Chapter 177

Everett Mercer finished his statement with a curt nod. "I have other matters to attend to, Ms. Hartwell. Until next time."

Camille Hartwell had already picked up on Everett's subtle disdain. Though he maintained perfect professionalism in the meeting room, his indifference was palpable.

Business was business. She wasn't here to make friends—only to secure a profitable partnership.

She flashed a practiced smile. "Of course. Until next time."

Turning to Gabriel Ashcroft's secretary, she said, "Ms. Carver, please escort Mr. Mercer out."

Everett left without another word.

Downstairs, he spotted a familiar face. "Ms. Lancaster?"

Selene Lancaster and her father, Malcolm Lancaster, hadn't left.

Selene Carver had informed them Gabriel was away on business, but they'd chosen to wait, suspecting it was just an excuse to avoid them.

Instead of Gabriel, they saw Everett.

It had been two weeks since Selene's injury. Though not fully healed, she could function normally again.

Last week, Everett had visited Vertex Dynamics but hadn't seen her. Upon inquiring, he learned she'd been hospitalized.

The injury had been severe. Even now, her complexion was still pale, her energy visibly drained.

Everett felt a pang of concern—until he remembered she'd gotten hurt saving Damien Harrington. The thought made his jaw tighten.

Malcolm studied Everett's refined demeanor and asked, "Selene, who is this?"

Selene didn't miss the flicker of worry in Everett's eyes. Her tone was cool. "Everett Mercer."

She introduced him. "Mr. Mercer, this is my father, Malcolm Lancaster."

Everett offered a polite nod. "A pleasure, Mr. Lancaster."

After brief pleasantries, Selene asked, "Did you come to NovaSight Labs to discuss a partnership with Mr. Ashcroft as well?"

Everett nodded. "And you?"

"Yes." She tilted her head. "Did you meet with him?"

"No. He's away."

Malcolm chuckled dryly. "So he really is gone. I thought he was just avoiding us."

Everett frowned. "You weren't invited upstairs?"

Selene shook her head. "His secretary told us to leave."

Everett's expression darkened.

Selene noticed. "What's wrong?"

"Mr. Ashcroft is indeed away," Everett said coldly. "But I was received by Ms. Hartwell—the woman we met at Vertex Dynamics. She claimed to be handling all matters for NovaSight Labs in his absence."

Whether Camille truly had that authority didn't matter. What did matter was that she'd met with Everett—but refused Selene. That was deliberate.

Malcolm stiffened.

Selene merely shrugged. "I see." She turned to her father. "Let's go, then."

Malcolm's lips thinned, clearly displeased, but he nodded.

Everett opened his mouth to speak—just as Camille descended the stairs.

She froze at the sight of them.

Before she could speak, Selene's phone rang. She answered, her voice softening. "Damien? You're here? I'll be right out."