Chapter 292

The private room was filled with an air of quiet sophistication. Graham Bennett smiled warmly. "We've encountered many prodigies over the years, but someone like you, Camille - achieving so much at such a young age - remains extraordinary. That's why Hugh and I wanted this meeting. I hope we're not imposing."

Despite his high position, Graham's tone was so gracious that Camille responded with equal respect. "Not at all. The honor is entirely mine."

Hugh Rhodes chuckled, nudging Graham. "Easy now, don't intimidate our young genius."

Both men genuinely believed Camille possessed rare talent with boundless potential. Their admiration for her capabilities had prompted this meeting.

The conversation flowed smoothly, with Hugh Rhodes and Dorian Hartwell contributing to the pleasant atmosphere.

Dinner extended into a two-hour discussion before they finally exchanged contact information and parted ways.

Monday marked the new semester at Lucerne's elite preparatory academy.

With Noah beginning boarding school this term, and Talia handling family matters while Owen was occupied, Camille took her cousin to campus on Sunday afternoon.

Upon arrival, she spotted the Lancaster and Dunmore families. Three maids stood behind them, laden with oversized luxury luggage - an ostentatious display.

So Tristan had transferred here too?

Admission to this institution required significant influence. Clearly, Damien Harrington had pulled strings for his brother-in-law.

The entire Lancaster clan's presence underscored their spoiling of Tristan. The boy himself radiated privileged contentment - carefree, cheerful, basking in familial adoration.

Watching Rosalie Lancaster gaze at Tristan with such devotion, Camille recalled the woman once clutching her hand, swearing Camille was her only granddaughter. The memory tasted like ashes now.

The Lancaster contingent noticed her simultaneously. Their smiles evaporated instantly.

A passerby gaped at one maid's suitcase. "That's a 300k designer piece! I thought those were just for show. The ultra-rich really live differently."

The Lancasters turned sharply. The bystander flushed and hurried away.

Not that Camille needed the commentary. Every item in Tristan's ensemble - from leather trunks to designer backpacks - carried five-figure price tags. His luggage alone represented a small fortune.

Helena Lancaster's crossbody purse? A limited edition worth seven figures.

When others murmured admiration, Rosalie and Giselle Lancaster glanced pointedly at Camille. Noah's modest luggage - a single mid-range suitcase and duffel - drew Rosalie's dismissive glance and Giselle's derisive snort.

To the Lancasters, Hartwell Group's recent recovery meant little. Would Owen's company even survive long-term?

As for Camille? Rumors suggested Gabriel Ashcroft's interest was waning. Clearly, the Hartwells no longer moved in their circles.