Chapter 148

The moment Camille stepped through her front door after lunch, her phone buzzed with Gabriel's call.

When she explained Graham's request to meet, Gabriel responded instantly. "Marcus and Hugh? Of course I know them."

He added with a scoff, "That Everett is actually Marcus's son. With such an accomplished father, it's baffling how the son turned out so incompetent at his age."

Camille hadn't expected Everett's lineage, but it hardly mattered to her.

Tuesday arrived with Vertex Dynamics's autonomous vehicle prototype testing.

Camille and Gabriel arrived at the tech campus at dawn. Everett, Elliot, and their entourage were already present when they arrived.

The group offered curt nods before deliberately looking away.

Gabriel couldn't be bothered with pleasantries either, guiding Camille toward the testing preparations.

Noticing everything was ready but the test hadn't commenced, Gabriel frowned. "Why the delay?"

Wesley answered, "Mr. Harrington wants to observe personally. We're waiting for his arrival."

Then Wesley glanced around. "Where's Ms. Lancaster today?"

Hadn't Selene claimed she was coming to Vertex Dynamics for training? Why had she vanished after mere days?

Wesley chuckled. "Ah, Ms. Lancaster wanted skill enhancement, right? Mr. Harrington said the fastest improvement comes from leading a project team."

"Last week he revived a shelved project. She's been assembling her team upstairs in meetings all morning."

Gabriel's jaw dropped. He shot Camille a look, but she was absorbed in reviewing previous test data, showing no reaction to Damien creating a team for Selene.

With a sigh, he playfully ruffled her hair.

Camille swatted his hand away. "Stop that." Her tone was even—clearly unaffected. Gabriel relaxed.

Damien arrived then, flanked by Tristan and Arlo.

Both men visibly startled upon seeing Camille, their shocked gazes lingering.

Camille remained impassive, barely acknowledging them before turning away.

Damien greeted the group politely. "Appreciate everyone's efforts."

"Shall we begin, Mr. Harrington?" Wesley inquired.

"One moment—we're expecting someone else." Damien checked his watch. "I'll check upstairs. Please wait."

He departed.

Isabelle didn't need to guess—Damien was waiting for Selene. Meaning they couldn't start until she finished her meeting.

Gabriel clenched his fists, barely suppressing his irritation.

Soon Damien descended with Selene. And trailing behind them—Giselle.

Giselle showed no surprise at Camille's presence. Selene had warned her.

Seeing Damien's wife reduced to waiting like staff while Selene made her grand entrance, Giselle's smirk dripped with smug satisfaction.

Camille didn't bother questioning Giselle's professional attire at Vertex Dynamics. She simply looked through her.

Selene offered a gracious apology. "Sorry for the delay."

Her tone was sincere. Yet when she spoke, her eyes acknowledged Everett's group and Gabriel—never once glancing at Camille.