Chapter 173

The moment Camille Hartwell spotted the Lancaster and Mercer families entering the restaurant, her face remained an unreadable mask.

Gabriel Ashcroft muttered under his breath, "Fate has a twisted sense of humor."

The Lancaster clan visibly brightened at the sight of Gabriel.

Malcolm Lancaster approached with an ingratiating smile. "Mr. Ashcroft, what an unexpected pleasure."

Gabriel responded with minimal courtesy. "Indeed."

Malcolm pressed on, "Since we've crossed paths, perhaps we could share a meal together?"

Earlier phone conversations had already revealed Malcolm's eagerness to court Gabriel's favor. This chance encounter seemed like divine intervention to him.

Gabriel's refusal was polite but firm. "Another time. This is a private engagement."

Disappointment flashed across Malcolm's face before he recovered. "Of course. Another time then."

With a curt nod to Camille, Gabriel signaled their departure. "Shall we?"

Camille fell into step beside him, deliberately avoiding eye contact with the Lancaster entourage.

As they ascended the staircase, Rosalie Lancaster frowned. "Selene mentioned Gabriel's been keeping her at arm's length because of Camille. Do you think he'll block our bid for the Axiom Systems project?"

Given Gabriel's frosty demeanor, the concern seemed valid.

Helena Lancaster offered measured optimism. "The Axiom Systems tender hasn't closed yet. Nothing's decided."

Quentin Lancaster chuckled. "Exactly. Look at Damien and Selene - everyone thought Helena Harrington would prevent their relationship, but now the divorce is happening regardless. Miracles do occur."

He referred, of course, to Damien Harrington's impending separation from Camille.

Nora Lancaster's face lit up at the reminder. "Damien's wanted this divorce for ages. Now that Selene nearly died saving him, he's finally standing up to his grandmother. His devotion is touching."

"Selene's patience is finally being rewarded," Helena agreed. "Her happiness is assured."

The group shared satisfied smiles.

Then Nora's expression darkened as she glanced toward the departed couple. "But what if Camille refuses to sign? She clearly doesn't want this divorce."

Rosalie waved away the concern. "Damien makes his own decisions. He was only waiting for the right moment to avoid upsetting Helena Harrington."

"His mind's made up," Quentin added. "Especially after Selene's sacrifice. He won't let her suffer any longer."

Nora remained uneasy. "I still worry Camille might create complications. Perhaps someone should... speak with her."

This suggestion hung in the air as the group exchanged meaningful glances.

Upstairs, Gabriel and Camille stepped off the elevator only to encounter three imposing figures approaching.

Gabriel's expression darkened. "What cosmic joke is this today?" he muttered under his breath.

Camille studied the trio - Everett Mercer accompanied by two others, one of whom looked vaguely familiar yet unplaceable.

The men greeted Gabriel with forced cheer. "Gabriel! Small world."

Gabriel manufactured a smile. "Remarkably so."

Everett had actually called earlier hoping to arrange a business dinner. Seizing this unexpected opportunity, he gestured expansively. "Since we're all here-"

Elliot Mercer chimed in, "It's been ages since we shared a meal."

Gabriel's refusal was immediate. "Not tonight. Prior engagements."

His gaze shifted to the third man. "Felix. Didn't expect to see you here."

Felix Rhodes's chiseled features remained impassive. "Taking personal days."

Gabriel nodded curtly before steering Camille away. "We'll reschedule."

Felix acknowledged this with a silent nod.

Once inside their private dining room, Elliot sipped his whiskey thoughtfully. "Gabriel's star keeps rising. Those two projects could make him unstoppable."

Felix's response was characteristically blunt. "He was Lucian Bellamy's protégé. His research aligned perfectly with market needs. Success was inevitable."

Then he turned to Everett. "Elliot mentioned you once pursued the woman with Gabriel. Yet now you won't even look at her. What changed?"

Everett's jaw tightened at the reminder of his past infatuation with Camille. The memory clearly rankled. "Drop it," he snapped. "Let's order."

With a shrug, Felix let the matter rest.