Chapter 430

Tristan rushed after Camille, but he was too late. When he arrived at the elevator bank, the doors had already closed behind her.

Across town, Damien was engaged in conversation when his phone buzzed.

He glanced at the screen and answered.

After a brief exchange, he ended the call just as Selene approached. "Who was that? You sounded pleased," she observed.

"An old university friend. Caleb Doyle. He's visiting Lakeview on business and wanted to catch up over dinner. My schedule happened to be clear."

Damien turned to her. "Care to join us?"

When they'd met, Damien had already graduated. She'd encountered a few of his college acquaintances at social functions, but they'd all seemed like casual connections.

This one appeared different - closer somehow.

She nodded. "I'd love to."

Damien exchanged a few more pleasantries with their hosts before escorting Selene to the upscale restaurant where they were meeting.

Caleb, an expat with striking features, had already secured a table. He rose as they approached. "Damien! It's been too long." His gaze shifted to Selene. "And this must be your girlfriend? She's stunning. You make a perfect pair."

Damien made the introductions.

Caleb leaned forward, intrigued. "So how did you two meet?"

Selene smiled. "In Lucerne. I'd just finished my studies at the time..."

When she finished her story, Caleb let out an impressed whistle. "Brilliant woman! Dane, your taste remains impeccable." He chuckled. "I remember that girl you were crazy about in college - the one who skipped grades to graduate early. Rumor had it you two even married before she finished her degree..."

Selene's smile faltered slightly.

Damien's expression darkened. "You're mistaken, Ben. That wasn't my girlfriend."

"Really?" Caleb looked genuinely surprised. "I only met her that one time when I was back in the country. Must have gotten the wrong impression." He quickly changed the subject. "So, what's good here? You're the local - I'll trust your judgment."

Damien didn't press the matter further.

The conversation flowed easily as Caleb proved an engaging dinner companion. He turned to Selene with interest. "And what do you do?"

"I'm currently working in autonomous vehicle development."

"An engineer? Impressive."

Selene smiled modestly. "Not as impressive as it sounds. Actually, Damien founded the company. Later on..." She explained how she became involved.

Typically, this revelation elicited responses like "He must really believe in you." But Caleb's reaction was different.

His expression shifted almost imperceptibly. Though he said nothing, his demeanor subtly changed - as if reassessing her worth. A flicker of disappointment crossed his features when he glanced at Damien, as though questioning his friend's judgment.

Selene's smile tightened.

Catching himself, Caleb cleared his throat. "How's the company performing?"

Damien answered smoothly. "We recently achieved a technological breakthrough that significantly increased our valuation."

"Of course," Caleb nodded, smiling. "With you at the helm, that's no surprise. Growing a tech company's value must be child's play for someone of your caliber."