Chapter 174

The Meridian was buzzing with activity that evening.

After their dinner, Camille and Gabriel returned to the headquarters to continue their work.

On Wednesday morning, during an important strategy meeting, Gabriel's assistant interrupted to announce Tristan Rutherford's unexpected arrival.

Gabriel didn't need to guess the purpose of this unannounced visit.

Given Tristan's influential position in the business world, ignoring him wasn't an option.

Gabriel turned to Camille. "You handle the rest of this meeting. I'll go see what he wants."

"Of course."

When Gabriel entered the reception area, Tristan was already seated comfortably.

Noticing Gabriel's solitary entrance, Tristan's piercing gaze flickered briefly. He stood gracefully and extended his hand. "My apologies for dropping by unannounced, Mr. Ashcroft."

Gabriel forced a polite smile. "No need for apologies, Mr. Rutherford."

Once seated, Tristan wasted no time, producing a sleek document folder. "I've prepared a proposal for our potential collaboration. Would you care to review it?"

Gabriel accepted the folder. His expression grew increasingly serious as he scanned the contents.

Finally closing the document, he said, "Your offer is certainly generous, Mr. Rutherford. However, I'll need time to consider all aspects before giving you a definitive answer."

Tristan remained perfectly composed. "Naturally. Due diligence is expected in business matters. Should you have any concerns about my proposal, my door is always open for discussion and adjustments."

Their meeting concluded swiftly, with Tristan departing after brief pleasantries.

His impeccable manners and professional demeanor left Gabriel no choice but to personally escort him out.

When Gabriel returned, Camille had already concluded the meeting.

"That man operates with frightening efficiency," Gabriel remarked.

Just forty-eight hours after their phone conversation where Gabriel had declined his initial offer, Tristan had appeared with a fully developed proposal - no small talk, just straight business.

"Honestly," Gabriel admitted, "his terms are extremely tempting."

Camille considered this. "Take your time evaluating it. If the partnership truly benefits us, there's no reason not to proceed."

Gabriel agreed, though it frustrated him that this development would make it harder to maintain his adversarial stance toward Tristan.

The realization left him feeling oddly unsettled, as if robbed of an outlet for his lingering resentment.

Around five that evening, Camille's phone vibrated insistently during her work.

A glance revealed Chloe's name - again.

Her daughter hadn't called for two days, but Camille still let it go to voicemail, focusing instead on her reports.

Two mornings later, shortly after Camille finished dressing, her phone rang once more.

She placed the buzzing device face-down on the dresser and moved toward the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Across town, Chloe stared at her silent phone, frustration bubbling up until her eyes grew misty.

Pushing her breakfast around her plate, she addressed Damien across the table in a small voice. "That was the fourth time. Mom hasn't answered any of my calls since Saturday..."

Damien sipped his coffee calmly. "Give it more time."

Chloe's fork clattered against her plate. "What if she never answers?"

"Then wait longer," he said simply. "She will eventually."

Chloe brightened slightly. "How long is eventually?"

Damien considered this. "Two weeks, maximum."

Chloe's face fell. "Two weeks? That's forever!"

Damien nodded. "It does feel that way sometimes."

Changing tactics, Chloe asked, "I want to go shopping this weekend. Selene can't go with her injuries. Dad, will you take me?"

Damien set down his newspaper. "I'm booked Saturday, but free Sunday. If you want to go Saturday, Tristan and Iris would be happy to accompany you."