Chapter 436

"Camille understands engines and microchips? That's impossible!"

Even after Camille Hartwell's research paper caused waves in academic circles, Malcolm Lancaster still refused to believe she was the true author.

Now Helena was telling him Camille had mastered complex engineering and semiconductor technology?

Preposterous.

Helena lowered her lashes. The truth was just a search away.

Minutes later, after watching segments of Camille's keynote at Virelia's launch event, Helena's stomach twisted into knots.

Malcolm, however, remained in denial.

Giselle's furious voice crackled through the phone. "She planned this! First sabotaging Uncle Malcolm's logistics venture, now coming after Vertex Dynamics!"

On that point, both Lancaster parents agreed.

Whether the breakthrough technology truly belonged to Camille or not, one thing was certain—Virelia's unveiling would cripple Vertex Dynamics's market position.

Before they could strategize, Giselle's panic escalated. "What now? Analysts predict Virelia will monopolize the autonomous vehicle sector. Vertex Dynamics can't possibly compete—"

Though Virelia's advancements appeared formidable—

Helena unclenched her fist, adopting an artificially calm tone. "Technology evolves daily. Today's leader becomes tomorrow's follower."

"Global autonomous vehicle adoption hasn't commenced. We still have time. The tides of fortune change swiftly. Declaring market winners now would be premature."

Her words contained partial truth.

Yet Malcolm knew better. His tech firm had produced no meaningful innovations in years. Gaining technological supremacy wasn't child's play.

If breakthroughs came easily, the world wouldn't have so few tech titans. Early advantage meant everything.

Virelia's progress wasn't incremental—it was revolutionary across multiple domains with global implications.

Competitors could either admire from afar or embark on futile chases—requiring one year minimum, twenty at worst.

By then, the market would have—

Malcolm's agitation surfaced. "I wonder what Damien makes of this development."

Helena understood his unspoken request to contact their daughter.

She replied smoothly, "They're handling critical negotiations. Let's discuss this after Selene and Damien conclude their business."

"Very well."

No alternatives remained.

After dining with Damien and Gideon Valen, Selene returned to the Lancaster estate.

Though her family hadn't interrupted the meal, she knew they'd seen Virelia's broadcast—and Camille's starring role.

As predicted, she found her parents and Giselle waiting in the drawing room.

Before questions could begin, she preempted them. "You've seen the news?"

"Indeed," Helena confirmed. "What was Damien's reaction?"

Selene settled onto the chaise, shaking her head. "He didn't comment."

Helena's teacup halted mid-air. "Explain."

+25 Bonus

Selene's nails dug into her palms. "Regarding Virelia's launch—complete silence. Not one word."

No remarks about Camille. No analysis of Virelia's technology. Nothing.

Helena's porcelain cup clattered against its saucer.

Malcolm and Giselle gaped.

This defied Damien Harrington's character entirely.

Virelia's advancements threatened Vertex Dynamics's survival.

Normally, Damien would've reassured Selene, dissected Virelia's tech from every angle—engineering, commercial, strategic—and formulated countermeasures.

This time?

Radio silence.