Chapter 379

Camille's communicator buzzed sharply, cutting off whatever Felix was about to say.

She glanced at the screen and immediately stood. "Emergency at the data center. I have to go."

The next morning found her leaving the military base behind.

After a day of rest at her apartment, she returned to The Meridian headquarters.

The company had just formalized its partnership with Harrington Technologies. Coincidentally, Gabriel was scheduled for a meeting there on her first day back.

Unlike previous contract negotiations where she could delegate to Gabriel or Peter, this project demanded her direct involvement.

Today's agenda focused on core technology integration between the two corporations. Camille accompanied Gabriel to Harrington Group's headquarters, with Declan and other engineers in tow.

They reached the conference room just as Damien approached from the opposite corridor with his assistants and Caleb.

Damien exchanged polite greetings with Gabriel.

Caleb hadn't seen Camille since her departure from Harrington Group, though Colin had mentioned her new position at The Meridian.

While Gabriel had visited several times recently, this marked Camille's first return.

Damien's gaze slid over Camille and Declan without recognition, his expression carefully neutral as he ushered Gabriel inside.

Declan seemed equally disinterested in acknowledging any prior acquaintance.

Camille offered Caleb a small smile. "Mr. Doyle. It's been a while."

"You know each other?" Declan asked.

"I used to work here," she replied simply.

Before further conversation could develop, Hugh Dunmore entered - the Westbridge University professor consulting on Harrington's project.

"My apologies for the delay."

"We just arrived ourselves," Gabriel assured him.

Hugh's attention immediately locked onto Gabriel. "Mr. Ashcroft! Your reputation precedes you. I've been hoping for this introduction."

"You flatter me, Professor Dunmore."

The meeting commenced promptly at 9 AM, stretching until noon. Discussion of technical specifications flowed between Gabriel, Damien's team leads, and Hugh while Camille's group took meticulous notes.

Afterwards, Damien invited everyone to lunch.

As they exited, Hugh turned to Damien. "I haven't seen Selene in months. With her studying under Professor Bennett in Lucerne now, opportunities will be even scarcer. Might we invite her to join us?"

Gabriel gave a noncommittal nod. "No objection here."

"You're acquainted?" Damien asked.

"I mentored her during undergrad," Hugh explained. "Even then, her aptitude was extraordinary. Studying under Graham Bennett only confirms her potential."

Damien pulled out his phone. "I'll arrange it."

Thirty minutes later at the restaurant, Selene arrived with Giselle and Sabrina.

"Professor!" Selene greeted Hugh warmly before her gaze flickered to Gabriel.

"Mr. Ashcroft, you and Selene must be well acquainted by now?" Hugh prompted.

Gabriel's response was curt. "We've met."

Hugh beamed. "Two rising stars in the field! You should exchange ideas more frequently."

Selene's smile tightened at Gabriel's indifferent expression.

She'd expected recognition after he learned of her connection to Graham Bennett - some acknowledgment of their shared professional sphere. Yet his demeanor remained unchanged, his eyes skating over her with the same detached politeness as always.