Chapter 411

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Camille Hartwell's office as she reviewed financial reports with Declan Vaughn. A sharp knock interrupted their discussion.

"Ms. Hartwell, Mr. Vaughn is here to see you." Selene Carver announced from the doorway.

"Thank you, Selene." Camille turned to Declan. "I need to handle some personal matters. Let's continue this later."

Declan exchanged polite nods with Lucas Vaughn and his associate before excusing himself.

The two lawyers entered, each carrying sleek leather briefcases. As Selene closed the door behind them, they began methodically arranging stacks of legal documents across Camille's desk.

After completing the meticulous inventory, Lucas added, "Mr. Harrington's attorney asked me to relay a message."

He cleared his throat. "Should you find the management responsibilities burdensome and wish to divest your shares, Mr. Harrington would be most interested in acquiring them at fair market value."

Camille's expression remained impassive. "Noted."

With no further business, Lucas and his assistant departed promptly.

Camille glanced at the mountain of paperwork now occupying her office, then deliberately turned her attention back to her computer screen.

Thirty minutes later, Gabriel Ashcroft appeared in her doorway. His curious gaze immediately fell upon the two briefcases resting near her chair.

"What's all this?" he asked, stepping inside.

"The finalized asset division from my separation agreement with Damien."

Gabriel whistled low. "All of it? That's what - ten billion dollars worth? I thought the agreement gave him two years post-divorce to transfer everything."

He raised an eyebrow. "You haven't even filed the final paperwork yet, and he's already handed over the entire fortune?"

Camille nodded. "Every last share and property deed."

Gabriel gave a humorless chuckle. "Someone's in a hurry."

This explained Damien's recent urgency about completing the divorce proceedings.

"And the cash settlement?" Gabriel pressed.

"Cleared this morning."

"Tsk." Despite knowing Camille had emotionally moved on, Damien's efficiency stung. "You two haven't even signed the final decree yet, and he's rushing to sever all financial ties."

He crossed his arms. "What - was he afraid you'd change your mind?"

Camille shrugged. "Does it matter?"

Since requesting the divorce last year, she'd focused solely on the end result, not Damien's motivations.

Gabriel hesitated before voicing an unexpected thought. "This level of immediate compliance... in a strange way, it almost suggests he still trusts you?"

Trust?

Their entire relationship had begun with a drunken mistake Damien still believed she'd orchestrated. What trust could possibly exist between them?

Gabriel quickly recognized his misstep. "Forget I said that."

Camille smoothly redirected the conversation. "What brings you by?"

"Our tenth anniversary gala planning. We need to finalize the venue and guest list."

NovaSight Labs's milestone celebration demanded grandeur, especially given their recent high-profile partnership with Harrington Group.

As they concluded their discussion, Gabriel mentioned, "We'll need to extend invitations to Harrington Group's executives, naturally."

Camille's response was calm and professional. "Of course."