Chapter 172

Gabriel understood Marcus Mercer's position perfectly.

Giving his own people first-hand information was just how the elite operated. He'd seen it all before.

His jaw tightened. "We do need partners for expansion, but I can't stand Everett Mercer."

Camille knew why. Everett had always favored Selene Lancaster. But she didn't care.

Her voice remained steady. "The project comes first. Maximizing our benefits is the priority. Personal feelings are irrelevant."

She'd met Marcus once. Ambitious, yes—but Graham Bellamy trusted him, and that was enough.

Gabriel exhaled sharply. "I know. Just venting."

A smirk tugged at his lips. "Still, we've got time before officially seeking investors. Let him sweat a little longer."

Camille chuckled. "Fine. Whatever makes you happy."

After Everett's call, they returned to work. But thirty minutes later, Gabriel's phone buzzed again.

His expression shifted—disdain mixed with satisfaction.

Camille raised a brow. "Who is it?"

"Tristan Rutherford."

"Another collaboration offer?"

"Most likely."

Like Everett, Gabriel rarely interacted with Tristan, Arlo Calloway, and their circle. A sudden call meant only one thing.

The Rutherford family, like the Mercers, had deep political and military ties.

They always knew things before anyone else.

Gabriel glanced at Camille. "Should I answer?"

As Damien Harrington's wife, Camille had never been accepted by Tristan. He'd embraced Selene, the mistress, instead.

To Gabriel, Tristan was worse than Everett.

"Answer it," Camille said. She wouldn't let pettiness interfere with business.

He picked up.

As predicted, Tristan proposed a partnership.

After hearing him out, Gabriel replied coolly, "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Rutherford, but we're still in early development. My schedule is packed. Perhaps another time."

"What about Thursday?"

"Unlikely. If that changes, I'll contact you."

Tristan knew NovaSight Labs's projects were in high demand. Gabriel had no shortage of suitors.

"Very well. I'll await your call."

The moment the call ended, Gabriel slammed his palm on the desk, laughing. "That felt good."

Camille smiled.

But his laughter faded abruptly. He studied her. "Do you think Damien might reach out too?"

NovaSight Labs and Vertex Dynamics were competitors—but collaboration wasn't impossible. These new projects had overlapping interests.

Camille's tone was calm. "I don't know. Focus on the project. Personal issues don't matter."

"Right." A little attitude was fine, but business came first.

Secretly, Gabriel hoped Damien would call. But the phone remained silent.

Instead, more collaboration offers poured in—none from Damien.

Then, just before leaving, an unknown number flashed on his screen. He answered.

"Mr. Ashcroft? This is Malcolm Lancaster. Selene's father."

Gabriel froze. He pulled the phone away. "It's Malcolm."

Camille met his gaze silently.

He understood.

With others, they could set grudges aside. But the Lancasters? Never.

He forced a smile, voice icy. "Mr. Lancaster. What can I do for you?"

Predictably, Malcolm wanted in. Gabriel gave a diplomatic refusal and hung up.

He scoffed. "Everett and Tristan hearing about this first makes sense—they're connected. But the Lancasters? How?"

The Lancasters were outsiders in Lucerne. If they knew this soon, someone had tipped them off.

Likely Damien or Tristan—both close to Selene.

Gabriel's mood soured.

But he knew Camille felt worse.

"Come on," he said, forcing cheer. "Your senior's treating you to dinner. My treat!"

Truthfully, Camille wasn't as upset as he thought. She'd made peace with these people long ago.

This time, she held the power.

But free food? Never a refusal.

She smiled. "Thanks."

They walked out together.