Chapter 431

Damien said, "I haven't been directly involved in the company's recent development."

Hearing this, Caleb looked at Selene in surprise. "So Selene, you're actually the driving force behind it?"

Selene shook her head modestly. "Not at all. The real credit belongs to our engineering team. Most of them were already established professionals when I joined. The company's current success is, as Damien mentioned, largely due to his initial vision. My contributions have been minimal."

Caleb smiled warmly. "You're being too humble."

Initially, when Caleb learned that Selene only had her business because Damien handed it to her, he had assumed she wasn't particularly remarkable and perhaps not quite on Damien's level.

But observing their dynamic now - how they supported and acknowledged each other's strengths - he realized Damien must consider Selene an AI specialist superior to himself. That would explain why he entrusted the company to her care, believing it would thrive under her leadership. It perfectly aligned with Damien's generous and humble nature.

Selene waved off the compliment. "Really, I'm not just saying this out of modesty..."

Soon the conversation shifted to lighter topics as they shared amusing anecdotes from their time studying in Lucerne.

Having all been international students there, they found plenty of common ground.

Selene, with her natural charm and social ease, made the dinner surprisingly enjoyable despite this being her first meeting with Caleb. At times, she even engaged Caleb more actively than Damien did.

Caleb was visiting the country on a business trip with his father and would be departing the next day. As dinner concluded, he excused himself for another engagement.

Before leaving, he shook Selene's hand warmly. "Selene, it's been a genuine pleasure meeting you today. You're remarkably intelligent and delightful company."

He glanced meaningfully at Damien, hesitating as if to say more, but Selene smoothly interjected, "You flatter me, Caleb."

As Caleb waved goodbye and turned toward his car, he suddenly spotted Camille Hartwell emerging from the restaurant with Gabriel Ashcroft and several business associates.

Caleb didn't recognize the others, but Camille's face sparked recognition. He pointed in surprise. "That woman... Isn't she—?"

Damien remained silent.

Camille, noticing the gesture, had initially intended to ignore Damien's group entirely. But as she turned away, realization struck - she remembered Caleb from years ago when he'd visited Damien during their time together in Lucerne.

That single meeting had ended somewhat awkwardly, though the memory was faint now.

Her business companions were speaking to her, so she quickly refocused on their conversation, deliberately avoiding any further glance toward Damien's table.

Caleb noted Camille's cold demeanor.

His gaze shifted between Damien and Camille, both now with new partners, and understanding dawned. He tactfully chose not to comment further.

Besides, he was pressed for time. With final goodbyes to Damien and Selene, he entered his waiting car.

Selene wasn't surprised Caleb knew Camille. She had only glanced briefly at Camille and Gabriel when they appeared, paying them little mind.

Though her initial interaction with Caleb had been slightly awkward, she now found him quite pleasant.

"He's genuinely kind and authentic," she remarked to Damien. "Very easy to be around."

Damien smiled in agreement. "That he is."