Chapter 433

The moment Gabriel Ashcroft concluded his introduction, the auditorium exploded with deafening applause.

Damien Harrington turned his gaze toward Camille Hartwell, joining the ovation.

Selene Lancaster hesitated briefly before offering restrained applause, her expression carefully neutral.

Camille didn't acknowledge Damien - she simply exchanged a glance with Hugo Caldwell before rising gracefully and approaching the podium.

As she ascended the stage, Lucas Caldwell's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Ms. Hartwell isn't just an exceptional engineer from Vertex Dynamics," he announced, "but the brilliant mind behind the core technology driving this groundbreaking partnership between Virelia and Vertex Dynamics!"

A ripple of astonishment spread through the crowd.

Selene froze momentarily, questioning whether she'd misheard.

Vertex Dynamics commanded immense influence globally - their every innovation drew intense scrutiny.

The official announcement of this collaboration at Virelia's flagship event came as no surprise.

Nor did the presence of an Vertex Dynamics representative to explain the technical specifications.

But the person Lucas called forward wasn't Hugo Caldwell - it was Camille.

When Camille first stood, Selene had dismissed it as Hugo's chivalry letting his protégé shine.

She never imagined Camille was the architect of this entire venture.

How could this be?

As Selene struggled to process this revelation, Lucas continued, "Ms. Hartwell, I'll let you take over the technical presentation now."

Camille accepted the microphone with effortless poise. "Good evening everyone," she began, her voice calm yet commanding. "I'm Camille Hartwell, lead engineer at Vertex Dynamics."

"Our collaboration with Virelia focuses on four revolutionary advancements."

She proceeded to outline their breakthroughs in engine microprocessors, AI-driven autonomous vehicle systems, next-generation materials application, and fuel efficiency optimization.

The audience quickly realized true innovation required mastery across multiple disciplines.

Yet Camille demonstrated profound expertise in every field - from autonomous navigation to composite materials to intelligent powertrain design.

She functioned as her own interdisciplinary team.

As she detailed their achievements in enhanced safety protocols, cutting-edge material science applications, and unprecedented efficiency gains, both technical and non-technical attendees sat in rapt attention.

The crowd wasn't just impressed by Camille's versatility - they recognized the seismic impact this partnership would have on the industry.

Numerous engineers in attendance gazed at her with undisguised admiration.

Selene remained rooted in her seat, disbelief etching lines across her forehead.

She knew Camille possessed AI expertise, but engines? Microprocessors? Fuel systems?

Advanced materials she could accept - Camille had demonstrated that knowledge before.

But the other specialties?

These weren't casual competencies one simply acquired.

If they were, the nation wouldn't have struggled for decades against foreign semiconductor monopolies.

What made it more astonishing -

Camille spoke without notes.

Technical terminology, precise metrics, case studies - all flowed effortlessly from her lips as she humbly credited her inspirations.

With each passing minute, Selene's expression darkened further. Her hands clenched involuntarily, a cold dread creeping through her veins.

Suddenly, a disturbing realization struck her.

Her head snapped toward the man beside her - Damien Harrington.