Chapter 178

"Mr. Harrington is here?" Everett asked.

"Yes." At the mention of Damien, Selene's tone softened immediately. "My injury hasn't fully recovered yet, and Damien was concerned, so he came to pick me up."

She spoke without sparing Camille a single glance. Then she added, "Mr. Mercer, we'll be leaving now. Until next time."

Everett had originally planned to confront Camille and defend Selene.

But seeing how Selene didn't even acknowledge Camille's presence, he realized she completely despised her - so much that she wouldn't waste energy on fake politeness.

Watching Selene's proud, direct demeanor, Everett found her even more captivating.

At that moment, he decided words were wasted on someone like Camille. She wasn't worth it. His dislike for Camille intensified.

"I'm leaving too," he told Selene. "Let's go together."

Selene nodded, walking away with Malcolm without looking back.

While Selene ignored Camille completely, Everett turned to give her one last icy glare before leaving.

Camille didn't need to guess what that look meant. Everett wasn't the first man to dislike her simply because of Selene.

Meeting his gaze coldly, she turned away indifferently and strode toward the exit as if they didn't exist.

Everett was stunned.

She showed no shame at being called out - if anything, she seemed arrogantly unbothered.

He scoffed mockingly. "Unbelievable."

The world truly contained all types.

Seeing Camille walk out alongside them without hesitation, Malcolm frowned in displeasure.

Selene's steps faltered slightly before continuing, pretending not to notice Camille at all.

In the parking lot, Damien waited by his car, leaning against the door.

Noticing Camille with the group, he hesitated briefly before regaining composure.

Camille saw Damien too. Without acknowledging anyone, she went straight to her car.

After setting her navigation, she drove off.

As she pulled away, she caught Damien opening the car door for Selene with his usual gentle care.

There was a banquet Saturday evening. Gabriel returned Friday afternoon.

When he heard about Everett's behavior, he scoffed. "In that case, we won't collaborate with him. No point dealing with such unpleasant people."

Camille agreed.

Everett wasn't the only good business partner available. She wouldn't lower herself for him.

Saturday afternoon, as Camille prepared her evening gown, her phone rang.

Chloe.

She'd been ignoring the calls, hoping Chloe would call less frequently. Yet the girl still called two or three times weekly.

Camille didn't answer this time either.

But unlike before, Chloe no longer felt crushed.

Initially heartbroken when her mother repeatedly ignored calls, her father had advised: "If you want to call, call. One day she'll answer."

Now whenever she wanted to talk to Camille, she called immediately - even knowing she might not answer.

After hanging up, Chloe kicked her legs on the master bed. "Dad, leaving so early to get Selene?"

Damien hummed in response.

"Come back early tomorrow and take me out."

"Okay."

Ten minutes after dressing, Damien left.

By 8 PM, Damien and Selene arrived at the banquet entrance.

Selene wore another stunning designer gown, impossible to overlook.

They immediately became the center of attention upon entering.

Tristan and Arlo had arrived earlier. Seeing them, they approached.

Everett, Felix, and Elliot had just arrived too, turning at the commotion.

When Everett saw Selene, admiration flashed in his eyes again.

Elliot gestured toward Damien and Selene. "That's Selene Lancaster?"

Felix nodded. "Beautiful and captivating, isn't she? But no matter how captivating, she's taken."

Felix only glanced twice before looking away without comment.

Damien's mere presence commanded respect. Many immediately approached to greet him.

Soon a crowd surrounded him and Selene.

At that moment, Gabriel and Camille arrived.

NovaSight Labs was currently the industry's hottest company, making Gabriel's presence expected - and eagerly watched.

Many were equally captivated by Camille.

Tonight she wore an off-white, hand-embroidered gown that accentuated her graceful figure while exuding serene elegance.

Someone murmured, "Both Mr. Harrington and Mr. Ashcroft are lucky men."

"Absolutely."

Though Selene and Camille had different styles, both were stunning beauties.

When Gabriel and Camille entered, Tristan, Arlo, Felix and Everett all noticed immediately.

As NovaSight Labs's CEO, Gabriel's invitation was expected.

But Tristan hadn't been sure Camille would attend. Seeing her arm-in-arm with Gabriel, his gaze darkened.

Arlo had suspected she might come but hadn't expected her to look so breathtaking. Even disliking her, he had to admit - Camille's unique, serene charm was undeniable.