Chapter 437

An urgent call from the company summoned Damien away. There were pressing matters requiring his immediate attention.

Selene's face was pale, her expression troubled.

Helena immediately sensed something was wrong. Beyond being overshadowed by Camille's brilliant performance today, something else must have occurred.

"During the luncheon," Helena inquired carefully, "how did Damien behave toward Camille?"

Selene's eyelashes fluttered downward. "He was impressed by her."

Helena's countenance darkened visibly.

In the past, Damien had always dismissed Camille as insignificant. She'd been beneath his notice, never once earning his admiration.

But now—

"That technology Camille presented today—do you truly believe it originated from her?"

Though Helena hadn't interacted much with Damien, from Selene's accounts, she knew he was technologically savvy himself and held genuine respect for technical experts.

If Camille truly possessed such capabilities, his sudden admiration wouldn't be surprising.

Before Selene could respond, Giselle burst out, "Of course it's not hers! She's just an undergraduate—how could she possibly—? It must be Gabriel—"

Selene cut her off. "I think it might actually be hers."

Giselle's eyes widened in disbelief. "That's impossible! How could she—?"

But the facts were undeniable. Camille had skipped three grades to enter university early—attending Crestmont University, the nation's most prestigious institution.

While Giselle herself had also skipped grades to attend a reputable university, it paled in comparison to Aurelia.

The implication was clear—Camille had the academic foundation for serious research if she'd chosen that path.

Reluctantly, Selene had to acknowledge the possibility that both Camille's published paper and today's technological presentation might genuinely be her own work.

Helena had reached the same conclusion.

Camille's academic excellence had always been a source of pressure for Selene.

Selene clenched her fists. "If it weren't truly her work, would she dare claim it so publicly?"

Giselle scoffed. "She's shameless! Of course she'd dare!"

Both Helena and Selene ignored her outburst.

Selene bit her lip. "I just don't understand..."

Even with her accelerated education, Camille hadn't achieved anything particularly noteworthy during university. After obtaining her bachelor's degree, she'd married Damien, had Chloe, and later joined Harrington Group.

Given that trajectory, how could she possibly possess such advanced research capabilities?

Helena had pondered this too. She understood her daughter's dilemma.

After dismissing Giselle from the room, Helena spoke gently, "Even if Camille is truly that capable, you and Damien share a profound bond. That isn't easily shaken."

"Besides, you have your own considerable strengths. Selene, darling, don't dwell on this."

How could she not?

Selene remained silent.

Though Damien had behaved perfectly normally after the luncheon—treating her with his usual kindness—could he truly be as unaffected as he appeared?

She couldn't help recalling how, just weeks ago, Damien had gone out of his way to collect research papers Camille had recommended during technical lectures for Harrington Group's engineers.

The memory lodged in her throat like a splinter.

If he were truly as composed as he seemed, then why had he not mentioned a single word about the luncheon afterward?