Chapter 383

It was truly Camille?

Though Everett, Helena, and Giselle weren't AI specialists and couldn't fully comprehend the revolutionary nature of Camille's research, they recognized one undeniable fact—Selene's mentor, Graham, was a titan in the artificial intelligence field.

For such an internationally acclaimed authority to personally message Selene, urging her to study this paper meticulously—that spoke volumes.

Adding to the weight, Hugh's protégé had just revealed that Camille's publication had sent shockwaves through global tech circles, with leading engineers pulling all-nighters to dissect her findings.

The implications were clear: Camille's work carried serious academic clout. But how could someone like Camille produce such groundbreaking research?

Hugh, unaware of Camille's complicated history with the Mercers and Lancasters, hadn't yet read the paper himself.

Yet merely hearing it boosted language model efficiency for long-text processing by over ten times was enough to electrify him.

He turned sharply to Gabriel. "This researcher Camille Hartwell—is she present today?"

"She is," Gabriel replied smoothly, gesturing toward Camille. "Allow me to introduce Ms. Hartwell."

Camille had maintained remarkable composure throughout—whether during the earlier Harrington Group meeting or now—remaining quietly observant.

But her striking beauty made subtlety impossible. Even those unfamiliar with her had noted the elegant woman in their midst.

No one could have predicted her intellectual prowess.

When realization struck that she authored the paper shaking the AI community, Hugh rose abruptly, crossing the room to offer a respectful handshake.

"Ms. Hartwell, I'm Hugh Dunmore from Westbridge University. My life's work focuses on foundational AI theory and practical applications. This is an honor."

Camille stood gracefully, accepting his hand. "Professor Dunmore, you flatter me. The privilege is mine."

Hugh's deferential manner was so pronounced that observers might have mistaken him for the junior scholar and Camille the esteemed veteran.

Giselle's nails dug into her palms.

One paper. Was this spectacle really necessary?

Helena's lips thinned.

Gabriel turned to Selene with calculated politeness. "Ms. Lancaster, you mentioned studying this research intensively."

"Should questions arise, I'm certain Camille would be delighted to provide guidance."

Selene's jaw clenched.

A distinguished professor from a top-tier university was fawning over Camille, and now Gabriel suggested Selene seek her rival's tutelage?

Giselle exploded from her seat. "This is absur—"

"Preposterous!" she nearly shrieked. "Selene holds a PhD from an Ivy League institution! Who is Camille? Some undergraduate! Expecting Selene to beg for her help? Are you mocking us?"

"One paper doesn't prove superiority!"

Those were the words Giselle wanted to hurl. But Selene cut her off with icy composure. "Mr. Ashcroft is correct. I'd welcome the opportunity to consult Ms. Hartwell."

Her adaptability was chilling.

Gabriel's internal scoff went unnoticed.

He knew the bitter history between Camille and Selene. Suggesting academic deference was a masterstroke of public humiliation.

Everett's expression darkened.

While he didn't grasp the paper's technical merits, Gabriel's apparent slight against Selene ignited matching outrage.

So Graham praised it? Still just one paper. This has gone too far, he fumed silently.

Helena's face turned glacial.

Giselle, though seething at being silenced, couldn't protest further after Selene's strategic retreat.

Just then, Gabriel's assistant, Selene Carver, leaned in. "Mr. Ashcroft, Professor Bennett called. He's arriving in Lucerne shortly and requests meetings with you and Ms. Hartwell."

Gabriel waved dismissively. "Decline."

"Understood." The assistant turned to Camille. "Professor Bennett emphasized he'd fly in solely to meet you if necessary."

"He finds your insights revolutionary and desires in-depth discussion."

Camille didn't blink. "Regrettably, I'm unavailable. Please convey my apologies."

"Of course."

Everett and Giselle exchanged stunned glances.

Graham wasn't just admiring from afar—he'd cross continents for a conversation? How significant was this research?

Selene understood Graham's stature better than anyone.

Hearing her revered mentor practically begging for Camille's attention turned her complexion ashen.

Arlo, unfamiliar with AI luminaries, decided to investigate the online buzz.

His phone search yielded shocking results—Camille's paper dominated tech forums, comment sections overflowing with accolades.

Netizens hailed Camille and Gabriel as pioneers dismantling Lucerne's AI monopoly, catapulting Estoria into technological leadership.

He shot Camille an incredulous look before whispering to Damien, "Is she really this brilliant?"