Chapter 141

Camille recognized that smirk of Gabriel's was a veiled dig at Everett. She gave a slight nod in response.

Selene noticed how genuinely attentive Gabriel was toward Camille, her brows knitting together in displeasure.

Though Everett and his team had claimed prior commitments prevented them from joining dinner, their business here was concluded. They descended the elevator with Camille and Gabriel, preparing to exit Vertex Dynamics headquarters.

Just then, Selene's phone rang. After a brief conversation, she announced, "Damien's arriving shortly. I'll depart with your group."

When they reached the lobby, Damien's luxury sedan was already idling at the curb.

Spotting them, he emerged from the vehicle, exchanging polite greetings with both Everett and Gabriel. His gaze flickered over Camille without acknowledgment.

Selene immediately positioned herself at Damien's side as if drawn by magnetism. Together, they epitomized the picture-perfect power couple.

While Everett made small talk with Damien, Gabriel's lips curved into an amused smirk. "Mr. Harrington," he interjected coolly, "we have dinner reservations to keep. We'll take our leave."

"Safe travels, Mr. Ashcroft," Damien replied smoothly.

With that, Gabriel guided Camille away.

Following their meal with Roland and the executives, Camille drove home alone.

The moment her keys hit the foyer table, Tristan's call lit up her screen. She hesitated before answering. "Mr. Rutherford."

"The contract's signed," Tristan stated without preamble. "Verify with your uncle, then call me back." The line went dead before she could respond. Camille hadn't anticipated Tristan moving this swiftly. Yet trust remained in short supply.

After brief consideration, she dialed Owen. "Uncle, has Hartwell Group finalized the Beaumont Group partnership?"

"Indeed." Owen sounded pleased yet perplexed. "Camille, how did you hear about this development?"

"Industry chatter," she deflected, quickly shifting to family inquiries before ending the call.

She immediately redialed Tristan, who answered on the first ring.

"I'm available this weekend," Camille stated.

"Saturday or Sunday?" Tristan's tone was all business. "Your preference or mine?"

"You decide."

"Understood."

After hanging up, Camille showered, then caught up on the latest AI sector breakthroughs until fatigue set in.

Morning brought a light breakfast. As Camille gathered her things, Tristan called again.

"Iris wants to ski this weekend," he informed her. "Do you ski, Ms. Hartwell?"

"Competently," she confirmed.

"Require equipment?"

"I'll provide my own."

"Saturday then."

"Agreed."

At the office by eight, Camille's day passed routinely until Chloe's afternoon call. "Mom, I'm craving your lasagna!"

That evening found Camille at the Harrington estate. Damien was abroad on business, so she stayed overnight.

While preparing Chloe for school next morning, Camille remembered the ski trip and retrieved her equipment from the basement storage. No need for last-minute shopping.

"Mom's going skiing?" Chloe's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Take me too!" Her recent resort visit with Selene had left her wanting more.