Chapter 362

Felix and Naomi had just walked out when Damien turned to Selene. "Did you wrap up your conversation with Mrs. Ashcroft?"

A faint smile touched Selene's lips as she nodded.

From the look on Naomi's face earlier, it was clear her disdain for Camille was growing by the minute.

Naomi had been aware of the conflict between Vertex Dynamics and NovaSight Labs long before this meeting. Gabriel had briefed her thoroughly.

That phone call Naomi took during their conversation? A carefully staged act. She had recorded every word.

Stepping just far enough away, she glanced back at Damien and Selene before sending the recording straight to Gabriel.

Gabriel and Camille were still at the office. After listening, Gabriel smirked and strode into Camille's office to update her.

Camille leaned back in her chair. "Now I'm certain we'll win the lawsuit."

"Absolutely."

Their insistence on terminating the contract wasn't just about cutting ties with Vertex Dynamics—it was about cornering Selene.

They wanted to push her into desperate measures to stop the termination.

Every attempt Selene made to reach out to the Harringtons or the Ashcroft family would only tighten the noose.

The more she scrambled, the more mistakes she'd make.

Had she simply apologized and cooperated, they might not have succeeded in terminating the contract.

Even if they had, the compensation wouldn't have been nearly as steep.

But now? Things had changed.

Selene had already caused the initial conflict. Now she was claiming their push for termination stemmed from Camille's personal vendetta.

A critical detail: Camille wasn't just a key player at NovaSight Labs—she was the lead on the Vertex Dynamics collaboration.

Selene had disrespected that fact, then accused the entire project team of bias to save her own skin.

That alone was damning evidence against any future cooperation.

Worse, Selene was dragging personal grudges into a legal battle.

If the judge pressed Camille about their history in court, would Selene really want those details aired?

At that point, the contract dispute would be the least of her worries.

To avoid exposure, she might even agree to termination—and that sky-high penalty.

Gabriel's grin widened at the thought.

The moment he left Camille's office, her phone buzzed. Chloe was calling.

Again.

She'd already tried that morning, but Camille hadn't picked up.

Tomorrow was Chloe's fencing competition. This was likely about confirming attendance.

Or—knowing how things went—Chloe might have changed her mind, wanting Damien and Selene there instead.

Camille set her phone aside. She'd finish her reports first, then head home.

Chloe called three more times. When Camille still didn't answer, she slumped on the sofa, clutching a plush toy, frustration simmering.

Damien walked in, loosening his tie. He took one look at her and sighed. "Your mom didn't answer?"

Chloe tugged roughly at the toy's ears. "Nope."

A heavy silence followed.

Damien waited, watching her. Finally, she mumbled, "Since Mom's busy... could you and Selene come tomorrow?"

"Of course." He smiled. "I'll let her know."

"Okay."

"Goodnight, Dad." Clutching the toy, Chloe trudged upstairs.