Chapter 200

"There might be some minor objections, but nothing substantial," Damien remarked.

Whenever the company landed a major project, other shareholders inevitably wanted their people involved. But Mr. Harrington rarely assigned personnel himself—people couldn't start complaining the moment he finally did, could they?

Besides, the Lancasters and Hartwells were competent professionals who followed protocol, so overall, it caused minimal disruption.

Gabriel had heard enough. "Alright, I won't keep you from your family. Let's schedule dinner soon."

Damien nodded. "Absolutely, next time."

After he left, Gabriel turned to Camille. "Shall we go inside?"

Camille gave a quiet affirmation. "Mm."

Post-lunch, when they returned to the office, they were informed Everett Mercer was waiting to see them.

Neither Camille nor Gabriel had any intention of meeting him. Yet Everett remained stubbornly planted in the lobby.

That evening, as Camille left work and approached her car in the parking garage, his voice cut through the dim lighting. "Ms. Hartwell."

She turned, her expression cool. "Mr. Mercer. What do you want?"

Everett met her gaze. "We need to talk."

Camille arched an eyebrow. "Do you actually want to discuss business, or are you here to lecture me?"

He hesitated before replying, "I'm serious. I hope you can set aside personal issues and focus on what matters. Don't let emotions cloud your judgment and damage your company's interests."

The audacity almost made her laugh.

"I believe that's exactly what I should be saying to you, Mr. Mercer," she countered.

After all, it was Everett who'd let his feelings for Selene Lancaster sabotage their negotiations. Now he had the nerve to paint her as the unreasonable one abusing her authority?

The hypocrisy killed any remaining interest in conversation. Without another word, she slid into her car and drove off.

Everett's face darkened.

His phone chose that moment to ring.

After a terse conversation, he too departed.

Thirty minutes later, when Everett entered the private dining room, Elliot Mercer and Felix Rhodes were already seated.

Elliot took one look at his stormy expression. "That bad? The negotiations aren't going well?"

Everett had visited NovaSight Labs three times this week. Each time, Gabriel had refused to see him.

As the saying goes, only the person who tied the knot could untie it.

So Everett had tried approaching Camille instead. Remembering her stonewalling, he shook his head.

"If Gabriel won't budge and Ms. Hartwell remains inflexible, securing the NovaSight Labs project seems unlikely," Elliot observed.

"But honestly, if you can't get this one, there are plenty of other lucrative opportunities."

Everett shook his head. "I've studied the NovaSight Labs project extensively. I'm genuinely invested."

Even without Dorian Mercer pushing him, after reviewing the project specs, Everett personally wanted in.

Elliot tapped his chin. "Perhaps we need a different approach?"

He glanced meaningfully at Felix. "Speaking of which, Felix—didn't you two hit it off at the gala? She seemed quite taken with you during your dance."

"If Everett can't get through to her, maybe you could mediate? Smooth things over?"

Felix had been sipping his whiskey. He set the glass down with deliberate care. "We're not that close. It would be inappropriate."