Chapter 53

Gabriel Ashcroft studied Camille Hartwell carefully. Noticing Gideon Valen's dismissive attitude toward Selene Lancaster, he asked pointedly, "Mr. Valen, do you have some issue with the Lancaster family?"

Gideon shook his head. "I wouldn't call it an issue, but..." He hesitated. "Laurel Morland - the young woman who argued with Ms. Lancaster last night - is like a daughter to me."

"I've watched her grow up. She can be hot-headed, but she's not irrational."

"Her fiancé, Graham Rhodes from the Rhodes family, became quite involved with another woman two years ago - so much that he nearly broke off his engagement with Laurel."

"But then, somehow, that woman ended up catching Damien Harrington's attention, and suddenly she stopped contacting Graham..."

The implication was clear. Selene had interfered in Laurel's relationship before. But after climbing higher socially, she'd withdrawn.

What truly bothered Gideon wasn't the past - it was last night's charity gala incident.

He sighed. "Originally, my friend and Laurel were supposed to attend today's expo. But after last night's scene involving Mr. Harrington, the internet exploded. Netizens have been tearing Laurel apart. She's devastated."

"Worse, those opportunistic businessmen noticed Selene's connection with Mr. Harrington and immediately started cozying up to the Lancasters."

"To avoid becoming targets today, my friend and Laurel decided not to come..."

Gabriel and Camille listened silently, unsure how to respond.

When Camille glanced toward Selene, she saw even more people crowding around her now.

After concluding their conversation with Gideon, Camille joined Everett Ortiz and the others to analyze the exhibition's technological innovations.

Exposure to so many cutting-edge advancements left both Camille and Everett exhilarated and completely absorbed.

Time passed unnoticed until Gabriel suddenly approached Camille and gestured toward a particular direction.

There stood Damien. So he was here after all.

His tech company held significant influence nationally, and he was technically skilled himself. His presence didn't surprise Camille.

Besides, with Selene attending, how could he not show up?

Sure enough, there he was - standing right beside Selene.

The surrounding crowd positioned them as the center of attention, making them appear like a legitimate couple.

Camille took one brief look before turning away.

Then she spotted Arlo Calloway. He was here too.

However, engaged in conversation, he hadn't noticed her.

Gabriel asked, "Does he know you're here?"

Camille shook her head. "Probably not."

After all, though she and Damien had crossed paths occasionally recently, they'd never properly discussed their relationship.

Even when they did speak, it was always about their daughter, Chloe.

So how would Damien know she was attending?

Gabriel, clearly displeased, pressed, "You're really not going to greet him?"

Camille and Damien were still legally married. If she publicly asserted her identity as Mrs. Harrington, Gabriel wanted to see how Damien and Selene would react.

Camille understood his implication. But she shook her head firmly. "No."

First, there was no need.

Second... if she cornered Damien, he might retaliate by publicly reviving those old accusations about how she'd supposedly trapped him.

Even though she was innocent, she lacked evidence to prove it.

If things escalated, she'd be the one humiliated.

With so many business elites present, mishandling the situation could even affect her uncle's business. She wouldn't let momentary anger cloud her judgment.