Chapter 68

Selene Lancaster's lips curved into a knowing smile. Time would tell.

The unspoken message was clear - she could walk into Damien Harrington's company whenever she pleased.

Camille Hartwell had grown accustomed to the special treatment Damien showed Selene.

She reached for her water glass just as movement caught her eye. Through the glass door stood Damien.

Her fingers froze around the stemware.

Their eyes met briefly before his gaze slid away.

Turning back, Camille caught Selene's subtle smile directed at the doorway - a silent greeting meant only for Damien.

Selene turned to Roland Dunmore. "I should be going now."

Only then did Roland and Wesley Caldwell notice Damien's arrival.

With noon approaching, his purpose was obvious - taking Selene out for lunch.

As Wesley and Roland rose to greet him, Damien waved them off. "Don't mind me. Carry on with your work."

They nodded and resumed their seats.

Damien addressed Gabriel Ashcroft politely. "Apologies for not hosting you personally. Work demands kept me occupied."

"You're too kind, Mr. Harrington," Gabriel replied smoothly. "I completely understand the pressures of your position."

Damien's brief glance at Camille held no particular meaning before he exited with Selene.

Given Damien's numerous business ventures, Gabriel wasn't surprised to find him at Vertex Dynamics. Selene's presence, however, was unexpected.

Gabriel gave Camille's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

She shook her head slightly. She was fine.

Coming to Vertex Dynamics, she'd braced herself for possible encounters with Damien. Selene's involvement was the real surprise.

Wesley had mentioned Selene visiting before, but Camille assumed it was occasional. She hadn't realized Selene moved through Damien's company like she owned it, familiar with every employee.

The contract negotiations delved deep into technical specifications, ensuring clarity for future collaboration. Each clause required thorough discussion.

By the time terms were finalized, the clock showed well past five.

After Gabriel signed, Roland personally took the documents upstairs for Damien's signature. "Mr. Harrington is still in his office?" Gabriel asked.

"Indeed," Wesley confirmed. "He's immersed in another project."

Or was he?

Too busy - or deliberately avoiding Camille?

The possibility crossed her mind.

Wesley, being a fellow tech expert like Gabriel, lowered his voice after the formalities concluded. "Ms. Lancaster's been here all day. Rumor has it she's been with Mr. Harrington the entire time. Their relationship appears quite... established."

Seated beside Gabriel, Camille couldn't help but overhear.

Roland soon returned with the executed contract.

Gabriel declined the dinner invitation, citing personal commitments. Roland and Wesley escorted them downstairs without pressing further.

As they waited for the elevator, fate intervened - bringing them face-to-face with Damien and Selene.