Chapter 137

Selene froze for a split second before pressing her lips into a thin line.

This wasn't the response she'd hoped for.

Graham was already turning to leave when she rushed forward. "Mr. Bellamy," she blurted out, "how can I improve?"

He paused briefly. "Research more. Stay updated with industry advancements."

Just then, Damien returned.

Before he could speak, Graham stated, "My business here is concluded. I'll reach out in a few days."

"Understood."

With that, Graham left.

Damien studied Selene's expression. "That bad?"

She nodded bluntly. "He rejected me."

"What exactly did he say?"

Selene recounted the entire conversation, including Graham's blunt assessment.

"You're clearly talented," Damien said. "And his advice is sound."

Selene hesitated. Lately, she'd neglected deep research and rarely kept up with tech breakthroughs.

Had Graham noticed her lack of dedication? Did he consider her professional attitude lacking? Was that why he'd refused her?

Realizing it was her work ethic - not her skills - that had cost her this opportunity, she felt marginally better.

Damien squeezed her shoulder. "There's always next time."

"I'll try again." Selene believed correcting her approach would meet Graham's standards.

She regretted wasting months on racing. Had she focused, she might already be his protégé.

Graham returned to the villa.

Inside, Camille and Gabriel were prepping ingredients for stew.

"You're back early," Gabriel noted.

Graham shrugged off his coat. "Hmm."

Gabriel glanced at Camille emerging from the kitchen, then smirked. "So no new apprentice, then?"

Graham ignored him, accepting a bowl from Camille.

Silence spoke volumes.

Gabriel chuckled, winking at Camille. "Told you I had her pegged from day one."

Camille smiled, shooing him back to the kitchen for meat. "Yes, yes, you're brilliant." When he returned, Gabriel asked, "Where would you rank her technically?"

"Marginally above average PhD level."

"Great minds."

Over the past decade, their nation's AI advancements had likely surpassed global benchmarks.

As a pivotal industry figure, Graham constantly interfaced with cutting-edge tech and elite talent.

Selene's skills were impressive for a layperson. Among top-tier candidates? Merely adequate.

Compared to Graham's inner circle, she lagged far behind.

As for Gabriel and Camille? That was an entirely different caliber.

At twenty-five, Selene couldn't hold a candle to what Camille had achieved years prior with NEXA.