Chapter 291

Graham's cold demeanor didn't faze Selene in the slightest.

After acknowledging him with a polite nod, she turned her attention to Hugh and his companions. "Good evening, gentlemen," she offered smoothly.

She deliberately addressed them as a group rather than individually - the more appropriate approach given the circumstances.

Hugh and his associates were too preoccupied observing Camille to pay Selene much mind. Like Felix, they'd immediately noticed Camille's visible discomfort around Malcolm and Selene.

Graham Bennett had done his homework on Camille Hartwell. He'd recognized the Lancasters the moment they appeared.

When Selene greeted them, Graham merely gave a curt nod before addressing Graham and Camille. "Shall we move this inside?" he suggested, already turning toward the restaurant entrance.

Graham Bellamy agreed silently, leading the group inside.

Marcus Mercer turned to Everett with a quiet warning. "Keep your wits about you tonight."

"Of course," Everett replied.

Marcus said nothing more, nodding briefly at Selene and Malcolm before following the others.

Everett didn't join them - Marcus's lack of invitation made it clear this was a private discussion. Which made Camille's presence all the more puzzling.

That thought darkened Everett's expression momentarily. Shaking it off, he turned to Selene and Malcolm. "Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster - business dinner as well?"

Selene confirmed with a nod. "Indeed. You too, Mr. Mercer?"

"Likewise."

Malcolm seized the opportunity. "I understand your company's launching a new initiative. The Lancaster Group would be very interested in discussing potential collaboration when you have availability."

The Mercer Group project was still in its early stages, nothing concrete yet. But thanks to Damien Harrington's assistance and Malcolm's recent efforts, the Lancaster Group had stabilized. A strategic partnership wasn't out of the question.

Everett considered this. "Let's arrange a meeting next week to explore possibilities."

Throughout their exchange, Everett's gaze kept returning to Selene. At the recent tech summit, he'd witnessed Damien's conspicuous attention toward Camille. The urge to warn Selene had been strong, but he'd resisted - they weren't close enough for such interference.

Besides, Selene and Damien's relationship appeared solid. The Vertex Dynamics shares transfer to Selene spoke volumes.

What Everett couldn't determine was whether this was planned compensation or damage control. His lingering, thoughtful glances at Selene suggested unspoken concerns, but when he remained silent, Selene pretended not to notice.

Her curiosity about Graham Bellamy's gathering burned, but Camille's presence suggested it wasn't particularly confidential.

"Our associates have arrived," Selene announced smoothly. "We should be going up."

"My party's here as well," Everett offered. "Shall we go together?"

"Certainly," Selene agreed.