Chapter 378

Camille gave a quick nod to Graham, then turned to Felix. "Sorry, I can't join you for lunch today."

Felix smiled gently. "No problem."

With that, Camille walked away.

Felix watched as she left with Graham before heading to the cafeteria alone.

He hadn't taken leave in months. Two days after meeting Camille, his official vacation began.

Those two days passed without seeing her again.

When he returned home, his family didn't even know he was on leave - everyone was occupied with their own busy lives.

Everett called him out for dinner when he heard Felix was back.

Over the meal, Elliot couldn't resist sharing some gossip. "Can you believe the woman Everett likes turns out to be Graham Bennett's protégé? She's quite impressive."

Felix wasn't familiar with AI development and didn't recognize Graham's name.

Elliot knew Felix wouldn't know. He himself had only recently learned about it - thanks to Everett.

Normally, Felix showed little interest in such topics.

But after a moment's thought, he suddenly asked, "Between Graham Bennett and our own Mr. Bellamy, who has more influence in AI?"

Elliot wasn't sure.

Everett knew the answer. "Mr. Bellamy."

Graham had achieved multiple groundbreaking innovations in AI single-handedly. His team had broken through numerous foreign technological barriers against Lucerne's AI industry.

He'd paved the way for the country's current advancements, earning deep respect - even fear - from the international community.

Lucerne's AI success largely owed to Graham.

While Graham was remarkable, he still couldn't compare to Graham.

Even though Everett didn't care for Gabriel, he could separate that from his respect for Graham.

Graham was Graham. Gabriel was Gabriel.

Felix rarely inquired about unrelated matters. His question today seemed unusual.

Still, given Graham's reputation and their familiarity with him, neither Everett nor Elliot found the question odd.

After that topic ended, Everett suddenly chuckled. "Last week at dinner with my mom and yours, your mother mentioned arranging blind dates for you. Now that you're back, I doubt you'll escape it this time."

Felix was at marriageable age. His family had started bringing it up early last year.

Back then, he hadn't objected or particularly cared.

But now...

He lowered his gaze without responding.

That evening, barely spending time with family, Felix received an urgent call. His leave was abruptly cut short, forcing him back to base.

He didn't know if Camille had already left or was simply assigned elsewhere.

Three days later, after completing a mission, he checked the data center. No sign of her.

Two more days passed. Still nothing.

Finally, four or five days later after another mission, he spotted her in the cafeteria.

He paused when he saw her sitting alone, quietly eating.

After a moment, he approached and sat across from her.

Camille looked up and smiled faintly. "You're back?"

"Just returned." Felix studied her. "I didn't see you last week - thought you might have left."

"I've been here," she replied. "Just not in the data center much."

Felix nodded, then asked what had been on his mind. "When are you leaving?"

Assuming small talk, Camille answered casually, "Tomorrow."

"So soon?"

"It's been over ten days already." She wiped her lips. "I'm finished. Take your time. I should—"

Before she could finish, Felix suddenly asked, "Ms. Hartwell, are you seeing anyone?"

Camille froze - completely unprepared for the question.

Before she could respond, he continued, "If you're single... what do you think of me?"

He knew it was abrupt. But with their busy schedules and her rare appearances at base, opportunities like this were scarce.

Who knew when they'd meet again?

Besides, someone else might make a move first.

Only then did Camille realize - this was a confession.

Seeing her shocked expression, as if the idea had never occurred to her, Felix said, "You don't need to answer now. I just wanted you to know - if you ever consider a relationship, or marriage and family... I hope you'll think of—"

"I'm sorry." Camille regained her composure, gently interrupting. "Thank you for your feelings, but I've already been married."