Chapter 180

Gabriel's voice was calm. "I'm not in a hurry. You go ahead."

Tristan nodded. "Alright."

He walked forward until he stood directly in front of Camille. "Mr. Ashcroft, Ms. Hartwell."

Gabriel's smile cooled slightly at his approach. "Mr. Rutherford."

Camille offered a polite nod. "Mr. Rutherford."

Just then, Everett Mercer joined them.

Unlike Tristan, he only acknowledged Gabriel. "Mr. Ashcroft."

Gabriel's expression grew even more distant. "Mr. Mercer is here too? My apologies—I was occupied earlier and didn't notice."

Everett immediately caught the chill in Gabriel's tone, sharper than during their first meeting. But he wasn't surprised.

His gaze flicked to Camille, cold and dismissive. He knew she must have poisoned Gabriel's mind against him.

Unfazed by the hostility, he said, "I visited NovaSight Labs recently. I assume you're aware, Mr. Ashcroft?"

"Of course. Camille told me." Gabriel's tone was smooth. "I reviewed your proposal. It's well-structured, but..." He paused. "Personally, it doesn't align with my vision. So I regret to inform you, Mr. Mercer, that our collaboration won't proceed."

Everett hadn't expected Gabriel to be so blatantly biased because of Camille.

His brow furrowed. "I thought you were a man who kept business separate from personal matters, Mr. Ashcroft."

"Usually, I do." Gabriel didn't bother masking his disdain now. He smirked. "But exceptions exist."

The implication was clear—when it came to Camille, impartiality was off the table.

Dorian Mercer had emphasized securing a partnership with NovaSight Labs for the next two years, signaling the company's untapped potential.

Despite Gabriel's hostility, Everett wasn't about to walk away so easily.

"If you have concerns about my proposal, I'll revise it and resubmit," he said coolly.

He glanced at Tristan, then added, "Since you're occupied, I won't take more of your time. Goodbye."

With that, he turned and left.

Throughout the exchange, Everett never once acknowledged Camille.

But Tristan, standing nearby, noticed the deliberate snub. Gabriel's rejection was clearly tied to her.

He chose not to comment, pretending not to notice. "I've also prepared a revised proposal. Would you both be available for dinner on Monday?"

Given Tristan's close ties to Damien and Selene Lancaster, Gabriel had never been particularly fond of him, even if his proposals were solid.

But now, seeing Tristan set aside personal grievances and even include Camille in the invitation, Gabriel's opinion of him shifted slightly.

Still, he remained professional. "Monday? I'll have to check my schedule. If I'm free, I'll let you know."

Tristan wasn't fazed. "Understood."

Just then, the banquet host stepped onto the stage, making an announcement.

Moments later, applause and music filled the air as the host and his wife took the floor for the first dance.

Guests soon joined in.

The ballroom glittered with society's most dazzling heiresses and elites.

Then, a strikingly beautiful woman approached Tristan, her smile radiant.

"Mr. Rutherford," she said, extending her hand. "May I have this dance?"