Chapter 186

Selene Lancaster's sharp gaze locked onto Camille Hartwell as she responded, "I understand."

She leaned forward slightly, her tone dripping with challenge. "In that case, Ms. Hartwell, would you care to enlighten me on the flaws in my proposal so I can make the necessary adjustments?"

Camille saw through the trap immediately. This wasn't a genuine request—it was a test.

A slow, knowing smile curved her lips. "Ms. Lancaster, identifying the weaknesses in your proposal is your responsibility, not mine. Do you honestly expect us to do your work for you?" She tilted her head, voice smooth as silk. "Let me remind you—we're under no obligation to partner with you. If you can't even pinpoint your own shortcomings, how can we trust you to meet our standards?"

Selene stiffened. She had been certain Camille would falter, either admitting ignorance or listing vague criticisms she could dismantle. Instead, Camille had turned the tables, framing her as incompetent.

Keeping her composure, Selene countered, "Ms. Hartwell, I believe you're misinterpreting my intentions. A successful partnership requires mutual effort. If there are issues, shouldn't we address them together?"

Camille paused mid-sip of her tea, arching a brow. "Tell me, Ms. Lancaster—is this your first business negotiation?"

Selene frowned, caught off guard.

Camille didn’t wait for an answer. "What you're suggesting—collaborative revisions—works in classrooms, not boardrooms. Business is about profit. If your proposal doesn’t serve our interests, why would we waste time fixing it when better options exist?"

Her tone was light, almost amused, but Selene felt the sting beneath the words.

Camille nudged the teacup toward her. "Try the tea, Ms. Lancaster."

Selene hesitated, but refusing would be a loss. She lifted the cup, murmuring, "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Across the room, Gabriel Ashcroft had been watching the exchange closely. He'd worried Selene might outmaneuver Camille, but to his surprise, Camille had dismantled her effortlessly.

Once the meeting concluded and Selene was escorted out, Gabriel shot Camille an impressed look. "That was masterful."

Camille smirked. "I didn’t work at Harrington Group for nothing."

Though she hadn’t handled major clients directly, years of navigating corporate politics had honed her instincts.

Gabriel had forgotten that.

"So," he asked, "were there actually flaws in the Lancaster proposal?"

"Yes."

The proposal was meticulous, the technical aspects flawless—likely Damien Harrington’s influence.

But in execution, something was just... off.