturally explained the background.
Marcus's eyes narrowed. "Otis really doesn't learn his lesson."
Camilla asked, "What?"
"Nothing. How's the lab construction going?"
She pressed her lips together.
Marcus said, "Are you facing some challenges? Tell me, maybe I can help."
This was exactly what Camilla had been waiting for. She then proceeded to explain the challenges she was facing.
"So, your problem is that you're short-staffed? You want to borrow my workers? And you're asking for ordinary construction workers?" Marcus said.
Camilla looked at him seriously. "Is that a problem?"
Marcus shook his head. "Not at all."
"You need people, right? Would 30 be enough? Or maybe 40?"
Camilla and Tobias exchanged glances.
Especially Tobias, whose eyes lit up as he swallowed hard.
He took back his earlier "bad man" assessment.
This guy was truly impressive.
Marcus thought for a moment, then decided. "I'll just assign two full construction crews to you."
Tobias was stunned.
Marcus asked, "Any objections?"
The siblings shook their heads simultaneously. "None whatsoever!"
That afternoon, Marcus offered to drive Camilla home.
Tobias smiled pleasantly. "Isn't that too much trouble? It's quite easy to get a taxi here."
By now, Marcus had removed his work clothes and safety helmet, looking every bit the executive CEO.
Standing next to his red Ferrari, he said, "It's no trouble at all. We're heading in the same direction anyway."
He exuded wealth from head to toe.
Tobias stood watching as the car disappeared into the distance.
Nevertheless, being the protective cousin he was, Tobias took out his phone and sent Camilla a message: [Stay safe. Text me when you get home.]
Camilla put away her phone and couldn't help glancing at Marcus in the driver's seat.
Marcus was puzzled. "Why are you looking at me as soon as you put your phone down? Was that about me?"
Camilla shook her head. "It's nothing."
Even Tobias, who had just met him, had detected Marcus's intentions and warned her to be careful.
Marcus hadn't noticed Camilla's momentary distraction and continued, "The two construction crews can start tomorrow. However, they're under contract with my company for this year, and according to proper procedure, my team needs to assign their work."
"Subcontracting or transferring the contract would constitute a breach, so to avoid that issue, I'll need to be the one coordinating these crews."
"It's really just a formality. Tobias and I have exchanged contact information. He'll send me the weekly work plans in advance, and I'll forward them to the crews."
"Similarly, these crews will only report their progress to me, and I'll relay that information to Tobias. Understand? In other words, I'll also be involved in the construction of your lab going forward."
"Looking forward to our collaboration, Ms. Learmond."
After Marcus's lengthy explanation, Camilla couldn't help but smile. "Couldn't these minor details be handled by the construction team leaders? Does a big shot like yourself really need to get personally involved?"
"When it comes to anything involving you, nothing is minor to me."
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