Chapter 161

Gabriel's face lit up with a smile as he immediately greeted Camille. "Ms. Hartwell."

Camille smiled and nodded before turning to both him and Wesley. "Damien is treating my team to dinner. Would Mr. Ashcroft and Mr. Caldwell care to join us?"

She deliberately ignored Selene.

Wesley was eager to accept, but he glanced at Gabriel and Selene first.

Gabriel declined without hesitation. "Ms. Hartwell, we appreciate the invitation, but we already have plans."

Camille frowned. "Mr. Ashcroft—" She hadn’t expected him to remain so firm despite her repeated attempts.

Her gaze flickered toward Selene, who sat nearby, sipping water.

Selene met her eyes with a cold stare.

Camille quickly looked away.

What did Selene have that made Gabriel so loyal? Beauty alone couldn’t compare to her own brilliance.

Since Gabriel refused, Camille maintained her polite smile. "Another time, then." Without another glance at Selene or Wesley, she turned and left.

Wesley exhaled sharply. "Ms. Hartwell can be quite dismissive."

Camille had every reason to be confident, but even Damien, the true head of Vertex Dynamics, treated employees with respect.

Gabriel shrugged. "I noticed."

Camille carried herself like she already owned the company. Even without Damien’s backing, her arrogance was palpable.

Not long after, Damien—likely informed by Camille—approached them.

He shook Gabriel’s hand courteously. "We’re heading out now. Mr. Ashcroft, I hope you’ll join us next time."

Gabriel hesitated briefly. "Of course."

Damien smiled, gave Selene a fleeting glance, then left with Camille and her team waiting at the entrance.

After lunch, Selene and Gabriel returned to Vertex Dynamics.

Camille’s team didn’t return until much later.

By 6:00 PM, Selene and Gabriel wrapped up their work. There was still plenty to handle, but they had time over the next few days. No rush.

Camille’s team, however, showed no signs of stopping.

Wesley remarked, "I heard they’re planning to work overtime tonight."

Gabriel replied, "Hmm."

Selene said, "Let’s go."

Gabriel chuckled. "Let me treat you to dinner."

She shook her head. "No need. I have other plans."

Helena had asked her to return to Harrington Manor for dinner.

When she arrived, Damien and Chloe were already home.

She hadn’t expected Damien to be back—she’d assumed he’d stay at the office with Camille.

Damien barely glanced up from his laptop when she entered.

During dinner, he sat beside her, absorbed in his phone.

Selene suddenly spoke. "Do you have a moment? There’s something I need to discuss with you."