Chapter 396

Some time ago, when Graham Bennett discovered that a research paper he had highly praised during peer review was actually authored by someone from NovaSight Labs, he made a special trip to Lucerne just to meet Camille Hartwell and Gabriel Ashcroft.

During that visit, he told Selene Lancaster that if she had joined NovaSight Labs when she returned to Lucerne last year, her professional growth would have been remarkable.

At the time, Selene completely agreed. She believed Camille had deliberately blocked her from entering NovaSight Labs, causing her to miss a crucial career opportunity.

But now, seeing how much Camille had achieved in less than a year by working alongside Gabriel, Selene realized she might have lost far more than she originally thought.

It wasn't just Gabriel - there was also Graham Bellamy.

Graham's formidable expertise and access to cutting-edge industry knowledge had played a significant role in both Gabriel and Camille's professional development.

Just as her mother Helena had said, if Selene had successfully joined NovaSight Labs back then, with her intelligence and capabilities, her progress would've undoubtedly surpassed Camille's.

But there were no second chances. All of that was just wishful thinking now.

As these thoughts raced through her mind, Selene glared at Camille with icy contempt. So this was Camille's grand plan all along - leaving Calder Group, getting close to Gabriel, and blocking Selene's path into NovaSight Labs.

Recalling how everything had unfolded, Helena finally understood Camille wasn't as simple as she appeared. "I never imagined she could be this calculating," Helena said coldly.

Camille was still engaged in conversation with other attendees. When she turned and noticed the Lancaster women staring, she immediately sensed their hostility.

In the past, their expressions had always been filled with disdain or indifference. Today's venomous glare was something new.

But Camille had no interest in deciphering their sudden change in attitude. She simply averted her gaze with deliberate indifference.

To Helena and Selene, this reaction only confirmed their suspicions - Camille was arrogant and smug.

It was as if she had already defeated them.

Today, Camille was indeed the center of attention. Her pride seemed justified.

Considering the value of her research, Camille had already surpassed Selene professionally.

But...

Camille had Gabriel. She had technical prowess.

Selene had Damien Harrington.

Helena regained her composure. "Her success won't last forever," she said calmly.

She refused to believe Camille and Gabriel's relationship would remain stable indefinitely.

When Selene thought about Damien's feelings for her and how Chloe Harrington preferred her over Camille, she too calmed down.

Her gaze returned to Camille, now filled with familiar contempt. "I must admit I've been neglecting my research lately," Selene said. "It's time I refocused on my studies."

Even without Gabriel and Graham's professional support, if she dedicated herself to continuous learning, who could say who would achieve more in the future?

Helena naturally approved of this mindset. "Damien can help you," she suggested.

Selene smiled confidently. "I know. He'll absolutely help me if I ask."

With that, she stopped paying attention to Camille entirely and rejoined the symposium crowd.

But unlike earlier when she mostly networked with corporate representatives, this time Selene sought out the event's leading experts.