Chapter 361

Selene Lancaster had anticipated waiting several more days for any developments.

To her surprise, Damien Harrington called that very afternoon. "Mr. and Mrs. Ashcroft will be attending an auction tomorrow," he informed her. "Would you like to join?"

A satisfied smile curved Selene's lips. "Absolutely."

The following evening, shortly after their arrival at the prestigious auction house, Damien guided Selene toward Felix and Naomi Ashcroft. He made the introductions smoothly.

Though aware of Damien's relationship with Camille Hartwell and the ongoing tensions between Camille and Selene, the Ashcroft couple maintained impeccable composure. They greeted Damien warmly, their smiles never faltering. When Selene was introduced, Naomi extended her hand with practiced politeness. "A pleasure."

The auction hall buzzed with high society's elite.

After initial pleasantries, Damien and Felix drifted into business discussions with other attendees.

Seizing the moment, Selene maneuvered herself beside Naomi.

After some light conversation, Selene cut to the chase. "Mrs. Ashcroft, I must confess I came today seeking your assistance."

Naomi's smile remained polished. "Mr. Harrington is quite accomplished. What could possibly require my intervention?"

"You're too modest," Selene countered. "This matter concerns Mr. Ashcroft."

Naomi's posture stiffened almost imperceptibly. "Gabriel?"

"Indeed."

Just as Naomi began to respond, her phone vibrated in her clutch. "Excuse me, I must take this."

"Of course."

Naomi stepped away, putting several paces between them before answering.

When she returned moments later, she offered a polite apology. "My apologies for the interruption, Ms. Lancaster."

"Not at all."

"You mentioned an issue regarding Gabriel?" Naomi prompted, her tone carefully neutral.

Selene nodded. "Are you familiar with the collaboration between Vertex Dynamics and NovaSight Labs?"

"Briefly. Has there been some complication?"

"A minor misunderstanding, really," Selene said with a dismissive wave. "Certainly nothing warranting contract termination."

She leaned in slightly. "I've attempted to contact Mr. Ashcroft repeatedly to resolve this amicably. Compensation for any inconvenience is ready."

"But certain parties," Selene's voice dropped meaningfully, "are exploiting this situation to pressure Mr. Ashcroft into severing ties with Vertex Dynamics."

Naomi's expression darkened. "You're referring to Camille Hartwell?"

Selene feigned hesitation before confirming, "Yes."

"Why would she involve herself?" Naomi's fingers tightened around her champagne flute.

"Personal grievances between us, I'm afraid." Selene sighed. "Termination benefits neither party. Even with compensation, it's a lose-lose scenario."

"Vertex Dynamics values this partnership deeply. Yet despite my efforts, Mr. Ashcroft refuses all communication. He seems determined to proceed with cancellation."

Selene met Naomi's gaze squarely. "That's why I'm appealing to you, Mrs. Ashcroft. Perhaps you could help him see reason?"

Naomi's gaze dropped momentarily. "I understand."

Recognizing the shift, Selene pressed her advantage gently. "Your assistance would mean everything."

"You're too kind, Ms. Lancaster."

Their conversation concluded when Felix returned to his wife's side, leaving the unspoken tension hanging delicately in the air between them.