Chapter 203

Camille's composed expression suggested she'd anticipated this collaboration all along.

Everett didn't dwell on it, assuming Gabriel had briefed her beforehand. His response was detached. "Looking forward to our partnership."

As they stepped into The Meridian, just before Camille and Gabriel could ascend to their private dining room, Everett spotted Damien and Selene entering through the opposite entrance.

He halted mid-step. "Mr. Harrington. Ms. Lancaster."

The recognition was mutual.

Damien inclined his head. "Mr. Mercer. Mr. Ashcroft."

Gabriel offered a polished yet hollow smile. "Mr. Harrington."

Before Damien could respond, Gabriel smoothly interjected, "You two catch up - we'll proceed upstairs."

With that, he guided Camille into the waiting elevator.

During their previous encounter at Vertex Dynamics, Everett had already noted Gabriel's evident distaste for Damien.

This time, Gabriel didn't even bother with pretense - a development that raised Everett's eyebrows.

While unaware of their history's specifics, Everett observed Damien maintained his usual courteous demeanor.

As Damien and Selene watched the elevator doors close, Selene murmured, "If Mr. Mercer is dining with Mr. Ashcroft, does that mean their contract negotiations concluded successfully?"

Everett's lips curved. "Indeed they have."

Selene knew Everett's initial deal with NovaSight Labs had collapsed after he offended Camille, prompting Gabriel's retaliation.

Gabriel had been adamant about severing ties with Everett.

She'd assumed Everett would suffer the same fate as her - losing the NovaSight Labs opportunity because of Camille.

Yet here he stood, deal secured.

Did this imply that for Gabriel, business ultimately trumped personal attachments?

Perhaps Camille held less sway over Gabriel than Selene had presumed.

"Congratulations," Selene offered with calculated warmth.

Everett acknowledged with a chuckle. "Thank you."

Turning to Damien, he added, "Incidentally, Mr. Harrington, there's a project at your company that's piqued my interest. When might you be available for discussion?"

Damien responded smoothly, "My schedule's clear this week. Feel free to contact my assistant."

With a nod, Everett excused himself when the elevator arrived, heading toward his reserved suite.

Upon entering, he found Gabriel and Camille already perusing the menu.

Gabriel glanced up. "Finished your chat, Mr. Mercer?"

Everett chose a seat deliberately distant from Camille. Ignoring Gabriel's tone, he inquired casually, "Some history between you and Mr. Harrington?"

Gabriel's mouth twisted. "Not history. An active war."

The glib response confirmed he wouldn't elaborate.

Recognizing the dismissal, Everett changed tack. Observing their collaborative menu selection, he offered, "The wagyu is my treat. Order freely."

Without looking up, Gabriel countered, "Naturally. We weren't planning to restrain ourselves."

Everett's lips pressed together.

After they finalized their selections, Everett added two modest dishes before steering conversation toward business matters.

When the first courses arrived, Everett realized Gabriel's earlier comment wasn't hyperbole.

The table soon overflowed with the restaurant's most extravagant offerings - servers kept replenishing dishes as though catering a banquet.

A dull throb began behind Everett's temples.

Gabriel, oblivious to his host's discomfort, piled delicacies onto Camille's plate. "Take your time, darling. Savor each bite."