Chapter 365

The moment the contract termination was finalized, Selene immediately dialed Damien's number to update him.

During the auction, Selene's slip of the tongue in front of Naomi Ashcroft had been noticed. Gabriel's reluctance to collaborate with Vertex Dynamics had become increasingly apparent.

Even if Vertex Dynamics won the lawsuit, there was no guarantee Gabriel's family wouldn't create future complications.

Since cooperation seemed impossible, terminating the contract early and finding new partners might actually be for the best.

Damien didn't press for details about what she'd said to alert Naomi.

His response was straightforward: "If you've made your decision, proceed with the termination. Do you need assistance with the fees?"

Selene felt a warmth spread through her chest at his offer. Since her family's relocation to Lucerne, Damien had already done so much.

Continuing to rely on him for everything could eventually wear thin his patience, regardless of her talents or their attraction.

She knew better than to test those limits.

"I can handle this myself," she replied firmly.

"Understood," Damien said, then added, "After terminating with NovaSight Labs, you'll need new partners quickly. Shall I arrange that for you?"

The recent tension with Gabriel and Camille had weighed heavily on Selene. But Damien's offer lifted her spirits instantly, filling her with a sweet, comforting sensation.

Her voice softened. "Yes, thank you, Damien."

Meanwhile, Gabriel and Camille had delegated the Vertex Dynamics termination to their legal team.

When Selene received NovaSight Labs's termination terms and saw the $300 million penalty, her brows knitted together.

Compared to their original agreement, this amount was exorbitant.

"Three hundred million?" Giselle's frown mirrored Selene's.

It wasn't that the sum was unaffordable or that Gabriel was being unreasonable.

Before Selene's relationship with Damien, this amount would have been devastating for their family.

Now, while substantial, it didn't seem insurmountable.

Damien had gifted Selene jewelry worth millions, presented Helena with a birthday present valued at tens of millions, and given the $600 million villa to Sabrina.

He'd even transferred Vertex Dynamics - worth billions - to Selene's name.

Against this backdrop, $300 million appeared manageable.

Selene and Helena shared this perspective.

When reviewing NovaSight Labs's terms, they merely frowned slightly. Nora and Rosalie, however, winced at the amount.

Three hundred million remained a significant figure.

Malcolm voiced their practical concern: "We don't have that much liquid capital."

Selene paused.

True, while Damien's gifts were valuable, they weren't cash assets.

Their families couldn't readily produce $300 million.

"Let's pool our resources," Selene suggested.

Sabrina, feeling the financial pinch, ventured, "Should we ask Damien for help?"

Before Selene could respond, Helena quietly interjected, "Sabrina, while accepting generosity is one thing, directly soliciting help isn't wise. Constant requests breed resentment."

They'd previously discussed this delicate balance.

Sabrina understood, but the sting remained.

Ultimately, this situation stemmed from her daughter's actions.

Yet considering Selene's future with Damien, even $3 billion would be insignificant.

Once Vertex Dynamics's autonomous vehicles launched, recouping this amount would be effortless.

With this realization, Sabrina fell silent.

The others shared similar thoughts, though none voiced them aloud.