Chapter 392

Damien remained oblivious to the tension between Camille and Selene. He picked up where Hugh had left off. "We were just discussing some industry breakthroughs."

"Ms. Lancaster's insights would be valuable here," Hugh added. "More perspectives could spark new ideas."

Selene's response was measured. "I see."

Her gaze flickered toward Cole.

Camille had intended to leave after the business discussions. But Hugh and Dorian's enthusiasm had kept her engaged longer than planned.

Selene's arrival provided the perfect exit opportunity.

Camille rose gracefully. "It's getting late. Mr. Harrington, Professor Dunmore, Professor Hartwell - we'll continue this another time."

Beyond Camille's recent publication, several AI firms had made significant advancements. During their conversation, she'd quickly grasped each innovation's core.

The exchange had been intellectually stimulating. Both Dorian and Hugh clearly wanted to prolong the discussion.

Dorian protested, "Must you leave? I wanted your thoughts on engine integration."

Though collaborating with Harrington Group, such in-depth technical exchanges were rare. Hugh added, "Yes, stay a while longer."

Camille smiled politely. "Another time. I have prior commitments."

Seeing her resolve, they reluctantly acquiesced.

After bidding them farewell, Camille turned to Damien. Their handshake was professional. "Until next time, Mr. Harrington."

Not just Dorian and Hugh had enjoyed the conversation. Even Colin and Caleb noticed Damien's rare engagement during the discussion.

They expected him to ask Camille to stay.

Instead, Damien simply returned the handshake. "Next time." He instructed Caleb, "Please escort Ms. Hartwell out."

Caleb suddenly understood Damien's restraint. Without Selene present, Damien might have extended the conversation given his professional admiration for Camille.

But with Selene here, her feelings took precedence.

Any effort to keep Camille would undoubtedly make Selene overthink their history.

"Ms. Hartwell," Caleb said courteously, "this way."

Camille nodded. Without acknowledging Damien or Selene further, she departed with Caleb and Selene Carver.

Selene watched Camille's retreating figure.

Recalling Dorian and Hugh's eagerness, she asked lightly, "What were you discussing?"

Hugh spoke first, admiration evident. "Ms. Hartwell possesses remarkable breadth in AI innovation. A rare polymath - truly impressive."

"Her insights expanded my thinking considerably," Dorian added. "That's why we wanted to continue. A real missed opportunity."

Selene hadn't anticipated this.

Her smile faltered slightly before she regained composure. "I see."

Dorian chuckled. "Camille's an AI prodigy. Brilliant mind, striking beauty. Gabriel's a fortunate man."

An AI genius? Camille?

And Gabriel was lucky?

Dorian's praise elevated Camille to near sainthood.

Though Selene didn't know how Camille had so thoroughly impressed them, their admiration reminded her of Hugh Rhodes and Roland Royce.

They too had been captivated.

A single paper had won such favor from industry titans.

Selene couldn't deny Camille's skill.

But without genuine substance, the truth would eventually surface.

No matter Camille's current acclaim, it was merely illusion - nothing substantive.

At this thought, Selene lowered her head with a faint, knowing smile.