Chapter 380

Exchange thoughts? That was laughable. Gabriel Ashcroft and Selene Lancaster had absolutely nothing meaningful to discuss.

With so many people around, he certainly wouldn't voice that opinion to Hugh. Their acquaintance was merely superficial at best.

Gabriel offered a polite smile. "You're absolutely right, Professor."

Hugh Dunmore held considerable prestige in Lucerne's AI research circles.

Both the Lancaster and Hartwell families assumed Gabriel would show more interest in Selene since she studied under Graham Bennett, a luminary in the field.

Hearing Hugh's admiration for Selene, Giselle shot Camille Hartwell a smug look.

Selene trained under someone as distinguished as Graham Bennett. But Camille? Who was she? Compared to Selene, Camille was insignificant.

Helena Lancaster, Malcolm Lancaster, and their companions shared the same opinion.

When Damien Harrington had called Selene earlier, Helena and the others had been present.

Upon hearing about the group lunch, they'd decided to join. Not that they intended to freeload - they simply happened to be dining at the same venue.

Discovering they were Selene's family, Hugh extended the invitation.

Turning to Gabriel, he inquired, "Mr. Ashcroft, I was wondering if—"

Gabriel's gaze shifted to Camille.

She showed no objection.

Respecting Hugh's seniority, Gabriel chose not to embarrass him.

Amused internally, he maintained a courteous expression. "Mr. Harrington is hosting today. If he has no objections, neither do I."

The party moved into a private dining room.

Camille seated herself beside Gabriel while Declan Vaughn took the chair on her other side.

Selene positioned herself between Damien and Hugh.

After preliminary small talk, Hugh and Selene began discussing Graham. Their conversation had barely started when Selene's phone pinged with a notification.

Reading the message, she smiled at Hugh. "The latest issue of AITR just published."

Indeed, the newest AITR edition had released today.

This wasn't exactly breaking news—aside from the Lancasters and Hartwells, nearly everyone at the table followed top-tier AI journal updates closely.

Most attendees were already aware without Selene's announcement.

But Selene had more to share.

She added, "My advisor, Professor Bennett, served as reviewer for this issue. He just messaged saying one particular paper stood out remarkably—he believes it's essential reading for all of us."

Her words instantly captured everyone's attention—including Camille and Gabriel.

Hugh appeared particularly intrigued.

Given Graham's stature in AI, such high praise indicated something extraordinary.

Hugh asked, "Which paper?"

Selene held up her phone and read the title Graham had sent her.

The group silently committed it to memory.

Upon hearing the title, Gabriel arched an eyebrow with an amused smile, turning to Camille.

She simply sipped her tea with a knowing smile.

The AITR journal—both print and digital versions—had released globally simultaneously.

For a paper to earn Graham's effusive praise? Hugh practically vibrated with the urge to access it immediately.

Yet social decorum demanded restraint.

Still, he couldn't help remarking, "Sounds like it must focus on attention mechanisms."

Selene nodded. "Precisely."