Why was his reprimand filled with such venom?

“None of my business? Karina, had I not run into you today, what would have been your next move after sharing a drink with him? If he demanded you to sleep with him for the role, would you have complied?"

His normally twinkling eyes were devoid of their usual mirth. Barlow raised his hand, gripping Karina's chin tightly, his teeth gritted.

Fury welled within Karina. She forcefully shrugged off his grip, yelling, "I'm not a fool. I wouldn't stoop so low as to sleep with him for a role!"

Barlow scoffed, “You're the biggest fool of all!"

His words were laced with mockery, pushing Karina to the brink of tears.

"Yes, I am a fool. If I wasn't, would I have been deceived by you?"

Taking note of Karina's slightly reddened eyes, Barlow checked his harsh words, a glimmer of restraint flickering in his gaze.

A sudden urge overcame him, a desire to confess that he hadn't been toying with her; he was serious.

He Loved her.

His actions were dictated by complex circumstances

ALL he wanted was to shield her from any harm.

“Chameleon...”

His voice, thick with emotion, murmured the pet name he had assigned her.

A shiver ran down Karina's spine. As she locked eyes with him, she yearned to hear what he would utter next.

Yet, the man before her remained silent, his gaze riveted on her.

Curling her fingers, Karina mentally chastised herself for being foolish once more.

Her sense of injustice morphed into frustration. She retorted, "Fine, I may be a fool. But you're hardly any better. Without me, you would've been bankrupt by now."

Hearing this, Barlow looked taken aback, his eyes narrowing in puzzlement.

“What are you implying?"

Fixing him with her stare, Karina declared, "Aren't you being targeted by Brian? Barlow, did you do something to Rosalynn again?"

Could Karina be aware that he was being thwarted by Brian?