Chapter 263

Tristan Rutherford's gaze lingered on Camille Hartwell when he spotted Damien Harrington and Selene Lancaster approaching.

Noticing Camille's unchanged expression at their arrival, he lowered his head with a faint smile. "I'll be right back."

Camille and Gabriel Ashcroft both nodded in acknowledgment.

Tristan walked over and had barely exchanged greetings with Damien and Selene when Everett Mercer made his entrance.

The moment Everett saw Selene, his steps instinctively carried him toward her.

Selene glanced at him and offered a polite smile. "Mr. Mercer."

"Ms. Lancaster." Everett had been swamped with work lately and hadn’t seen her in weeks.

Now, standing before her, admiration flickered in his eyes. He stole another discreet glance before turning to greet Tristan and Damien.

NovaSight Labs had become a critical partner for the Mercer Group. After a brief exchange with Tristan, Everett made his way to Gabriel and initiated the conversation.

After the usual pleasantries, he addressed Camille with a cool, "Ms. Hartwell."

Camille merely smiled, offering no verbal response.

NovaSight Labs had already sent out invitations for its exclusive banquet, but the Mercer Group hadn’t received one.

Everett had only learned of this tonight.

If NovaSight Labs couldn’t even extend an invitation to him, it was unlikely Camille and Gabriel would attend the Mercer Group’s banquet tomorrow.

The realization made his frown deepen.

Neither Camille nor Gabriel showed any interest in engaging with him. Gabriel cut straight to the point. "Mr. Mercer, we have some old friends to greet. Excuse us."

Without waiting for a reply, they turned and walked away.

Everett knew full well they simply didn’t want to speak to him. Truthfully, he had hoped to establish a better rapport with Gabriel.

But despite their long-standing business ties, Gabriel had never given him an opening. His disdain was so blatant he didn’t even bother masking it.

Everett pressed his lips together, irritation simmering beneath the surface as he watched them leave.

For the past few months, NovaSight Labs had been the center of attention. Spotting Camille and Gabriel, many guests eagerly approached them.

Among them were several recent business partners of NovaSight Labs.

Since their investment conference, Camille had taken the lead on numerous deals, showcasing her formidable skills in the field.

Some executives had even attempted to poach her, though she’d declined every offer.

Still, they remained cordial, treating her with respect.

Now, seeing her again, one couldn’t resist making another recruitment attempt right in front of Gabriel.

"Ms. Hartwell, our company ranks among the nation’s top firms. The benefits are unmatched, and we’re open to negotiation on any terms."

These people had nerve.

Camille smiled politely. "I have no plans to leave NovaSight Labs at this time, but I appreciate the offer, Mr. Valen."

Gideon Valen sighed heavily at her refusal.

Moments later, someone noticed his frustration and teased, "Gideon, you look like you just lost a billion-dollar deal."

"Close enough."

Since the man wasn’t a competitor, Gideon confided, "I found an exceptional talent, but she won’t budge no matter what I offer."

"Oh? Who?"

"Ms. Hartwell from NovaSight Labs."

"Her? She seems quite young. Is she really that capable?"

"Absolutely."

His company’s top technical experts—handpicked by Gideon himself—had praised her extensively after their discussions.

For them to speak so highly of her spoke volumes.

Selene remained oblivious to the praise Camille was receiving. She was deep in conversation with Lucas Caldwell.

After mingling with a few guests, Everett stepped aside. Noticing Selene wasn’t with Damien, he approached her.

Spotting him, Selene offered a faint smile. "Mr. Mercer."

Everett nodded, then glanced at Lucas. "And this is...?"

Selene introduced Lucas’s background before adding, "He’s my mentor now. I’ve been learning from him and have gained invaluable knowledge."

She had previously expressed her desire to study under Graham Bellamy and had been working tirelessly toward that goal.

Hearing her now, Everett realized her determination ran deeper than he’d imagined. His admiration for her dedication grew.

Stepping back, he said, "I’ll leave you to it."

Selene nodded and resumed her discussion with Lucas.

Everett found it hard to look away from her focused expression.

Just then, someone approached him for a conversation, pulling him away.

Later, as Everett excused himself to head to the restroom, he spotted Camille and Damien in a secluded corner.

He froze.

The memory of Damien embracing Camille months ago resurfaced abruptly.

Before he could process it, he saw Damien pick up a slice of cake and offer it to her.

Everett’s expression darkened. Lips pressed tight, he strode toward them.

Camille didn’t reach for the cake.

As Everett neared, Damien noticed him and turned. "Mr. Mercer."