Chapter 381

The moment the words left his lips, three sharp raps echoed through the private dining room.

Arlo Calloway and Tristan Rutherford stood at the threshold.

Arlo swung the door open, his eyebrows shooting up at the crowded scene. "Well, this is quite the gathering."

The restaurant belonged to his family.

He and Tristan had come for a casual lunch. When the manager mentioned Damien Harrington was dining here, they'd decided to pop in for greetings—never expecting such an assembly.

And every face looked familiar.

Taking in the crowd, Arlo immediately decided their planned quiet meal would be dull by comparison. "Damien, since it's already a party, mind if Tristan and I crash it?"

Damien turned to Hugh Dunmore. "Professor Dunmore, Mr. Ashcroft, would you—"

Having just invited the Lancasters himself, Hugh could hardly refuse Damien's friends now.

Hugh smiled graciously. "By all means. Mr. Ashcroft?"

Gabriel Ashcroft's lips curved slightly. "Mr. Calloway and Mr. Rutherford are old acquaintances. I've no objections." Initially irritated by the Lancasters' presence, Gabriel now felt differently.

He nearly wished the entire restaurant would squeeze into the room—how could he possibly mind two more?

Meanwhile, Giselle Lancaster—who'd been longing to see Tristan—couldn't contain herself upon spotting him. She rose abruptly. "Tristan, come sit by me."

Tristan ignored her completely. He and Arlo had chairs placed beside Damien instead.

They'd barely settled when another knock sounded.

This time, Everett Mercer entered with three lead engineers from his company—partners in Harrington Group's current project.

Pausing at the sight before him, Everett's expression flickered with surprise.

Not at spotting Camille Hartwell or Gabriel—Damien collaborating with NovaSight Labs was public knowledge now.

What stunned him was seeing Selene Lancaster seated with the entire Lancaster clan.

After a brief glance at Selene, Everett offered a curt nod. "My apologies for interrupting."

Damien waved it off. "Not at all. We've only just begun. Please join us, Mr. Mercer."

Before sitting, Everett addressed Hugh. "Professor Dunmore, what an honor. I've long admired your work."

"Ah, Mr. Mercer. The pleasure is mutual," Hugh replied.

Caleb Doyle had reserved an expansive private room with a table easily accommodating thirty.

Even with Selene, Tristan, Arlo and the others added, space remained ample.

Once seated, Everett inquired, "What were you discussing?"

Hugh summarized the conversation succinctly.

"I see," Everett nodded, then turned to Selene. "For Professor Bennett to personally message you—he must hold you in exceptionally high regard."

Selene's smile was demure. "I'm deeply honored by Professor Bennett's mentorship. I'll study his recommended paper thoroughly—I won't disappoint him."

With both Hugh and Graham Bennett endorsing her, Everett felt genuine happiness for Selene. Simultaneously, his admiration—and affection—for her grew.

His gaze lingered on her face with palpable reluctance. But with Damien present, he eventually looked away.

Selene, naturally, sensed Everett's escalating interest.

She hadn't forgotten Tristan's absence at her grandmother's birthday, and it still rankled.

Her eyes flicked toward him—only to find Tristan sipping tea quietly, neither looking her way nor reacting to the praise showered upon her.

A faint crease appeared between her brows before she turned away.

Once again, Selene Lancaster became the room's radiant center—much to the Lancasters' delight.