Chapter 205

Camille returned to the private dining room. Moments later, Everett arrived as well.

They had finished their meal by then, so they left the restaurant together.

Everett went back to his company to prepare documents while Camille and Gabriel headed to The Meridian.

Around 3:00 pm, Tristan showed up at The Meridian almost simultaneously with Everett.

They'd shared meals before during the autonomous vehicle trials at DataWing Inc.

Recognizing Tristan, Everett greeted him first. "Mr. Rutherford, have you finalized your collaboration with The Meridian?"

"Indeed. Does this mean Mr. Mercer is also ready to sign?"

"Correct."

Tristan raised an eyebrow in surprise. At the previous gala, Gabriel had outright rejected Everett without hesitation.

He never expected they'd end up working together after all. What changed? Just then, Camille and Gabriel entered the conference room.

Though Gabriel wasn't particularly fond of either Tristan or Everett, his attitude toward Camille was noticeably warmer compared to Everett.

So during business discussions, Gabriel let Camille handle negotiations with Tristan while he dealt with Everett.

Everett had no objections to this arrangement. But Tristan...

He simply smiled and said, "I'll be in your capable hands, Ms. Hartwell."

Camille responded professionally, "You flatter me, Mr. Rutherford. This way, please."

Their technical discussions with Tristan's team lasted until dusk.

As they exited the meeting room, Tristan asked casually, "Care to join me for dinner, Ms. Hartwell?"

"I have prior commitments," Camille declined politely. "Perhaps Gabriel—"

Gabriel emerged from the adjacent room just then. "Dinner? Excellent idea." He turned to Camille. "Go ahead with your plans. I'll handle this."

Camille nodded, exchanged pleasantries with Tristan, ignored Everett's lingering gaze, and left.

Tristan couldn't protest.

Gabriel glanced at Everett. "Mr. Rutherford's treating us. Care to join, Mr. Mercer?"

"I'll come," Everett agreed.

After leaving The Meridian, Camille returned to the Hartwell residence.

She needed to discuss business with Owen.

Currently, The Meridian was preparing two major projects, each divided into multiple outsourced segments.

She'd specifically reserved one segment for her uncle.

Owen was clearly interested. "Will Gabriel approve?"

"He won't object. We've already discussed it."

"Good." Owen hesitated before adding, "But my liquid assets are running low..."

"I have over 100 million," Camille stated. "If that's insufficient, we can auction those birthday gifts Damien gave Grandma Marianne."

During Marianne's birthday celebration, two major projects were nearing final confirmation.

Camille had taken those extravagant gifts home, already planning their use.

Since she and Damien were divorcing, selling his gifts wouldn't raise objections.

However...

"Damien has extensive connections. If we auction those gifts and he finds out—"

"He won't care."

Reassured by her certainty, Owen nodded.

With her 100 million plus approximately 100 million from the auction, supplemented by his own funds, they could raise around 500 million—enough for the project.

If more was needed...

Camille glanced meaningfully at the villa across the street.

The following afternoon, Owen discreetly delivered the items to the auction house.