Chapter 416

Audrey's medical treatment wouldn't be available immediately.

The following day, Camille returned to work after her hospital visit, maintaining her usual routine.

Emmett Dunmore had flown in from out of state for business discussions with Camille and Gabriel Ashcroft.

At midday, Camille and Gabriel took Emmett to lunch at The Meridian.

Their collaboration was nearing finalization. During the car ride, Gabriel inquired about Emmett's departure plans.

Emmett smiled warmly. "I'll be extending my stay by two days. Another business meeting came up tomorrow."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow with interest. "What sort of collaboration?"

"Vertex Dynamics," Emmett replied.

The name made both Camille and Gabriel's smiles falter momentarily.

Unaware of the tension between NovaSight Labs and Vertex Dynamics, Emmett continued enthusiastically. "Vertex Dynamics recently made a technological breakthrough. Industry experts are predicting remarkable growth potential."

"Yesterday, Ms. Lancaster from Vertex Dynamics proposed a partnership. The terms seemed favorable, so I accepted."

Caught up in their own projects, Camille and Gabriel hadn't tracked this development. The unexpected news darkened their expressions.

After exchanging a glance with Camille, Gabriel responded neutrally, "Is that so?"

Their conversation continued until they reached the restaurant.

As they exited after lunch, the elevator doors opened to reveal Selene Lancaster and her entourage.

"Mr. Dunmore!" Selene and Malcolm Lancaster greeted Emmett warmly, equally surprised by the encounter.

After pleasantries, Emmett gestured to Camille and Gabriel. "Ms. Lancaster, these two are—"

Gabriel interrupted smoothly. "No introductions necessary. We're acquainted."

Emmett chuckled. "Of course, we met last time. My memory fails me sometimes."

He added admiringly, "Mr. Lancaster, Ms. Lancaster, your company's progress is truly impressive. Quite enviable."

Selene and Malcolm accepted the compliment with practiced modesty.

Since Vertex Dynamics's R&D team overcame their technical hurdles, their autonomous vehicle project had gained significant industry traction. Analysts now valued the company at potential billions.

Malcolm's struggling tech firm had also made breakthroughs with external assistance, its future suddenly bright.

The Lancaster and Hartwell families reveled in Vertex Dynamics's success. Giselle Lancaster couldn't hide her smug satisfaction when looking at Camille.

All credit went to Damien Harrington, who had seemingly anticipated this outcome when transferring the company to Selene. His unsurprised reaction to the breakthrough spoke volumes.

With both Lancaster enterprises thriving and Damien's impending divorce from Camille, fortune clearly favored the Lancaster family.

Camille and Gabriel remained silent observers throughout.

Selene didn't even glance Camille's way.

The groups parted ways in the lobby.

Back in the car, Gabriel researched the news, understanding the Lancasters' elation.

"Damien is really—"

Too generous.

He left the thought unspoken, respecting Camille's feelings, though his own resentment simmered.

Returning to the office, they were reviewing meeting notes when accounting notified them: Vertex Dynamics's final compensation payment—over $100 million—had cleared.

Gabriel blinked. "They raised that amount already?"

Camille nodded. "Apparently."

A heavy silence followed before they refocused on work.

Later that afternoon, Camille's phone rang mid-meeting. Elise Ellis's voice came through urgently.

"Cami, have you heard about Vertex Dynamics?"

"I have."

"That witch got incredibly lucky. If their autonomous vehicles gain market traction, doesn't that mean—"

Camille's grip tightened on her mouse. Before she could respond, Elise continued, "And your father's company is thriving too."

"They might secure the government's smart traffic platform contract. That project would establish NovaLink Technologies permanently in Lakeview."

Elise's voice dripped with resentment. "Why? Why do these people keep succeeding?"