Chapter 202

Camille and Everett weren't exactly sworn enemies. The situation simply required her to maintain boundaries - she wasn't about to make concessions too easily.

Now that Marcus had personally intervened, she could extend this professional courtesy.

However...

Marcus's voice remained gentle through the phone. "Cami, no pressure. Take your time to consider and get back to me when you've decided."

"Understood," Camille replied.

He added, "Regarding Everett, treat him as you see fit. Don't compromise your principles on my account."

"Noted," she responded briskly.

Marcus chuckled at her directness. "Alright then, I won't keep you. Let's catch up properly soon."

"Goodbye."

After hanging up, Camille immediately dialed Graham.

It took Graham thirty minutes to return her call. "What's the situation?"

Camille briefed him concisely.

Graham's response was characteristically measured. "Marcus doesn't offer favors lightly. Consider this carefully." His words confirmed Marcus's reputation.

"Thank you, Mr. Bellamy."

A simple acknowledgment before the line went dead.

By morning, Camille had made her decision and called Marcus back.

He'd anticipated she might consult Graham first, so the delayed response didn't surprise him.

"Thank you, Cami," Marcus said warmly when she gave her answer.

"You're too kind."

The call ended with Marcus exhaling deeply.

A colleague noticed. "Trouble, Mr. Mercer?"

Marcus sank into his chair. "Sometimes I wish I had a daughter."

"At our age? Spare your wife the trouble," the colleague joked. "Your son should be settling down - hope for grandchildren instead."

Marcus shook his head. "That boy makes nothing easy."

Meanwhile, Everett had rushed to NovaSight Labs the moment he received confirmation.

Camille had already informed Gabriel about Marcus's involvement.

Gabriel kept Everett waiting for over an hour before granting an audience.

Everett's revised proposal exceeded their initial terms in generosity.

Yet Gabriel remained impassive. "Looking forward to collaborating."

Everett shook his hand firmly. "The pleasure's mine." His quarrel was with Camille, not Gabriel.

"Join me for lunch?" Everett suggested. "We can discuss next steps."

Gabriel's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Certainly. Though Camille will be joining us. That won't be a problem, Mr. Mercer?"

Everett assumed Gabriel's cooperation resulted from Marcus approaching Graham, who then influenced Gabriel. Camille's presence seemed incidental.

While he disliked her, business came first. "Of course. If Ms. Hartwell has no objections."

Gabriel summoned Camille without another word.

She arrived promptly.

Everett expected resentment or at least visible frustration toward Gabriel.

Instead, she offered a professional handshake. "Looking forward to working together."