Chapter 308

Camille had no clue what Damien and Everett discussed. After her lunch meeting with Gabriel, she returned to the office to focus on work.

On Wednesday, she received a call from Owen inviting her for dinner that weekend. He casually mentioned, "Cora will be there too." Camille hesitated briefly before agreeing.

Friday afternoon found Camille in the middle of an important meeting when her phone buzzed. Before she could answer, the call disconnected.

With the meeting still ongoing and the number unfamiliar, she dismissed it without a second thought.

The caller had been Cora.

She'd officially started working at Rutherford Group on Wednesday.

Her intention was to tell Camille about her new job and permanent move to Lucerne.

But the moment she dialed, Giselle's words echoed in her mind—how Damien's inner circle, including Tristan, had never warmed to Camille despite her efforts, while Selene had been effortlessly accepted.

If Camille learned about her position at Rutherford Group, she'd immediately suspect Selene's involvement. That knowledge would only cause pain. The thought made Cora abruptly end the call.

After work, prompted by Rosalie, she returned to the Lancaster estate. Before even entering, she noticed multiple luxury vehicles parked outside—a clear sign of visitors.

Before arriving in Lucerne, Rosalie had mentioned how Selene's connection to Damien had become common knowledge among the city's elite.

The extent of Damien's devotion to Selene was practically public record in their circles.

Cora hadn't fully grasped the implications until witnessing it firsthand. The daily parade of high-profile visitors seeking favors from the Lancasters made their elevated status undeniable.

Seeing these powerful figures—CEOs, politicians, celebrities—personally courting Selene's family left Cora speechless.

Only then did she understand how profoundly Damien's influence had transformed the Lancasters' social standing.

Yet while Rosalie interacted with these visitors cautiously, Selene maintained an aloof distance, often avoiding them altogether. Remarkably, none dared take offense, continuing their overtures regardless.

Spotting the luxury cars, Cora knew more guests had arrived.

She slipped in through a side entrance, moving upstairs unnoticed. Selene was there, seeking solitude with a book. Glancing up, she asked, "Just finished work?"

Cora stopped. "Yes."

Since Selene had already spoken to Tristan about the job, she considered the matter settled and paid it little attention.

Turning a page, Selene suddenly looked up. "Did Tristan say anything when you met?"

Watching Selene read, Cora marveled at her relentless drive.

Rumors swirled about Selene recently impressing tech moguls at several high-profile conferences.

Snapping back to attention, Cora answered, "I haven't met Mr. Rutherford yet."

Selene paused. "Tristan didn't reach out?"

"No."

Selene had expected Tristan, knowing Cora was connected to her, would at least arrange a meeting and assign someone to mentor her.

Then again, such obvious favoritism might harm Cora's workplace reputation.

"Never mind," Selene said dismissively.

Cora nodded and retreated to her room without another word.

Selene set her book aside and called Tristan. He let it ring several times before answering with a curt, "Hello."

Selene smiled. "I heard Cora started at Rutherford Group. Thank you, Tristan. Are you free soon? I'd like to take you to dinner."

Tristan's tone remained detached. "Cora earned her position. No thanks necessary."

If he hadn't investigated personally, how would he know her qualifications?

Selene smiled but didn't press. As she prepared to speak, Tristan interrupted, "I'm busy. Another time."

Knowing Tristan's recent workload, she simply replied, "Of course," and ended the call without hesitation.

In truth, Tristan had no urgent matters. What he truly wanted was to call Camille.

The moment Selene hung up, he dialed Camille's number.