Chapter 373

Graham Bennett's true intention was merely to uncover the core technology behind Horizon-CM.

Gabriel Ashcroft shook his hand with practiced ease.

"Professor Bennett, you flatter me. I've studied your seminal papers on recurrent neural networks and attention mechanisms over a dozen times—they've fundamentally shaped my research approach."

"The honor is entirely mine."

Graham naturally wished to prolong their discussion. However, the conference opening ceremony was imminent.

Before they could continue, staff members ushered them to their designated seats.

Following the organizers' introductory remarks, Graham, Gabriel, and other distinguished guests delivered their keynote addresses.

Every attendee sought opportunities to network with these two luminaries.

When the first session concluded, both men found themselves swarmed by corporate delegations and academics alike.

Camille Hartwell, Tristan Rutherford, Declan Vaughn, and Everett Mercer had no need to jostle through the crowd. They remained on the periphery, observing quietly.

Damien Harrington similarly had no reason to push forward.

But accompanying Selene Lancaster placed him squarely at the center of attention.

His simple gesture—twisting open a water bottle for her—drew another wave of envious glances from surrounding women.

Many industry experts and executives who knew of Damien and Selene's relationship had previously questioned his choice.

Given his aristocratic lineage and professional accomplishments, why choose someone like Selene? While undeniably beautiful with respectable academic credentials, her family background paled in comparison.

Now, discovering she was Graham Bennett's protégé, everything clicked into place.

Previously, people tolerated Selene out of deference to Damien. Now, knowing her academic pedigree, their courtesy transformed into genuine enthusiasm.

Selene noticed everything—the women's jealous stares, the businessmen's sudden deference.

Accepting the water bottle, she took a measured sip and smiled faintly.

Her gaze drifted toward those excluded from the inner circle—Camille, Everett, and their group.

Everett's astonishment was palpable. His wide-eyed admiration couldn't be concealed.

Declan Vaughn appeared equally shocked, though Selene remained unsurprised.

Then her eyes met Camille's.

The other woman's expression remained impassive, as if entirely unaffected.

Selene suppressed a sneer.

Was Camille truly indifferent? Or merely pretending aloofness?

After all, she now stood as Graham Bennett's student—a height Camille could never hope to reach. She could only gaze upward in envy.

Camille caught the fleeting contempt in Selene's eyes. Though uncertain of the exact thoughts, the gist was obvious.

Amused, she returned an icy, dismissive glance.

Selene interpreted this as forced composure.

Shifting her attention to Tristan and Declan, she noticed Declan's focus remained entirely on Camille—as if no one else existed.

But Declan wasn't one to judge by superficialities.

Having witnessed Camille's capabilities, he'd never genuinely favor someone like Selene.

Therefore, his apparent fixation on Camille didn't concern her in the slightest.

As for Tristan, he stared in her direction, visibly stunned.

Selene smiled.

He'd always recognized her talents, but likely never anticipated this level of distinction.

Would he still harbor feelings for Camille now?

Graham genuinely wished to engage Gabriel in substantive dialogue. But between Gabriel's schedule and the organizers' demands, no opportunity arose.

At lunch, Gabriel excused himself for another engagement, departing with Camille and their group.

As they passed Damien and Selene, Camille kept her gaze forward. Damien, engrossed in conversation, didn't so much as glance her way.

Graham's Estoria visit concluded on the conference's second day. He left disappointed by the missed opportunity for deeper technical exchange.

But his regret proved short-lived.

Shortly before departure, he told Selene with visible excitement: "AITR's latest issue received an extraordinary submission—innovative perspective, impeccable methodology. The review panel was thoroughly impressed. Once published, I'd love substantive discussions with the author."

As both a world-renowned professor and AITR reviewer, Graham was technically barred from pre-publication disclosures about submissions—including personal evaluations.

But given his stature, he doubted anyone would challenge this minor confidentiality breach.

Intrigued by his praise, Selene eagerly anticipated the journal's release.

Fortunately, AITR's new issue would publish imminently.

She understood Graham wouldn't have mentioned this unless he held high expectations for her.

"I understand, Professor. When the issue releases, I'll study that paper thoroughly."

Graham nodded approvingly. "Excellent."

After seeing him off at the airport, Selene finally returned home.