Chapter 67

The afternoon negotiations stretched for hours. By sunset, the two companies had laid the foundation for a promising partnership.

Two days later, Camille Hartwell and Gabriel Ashcroft arrived at Vertex Dynamics to finalize the contract terms.

Wesley Caldwell and Roland Dunmore greeted them at the entrance.

Roland arrived slightly late. "My apologies," he said as he entered the conference room. "I was in a meeting with Mr. Harrington upstairs."

So Damien was here?

Camille noted this silently as they exchanged handshakes. "No problem," she replied.

The contract discussions resumed with Roland's arrival.

Moments later, the door opened again.

At first, neither Camille nor Gabriel paid attention, assuming it was just another employee. But when Wesley and Roland immediately stood, they took notice.

"Ms. Lancaster."

Camille froze.

Her gaze lifted to meet Selene Lancaster's.

Gabriel's brow furrowed.

Selene gave Camille a brief glance before addressing the executives. "Don't mind me. Carry on with your meeting."

Both men nodded deferentially, instructing Miranda to serve Selene coffee with utmost care.

Their behavior made one thing clear - they treated Selene like the future lady of the company.

"Mr. Ashcroft," Selene acknowledged Gabriel.

"Ms. Lancaster," he nodded in return.

Selene accepted the coffee and settled into the chair they brought for her. After taking a sip, her attention shifted to the contract documents.

"May I?" she asked.

"Of course," Roland smiled.

Noticing Camille and Gabriel's glances, Roland explained, "Ms. Lancaster is Mr. Harrington's partner. He shares all business matters with her."

The implication was obvious - Selene had full access to confidential information.

Gabriel smiled. "That's reassuring."

Camille kept her eyes downcast.

The home office had always been forbidden territory for Camille. Marcus Maddox had made that clear on her first day at the villa.

In all her years there, she'd never been permitted inside.

Yet Selene could freely review sensitive company documents, and this was common knowledge at Vertex Dynamics.

The contrast highlighted the depth of Damien and Selene's relationship.

Selene noticed their reactions. She knew their concern wasn't just about confidentiality - they were stunned by her privileged position.

After reviewing the documents, Selene glanced at the silent Camille, who avoided eye contact. Smiling, Selene took another sip of coffee.

Her demeanor was that of a woman who belonged in the boardroom.

During a lull while Roland amended a contract clause, Gabriel asked, "Ms. Lancaster, don't you work at Vertex Dynamics?"

Selene set down her cup and met his gaze directly.

"Damien offered me a position here," she said. "But I prefer making my own way. No shortcuts."

Before Gabriel could respond, Roland chuckled.

"You're too modest, Ms. Lancaster. Your AI expertise is renowned. Nobody would consider it a shortcut. Frankly, we'd be more efficient with you on board. Won't you reconsider?"