Chapter 434

Damien's gaze remained fixed on the stage, completely unaware of Selene's intense stare.

She bit her lower lip and turned away sharply.

The product launch by Virelia had become an unprecedented sensation.

When Camille and Lucas stepped down from the platform, another wave of thunderous applause erupted through the venue.

Every corporate executive in attendance immediately rose to offer their congratulations to Lucas and Camille.

Gabriel moved swiftly through the crowd toward Camille.

The impact of Virelia's autonomous vehicle technology would undoubtedly send shockwaves through global markets.

Camille's professional stock was about to soar to unimaginable heights.

Having known her for years, Gabriel felt genuine pride in her achievement. Without thinking, he pulled her into an embrace. "Congratulations," he murmured.

Camille's lips curved into a soft smile. "Thank you, Professor." Her whisper was so quiet only Gabriel caught the familiar title.

The tech moguls present understood talent when they saw it. At this moment, their interest in Camille far surpassed their curiosity about Lucas.

A genius like her represented a walking goldmine - if anyone could lure her away...

Mental calculations began behind polite smiles, though no one dared approach Camille directly yet. This was Virelia's moment after all - Lucas deserved their respect first.

They swarmed Lucas with congratulations before casually attempting to engage Camille in conversation - only to find Gabriel had already claimed her attention.

Over recent months, Camille and Gabriel had become a frequent sight at industry events together.

Some executives had met her before.

Back then, they'd dismissed her as merely Gabriel's arm candy - beautiful but insignificant.

Then her groundbreaking research paper made waves, forcing them to acknowledge her intellect.

Gabriel was a prodigy, and Camille, being both brilliant and in the same field, suddenly seemed like a worthy match.

But after today's demonstration, they realized Camille wasn't just talented - she was a once-in-a-generation mind.

For Gabriel to be a genius was impressive enough, but to have a partner who matched him? The man had it all.

Envy flickered behind many carefully composed executive expressions.

As Gabriel released Camille, one CEO couldn't resist teasing, "Mr. Ashcroft, keeping Ms. Hartwell's brilliance under wraps like this? That's downright criminal."

"Absolutely," another chimed in.

Gabriel arched an eyebrow. "Who said anything about keeping secrets? You simply lack vision."

But all eyes remained on Camille.

After exchanging pleasantries with Gabriel, they turned to Camille with renewed interest. "Ms. Hartwell, our warmest congratulations."

"Thank you," Camille responded gracefully.

"We have several cutting-edge tech initiatives underway. Ms. Hartwell, might you have availability for a more in-depth discussion?"

Before she could respond, another executive interjected, "His 'cutting-edge' projects are child's play compared to what we're developing at-"

Soon a lively crowd formed around Camille and Gabriel, the air buzzing with competitive energy.

Damien remained seated throughout, observing the scene with detached interest.

Selene sat rigid beside him, nails digging into her palms.

She stole another glance at Damien. His attention never wavered from the center of activity - not even a flicker of awareness that she existed. It was as if she'd become invisible to him.

Her face drained of color. Jaw clenched, she turned her gaze toward Camille just a few yards away.

The implications of Virelia's success were painfully clear.

The autonomous vehicle market had limited capacity. Virelia's dominance would inevitably crush competitors' prospects.

If yesterday Vertex Dynamics's technological advances promised hundred-million-dollar opportunities, today...

The mere thought made Selene's chest constrict.

And Camille?

Setting aside everything else, if the technologies demonstrated today were truly her creations, the patent royalties alone would generate staggering wealth, not to mention consulting fees and profit shares.

As these calculations spiraled through her mind, Damien's voice snapped her back to reality.

She turned to find him checking his watch. "Don't we have another engagement? We should leave."

Despite the storm of thoughts, her mind had gone curiously blank.

Wordlessly, she rose and followed him to bid farewell to Lucas.

Lucas remained encircled by well-wishers near Camille and Gabriel.

Noticing their approach, Lucas offered Damien a polite nod. "Mr. Harrington."

Damien extended his hand. "Congratulations."

Lucas smiled. "The pleasure is mutual."

Damien then turned to Camille. "Congratulations."

Camille met his gaze evenly. "Thank you."

Addressing Lucas again, Damien said, "We have prior commitments. Mr. Caldwell, everyone - until next time."

Lucas and the others nodded politely.

But as they exchanged farewells with Damien, many eyes flickered curiously toward Selene.