Chapter 342

Breaching contract terms without valid justification required substantial compensation as stipulated. Camille Hartwell wouldn't hesitate to sever ties with Vertex Dynamics if NovaSight Labs received proper restitution.

Giselle Lancaster's fingers twitched with the urge to draft termination papers immediately.

But she lacked executive authority at Vertex Dynamics. Even acting for Selene Lancaster carried risks - Gabriel Ashcroft openly supported NovaSight Labs. The entire Lancaster clan knew maintaining good relations with him remained paramount.

Terminating NovaSight Labs's contract would provoke Gabriel's wrath. This single fact made Selene reconsider any impulsive decisions. Nora Lancaster and Rosalie Lancaster shared identical concerns.

Nora's lips curled in distaste at Giselle's hesitation. Even Helena Lancaster's gaze turned glacial when assessing Camille. None anticipated such bold defiance from the NovaSight Labs representative.

Helena clearly dismissed Camille as insignificant. "Sharp tongue," she sneered. "But does your signature hold legal weight?"

Wesley Caldwell hadn't expected Camille to confront the Lancasters so directly. Tension thickened the air as he reached for her arm, attempting mediation.

Camille shook him off, locking eyes with Helena. Her stare carried more frost than the older woman's. "Test me," she challenged. "Draft the termination. Let's see."

Helena's lips thinned. Since Selene's engagement to Damien Harrington, no one from either family had dared humiliate her. Camille's audacity stung particularly deep.

The confrontation escalated until Selene's arrival interrupted them.

Camille seized the narrative before others could speak. "Ms. Lancaster insulted NovaSight Labs's competence, claiming that's why we conduct frequent maintenance here. I offered contract termination if Vertex Dynamics finds us inadequate."

She continued relentlessly, "When I suggested drafting termination papers, Ms. Lancaster questioned my authority. I invited her to verify my signing power. This woman—" Camille pointed at Helena, "—claims my signature lacks validity. I say prove it."

"They insult my company, yet falter when challenged," Camille concluded. "What's your verdict, Ms. Lancaster?"

Selene's mouth tightened. Camille's confidence suggested genuine signing authority. Terminating now would incur massive penalties and delay their autonomous vehicle launch - unacceptable losses for Vertex Dynamics.

Camille pressed her advantage when Selene hesitated. "So the mighty Lancasters talk big but lack conviction? You disparage NovaSight Labs freely, yet balk at consequences. Typical bully behavior."

Selene's icy retort came: "You're exaggerating a minor issue."

"Minor?" Camille countered. "Your cousin slandered my company. Your mother backed her. Now you blame us for reacting? I've heard praises of your compassion and integrity. Clearly, reputation exceeds reality."

The air crackled with tension as Camille delivered her final blow: "The Lancaster name carries less honor than claimed."