Chapter 427

For added security, Camille arranged for two additional caregivers to tend to Audrey while discreetly monitoring activities in Room 1003.

That same night, she received word that the patient in Room 1003 - Nora Lancaster - had been discharged earlier than expected.

Though no incidents occurred during Nora's hospital stay, Camille maintained the extra caregivers as a precautionary measure.

She instructed them to remain and continue caring for Audrey.

Gabriel Ashcroft was currently immersed in critical negotiations for their autonomous vehicle initiative, keeping him exceptionally busy.

Consequently, Camille attended the prestigious Corporate Excellence Gala in his stead - an official government event recognizing outstanding business contributions.

Nearly seven hundred corporate leaders filled the grand ballroom.

Camille arrived fashionably late.

The moment she entered, Tristan Rutherford excused himself from his conversation and immediately approached.

"Ms. Hartwell, what a pleasure to see you."

She offered a polite nod. "It's been too long, Tristan."

Selene Lancaster stood nearby, representing Vertex Dynamics as expected.

Tristan had been watching the entrance since the gala began. Spotting Camille, he'd rushed over without hesitation.

Selene pressed her lips into a thin line and averted her gaze.

The Meridian's seating placed them near the front, adjacent to Beaumont Group's delegation.

After brief pleasantries, attendees returned to their assigned seats.

The Calder Group's reserved seats neighbored The Meridian's.

Camille had noticed Selene in the crowd but saw no sign of Damien, assuming he wouldn't attend.

Unexpectedly, as she settled into her seat and greeted her other neighbor, Damien appeared and took the chair beside her.

She deliberately avoided acknowledging him, but he nodded politely. "Just arriving?"

Camille remained silent.

The executive on her other side leaned forward to greet Damien.

After exchanging pleasantries, the man nearly commented on how striking the pair looked together.

Remembering their respective relationships, he caught himself.

Instead, he glanced at Tristan seated beyond Damien and remarked, "What an impressive gathering of young visionaries in this row. Truly inspiring company."

Damien engaged briefly before the man returned to his seat.

With their divorce finalization mere days away, Tristan studied the estranged couple.

They sat inches apart yet worlds away. Beyond Damien's initial greeting, complete silence prevailed between them.

Damien turned to Tristan. "It's been weeks. What's kept you occupied?"

"Our biotech venture hit unexpected complications. Required considerable travel."

"Still unresolved?"

"Progressing slowly."

"Need assistance?"

Tristan shook his head. "We're managing."

Damien nodded, then shifted his gaze to Camille. Sensing his attention, she instinctively turned.

He remarked, "I reviewed those research papers you mentioned. Fascinating work. Though I've developed some follow-up questions—"

Camille turned away sharply, cutting him off.

Damien simply smiled and let the matter drop.

Despite Vertex Dynamics's recent notoriety, its valuation couldn't compare to industry giants like The Meridian and Calder Group.

Thus Selene found herself seated in the third row.

From her vantage point, she watched the trio up front, her lips pressing tighter with each passing moment.