Chapter 418

The following days kept Camille Hartwell completely engrossed in finalizing details for the smart city infrastructure proposal. She conducted multiple field visits herself, double-checking every technical specification to ensure perfection.

Her diligence paid off when the comprehensive bid documents were submitted with hours to spare.

Gabriel Ashcroft received the notification first. His response was brief but warm: "Impressive work."

His own schedule had been equally demanding recently.

Between internal corporate restructuring, the ongoing partnership with Harrington Technologies, and two high-profile industry dinners, every moment was accounted for.

The networking events yielded promising contacts - several autonomous vehicle manufacturers had expressed interest in collaboration.

Gabriel intended to thoroughly vet these potential partners before committing.

Meanwhile, the NovaSight-Harrington Technologies alliance progressed seamlessly, already entering its second development phase.

To mark this milestone, Damien Harrington extended a personal dinner invitation to Gabriel and their primary project liaison.

Gabriel's message to Camille arrived as the celebratory meal concluded.

Though he maintained professional reservations about Damien, Gabriel couldn't deny Harrington Technologies's sterling reputation in the industry.

Their engineering team's expertise was undeniable, making the technical collaboration surprisingly smooth.

Less pleasant were the inevitable social encounters - particularly with members of the Lancaster and Mercer families.

Gabriel excused himself early rather than exchange pleasantries.

From across the room, Giselle observed his departure with a smirk. Leaning toward Selene, she murmured, "Ever since Harrington Technologies partnered with NovaSight Labs, that social climber's been acting like she's the linchpin of the entire operation."

"Funny how she's suddenly disappeared these past few days. Maybe she finally realized her place?"

The unspoken implication referred to Damien transferring control of Vertex Dynamics to Selene - now the rapidly expanding autonomous vehicle division receiving industry-wide acclaim.

After Damien departed, Giselle added smugly, "All Camille's hustle means nothing when Gabriel would never hand her a billion-dollar enterprise."

"Her entire career couldn't reach where you started!"

"That marriage scheme and even producing an heir netted her less than Damien casually gifted you. Pathetic really."

"Imagine her devastation knowing he gave you that fortune without hesitation."

Selene maintained a composed smile, offering no reply.

Truthfully, she'd felt unsettled witnessing Camille's professional competence.

But as Giselle pointed out - what tangible gains had Camille's relentless efforts actually yielded?

Even with her sharpened skills and connections like Gabriel and Graham, how many lifetimes would it take to amass Selene's level of wealth and influence?

Sabrina chimed in with a derisive chuckle, "Some divides can't be crossed."

No matter Camille's achievements, she remained fundamentally outmatched.

Malcolm remained silent but concurred. This explained why despite her relentless striving, she remained irrelevant.

That same evening found Camille and Gabriel dining with a prominent autonomous vehicle executive.

The smart infrastructure bid results would be announced within days.

On judgment day, Selene arrived with Malcolm well ahead of schedule, radiating confidence.

They mingled effortlessly with other bidders, exchanging pleasantries with relaxed smiles.

Camille and Gabriel entered last.

The sight froze Selene and Malcolm mid-conversation.

NovaSight Labs hadn't registered for this bid. Their presence could mean only one thing.

In that instant, all composure drained from the Lancasters' faces. Against NovaSight Labs's involvement, even Harrington backing couldn't guarantee victory.

Suddenly, Camille's recent absence from Harrington Technologies made perfect sense.

Without acknowledging the stunned pair, Camille and Gabriel proceeded to their reserved seats through the murmuring crowd.