Chapter 356

Last week, Gabriel Ashcroft visited Vertex Dynamics to negotiate contract termination, but the discussions collapsed. That very afternoon, legal papers were filed.

When Camille had her explosive confrontation with Selene Lancaster at Vertex Dynamics, Gabriel was overseas closing a deal.

Perhaps because she couldn't reach him, Selene refused to let the matter drop.

Monday morning, Camille arrived at work to find Selene waiting in the lobby again. Their eyes met briefly before both women deliberately looked away.

Entering the office, Camille spotted Gabriel already at his desk.

"You're here early."

Gabriel shrugged. "Came in forty minutes early to avoid ambushes."

Camille smirked at that.

Everett Mercer happened to visit NovaSight Labs that morning for a meeting. The elevator doors opened to reveal Selene pacing near reception.

Having heard about the Vertex Dynamics debacle, Everett immediately understood her presence.

He approached with false concern. "How long have you been waiting? Has Mr. Ashcroft arrived yet?"

"Nearly thirty minutes," Selene replied smoothly. "He must be running late. Are you here to see him, Mr. Mercer?"

Everett nodded.

Before he could probe further, Gabriel's assistant Selene Carver appeared. "Mr. Mercer, right this way."

Everett hesitated. "Gabriel's in?"

Selene Carver smiled politely. "Yes."

Selene Lancaster seized the moment. "Ms. Carver, I'm Selene Lancaster from Vertex Dynamics. I need five minutes of Mr. Ashcroft's time regarding an urgent—"

"Apologies, Ms. Lancaster," the assistant cut in, "but you're not on the schedule." She turned back to Everett. "Shall we?"

Everett's jaw tightened.

Selene Lancaster pressed on. "I'll wait however long it takes. Just ten minutes—"

The assistant gave a practiced smile before leading Everett away without another glance.

Inside Gabriel's office, Everett noted the deliberate omission. His frown deepened when business discussions began without acknowledging the waiting woman.

"Ms. Lancaster has been outside for half an hour," Everett interjected during a coffee order. "Perhaps you should—"

Gabriel chuckled. "My schedule's set. Shall we focus on actual business?"

The dismissal was clear.

Everett leaned forward. "Gabriel, I understand Vertex Dynamics made mistakes, but termination seems extreme. Are personal grudges influencing professional decisions?"

Gabriel's smile turned icy. "Contract terms are my judgment call. My reasons stand."

"This doesn't concern you, Everett."

Everett had suspected Camille's influence since Gabriel's recent uncharacteristic actions against Selene. Their long partnership made this deviation more jarring.

"Graham Bellamy won't approve of this behavior," Everett warned.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "Is that a threat?"

"A fact. He'd never condone his protégé acting so—"

The door slammed shut behind Everett as Gabriel stood abruptly.

"Get out."

His voice held lethal calm.

Everett froze mid-sentence. The air crackled with tension as Gabriel rounded the desk, eyes darkening dangerously.

"Say another word about my decisions," Gabriel whispered, "and our decade-long partnership ends now."

Everett's throat worked soundlessly.

Gabriel stabbed the intercom. "Security. Escort our guest out."

As boots approached, Everett finally found his voice. "You'll regret this."

Gabriel smiled coldly. "Watch me."

The door clicked shut.

Outside, Selene Lancaster's eyes widened as Everett was marched past her. Their gazes locked—his furious, hers calculating—before the elevator swallowed him whole.

Selene Carver approached with a clipboard. "Ms. Lancaster? Mr. Ashcroft will see you now."

A slow smile curved Selene Lancaster's lips as she stood.

Game on.