Chapter 374

Several days after the International AI Summit, Camille found herself at The Meridian Hotel one evening. She was attending her cousin Noah's wedding reception.

The elevator doors were about to close when a voice called out, "Hold that!"

A hand shot between the closing doors. Camille's breath caught when she recognized Tristan Lancaster.

He seemed equally surprised to see her. Though they'd only met briefly months ago, he gave her a polite nod.

Then Selene Lancaster appeared beside him. Her eyes flickered with recognition before she deliberately looked away, pretending not to know Camille.

Tristan reached for the control panel, noticing the 18th floor was already lit. He opened his mouth to make conversation.

Camille turned her face sharply to the side, her posture rigid with rejection. Tristan swallowed his words.

He wrapped an arm around Selene instead, who patted his hand with a practiced smile.

Camille observed them silently from her corner.

When the elevator chimed at the 18th floor, a wave of laughter and chatter greeted them.

Following the Lancasters out, Camille found herself in a packed ballroom.

Malcolm and Helena Lancaster stood by the entrance in formal attire, greeting guests for Selene's 70th birthday celebration.

The realization hit Camille like a physical blow. Of course - the elegant outfit, the hotel booking. How could she have forgotten?

"Here comes our birthday queen!" someone announced as Selene entered.

Then eyes turned to Camille.

"Lady Lancaster, is this your granddaughter?" a guest gushed. "No wonder she captured Lucerne's most eligible bachelor!"

"Such striking beauty! She even resembles you in your youth. What a blessing!"

Camille's fingers curled into fists. She needed to leave, but the crowd was too thick.

The Hartwell family stood nearby, visibly shocked to see Camille arrive with Selene.

For a wild moment, they wondered if Selene had actually invited her.

Impossible.

They quickly realized Camille must have taken the wrong elevator - a common mistake for first-time visitors.

When another guest commented on Camille's resemblance to Selene, her expression turned glacial.

Before she could respond, Selene cut in sharply, "You're mistaken. She's no relation of mine. I don't know this woman."

At that exact moment, Damien Harrington and Selene Lancaster emerged from another elevator.

"Ah, here's the real granddaughter!" someone announced.

All attention shifted to the striking pair.

Given their status, the guests immediately began showering them with compliments.

"Such presence! Only a top scientist's protégé could carry herself like this. Ordinary people simply can't compare."