Chapter 31

Gabriel was just opening his mouth when Camille spotted someone moving toward them. She turned slightly and found herself staring directly into Selene Lancaster's cold eyes.

Selene offered Gabriel a polite smile, but when her gaze landed on Camille, her expression turned to ice. She looked away immediately, dismissing Camille as if she were invisible.

Just as Selene was about to flash Gabriel another smile, he unexpectedly turned to Camille instead. "This is Ms. Hartwell, my dear friend," he said smoothly. "Would you like to get acquainted?"

His words carried three unmistakable messages. First, he and Camille shared an intimate connection. Second, he knew about the bad blood between Selene and Camille. Third, he'd chosen sides - and it wasn't Selene's.

Selene hadn't known about Gabriel and Camille's prior relationship. The nature of their bond remained unclear to her. But his meaning was crystal clear now.

"Mr. Ashcroft," she said icily, "are you implying I shouldn't bother showing up at Vertex Dynamics tomorrow?"

Gabriel set down his glass with an appreciative smile and applauded softly. "Ms. Lancaster, you catch on quick."

He could've been diplomatic. He chose not to be. The message was clear - he stood with Camille, and this decision was for her benefit.

Selene remained utterly unfazed. No embarrassment colored her cheeks, no humiliation darkened her eyes. In her mind, Vertex Dynamics's value paled next to the Harrington family's prestige.

Gabriel Ashcroft wasn't important enough to humiliate her. With that thought, she turned away without another word.

Camille watched the exchange, a warm smile playing on her lips. She was about to speak to Gabriel when she noticed Damien, Tristan, and Arlo all turning their attention toward her.

Their focus seemed primarily on Selene. Probably surprised to see her here too.

Tristan and Arlo looked shocked, but Damien's face remained impassive. Calm. As if she weren't his wife at all, but some stranger he'd never met.

"Something wrong?" Gabriel followed her gaze.

Camille shook her head with a smile. "Not at all."

By then, Selene had already left. With her gone, Damien and the others lost interest in Camille's presence. She resumed her conversation with Dorian.

When Dorian excused himself, Camille took a sip of her drink and caught Arlo smirking at her while Damien's back was turned. Arlo raised his glass in her direction.

Camille frowned, confused by Arlo's behavior. He shot her a disdainful look before turning away completely, as if she didn't exist.

Suddenly it clicked - Arlo must think she and Gabriel had ganged up on Selene. His smirk suggested this wasn't over. Her frown deepened.

Soon after, Dean returned from mingling. After greeting everyone warmly, he asked Gabriel, "You know Ms. Lancaster?"

He meant Selene.

Gabriel grinned. "We've met. Why?"

"I learned a bit about her background earlier. She mentioned being from Lucerne, not Westbridge."

"Her family's quite successful there. But compared to powerhouses like the Harringtons, Rutherfords, and Calloways here in Westbridge?" Dean shrugged. "They're small fish in a big pond."