Chapter 346

Selene shared the same concern, but the truth was, they'd started this entire debacle themselves.

Until now, she'd carefully maintained her poised demeanor around Damien. If he discovered this incident, would he think she and her family had been bullying Camille? That could permanently damage her carefully cultivated image in his eyes.

Helena understood Selene's worries perfectly. No one knew better than her how crucial maintaining appearances was - the foundation for keeping a man's devotion forever.

Rosalie grasped it too. Damien adored Selene precisely because she represented something irreplaceable to him. With careful handling, this might not leave lasting scars. Still, it remained an unnecessary misstep.

She shot Giselle a sharp look. "You're an adult now. You must learn to control your words and actions."

If mishandled, this incident could deal a devastating blow to both families.

"But I—" Giselle began weakly.

Initially, she'd dismissed it as trivial. Now the situation had spiraled far beyond her expectations.

Her hands trembled visibly. It had been years since she'd received such a stern reprimand. Though humiliated, she had no choice but to accept responsibility.

"I understand. I'll be more careful with my behavior."

Rosalie fell silent, having said her piece. Nora disliked seeing Giselle chastised, but facts were facts - her niece had ignited this entire mess.

If this jeopardized Vertex Dynamics's autonomous vehicle ambitions, the financial repercussions would be catastrophic. Compared to those potential losses, Giselle's bruised ego meant nothing. That's why Nora held her tongue despite her protective instincts.

The truth would surface eventually anyway. If NovaSight Labs insisted on terminating their partnership, Damien would inevitably learn of it. Only a matter of time.

Selene knew this. Helena and Rosalie understood it too.

When their food arrived, no one touched their silverware. The cheerful atmosphere from earlier had evaporated completely.

Selene's grip tightened around her phone. After a tense silence, she inhaled sharply and excused herself to make a call.

Damien answered immediately. "Hello?"

"Damien," she said, her voice strained. "There's been... an unpleasant situation."

She recounted everything, then added, "Camille provoked us deliberately earlier. I lost my composure when Mother was insulted. That's how things escalated."

He waited until she finished before responding. "You've miscalculated. If they sue, they won't just demand contract termination and reputation damages. They'll pursue breach penalties too."

"Your actions jeopardized the entire collaboration. Termination would cost NovaSight Labs significantly - and Gabriel will make you pay for that."

Selene froze. "Gabriel didn't mention this during our call."

"He omitted it intentionally. Downplaying the consequences makes you think there's still room to maneuver. It's a tactic to catch you unprepared."

"He wants you to call back, groveling with apologies. He's gathering ammunition against you."

Damien continued, "If I'm right, Gabriel likely recorded your entire conversation."

Selene's breath hitched. The realization struck like lightning. "You mean Camille orchestrated this? She wanted me to give them recorded evidence?"

"Precisely."

Her lips pressed into a thin line. She'd underestimated Camille's strategic thinking. Now she grasped the true gravity of her predicament.

After a weighted pause, she ventured, "I need your—"

"I can't promise a solution," Damien interrupted bluntly. "NovaSight Labs has government backing. My hands are tied regarding Gabriel."

What about the Hartwells then?

She considered voicing it but held back. Unless Damien suggested it himself, she couldn't risk appearing vindictive. Still, she wondered if he'd contemplate that angle without prompting.

Their conversation continued briefly before ending.

When Selene returned, Nora pounced immediately. "What did Damien say?"

"He'll mediate, but can't guarantee Gabriel will back down from termination."

Helena cared more about another matter entirely. "Did he comment on the incident itself?"

The autonomous vehicle project paled in importance compared to Damien's feelings. What truly mattered was whether he still adored Selene.

She didn't need to spell it out.

Warmth blossomed in Selene's chest as she answered. "He comforted me and promised to help resolve it. Not a single reprimand."

Helena visibly relaxed. Rosalie and Nora exhaled in relief.

Giselle's mood lifted instantly. "See? Damien's devotion runs deep. He'd never scold you over something so trivial."

Naturally, Selene basked in his unwavering affection. Yet today's events had cost her both dignity and financial security.

+25 8047

"Let's set Damien aside for now," she said coolly. "Giselle, I won't tolerate a repeat of this. Understood?"

Selene had never spoken with such icy finality before. Giselle shrank back, goosebumps rising on her arms. "U-understood. I'll think twice before speaking."