Chapter 386

Despite Camille and Gabriel's clear refusal through Selene Carver, Graham Bennett still appeared unannounced two days later.

His unexpected arrival left them with no choice but to grant him a brief audience.

They maintained polite professionalism during the fifteen-minute meeting before firmly concluding the discussion.

Subsequent meeting requests from Graham were met with deliberate silence.

With the couple standing united, Graham shifted tactics and invited Selene Lancaster to lunch the following day.

Over their meal, Graham discussed industry trends before remarking, "Had you joined The Meridian last year, your professional growth would have been remarkable. What a missed opportunity."

During their first encounter, Graham had inquired about her career. Learning of her failed attempt to join The Meridian, he'd remained neutral.

Now, revisiting the topic, his regret was palpable.

Selene understood perfectly.

Camille's groundbreaking paper had sent shockwaves through global tech circles.

Industry insiders speculated that The Meridian's public disclosure of such significant research indicated even more advanced proprietary technologies remained undisclosed.

Selene shared this belief.

Her initial interest in The Meridian had stemmed from their unique programming language. She'd never anticipated their meteoric rise.

Had she known then what she knew now, she would have moved mountains to secure that position.

As Graham noted, her career trajectory would have been entirely different.

With two years at The Meridian, she could have single-handedly transformed her own tech startup.

Reflecting bitterly, she realized Camille had cost her not just Gabriel, but a pivotal career opportunity.

Graham probed, "Still considering The Meridian?"

The thought lingered, but Gabriel's unwavering support for Camille made it impossible.

She deflected, "I've established my own company now. We've even partnered with The Meridian before. Given security protocols, Mr. Ashcroft would never consider my application."

Graham's disappointment showed as he murmured, "I see."

Friday morning found Camille returning from her jog when Helena Harrington's call came through with a dinner invitation.

The extended time since their last meeting made refusal unthinkable.

As Camille prepared to accept, Helena added, "I'll invite Damien and Phoebe too. Does that bother you?"

Camille's calm response held no pretense. "Not at all." And she meant it.

Professional obligations aside, Chloe's existence guaranteed continued interaction with Damien.

Helena understood.

Camille's easy acceptance signaled true emotional detachment.

She could now regard Damien purely as Chloe's father. Sharing a civil meal meant nothing more. The realization left Helena torn between relief and melancholy.

After the call, Camille headed to the office.

Her inbox held an email from Graham.

He inquired about her travel history to Lucerne, offering to guide her through its natural wonders should she visit.

The message included introductions to Lucerne's tech leaders and current research trends among major corporations.

Though framed as a travel invitation, his recruitment intent was transparent.

By highlighting cutting-edge projects, he implied, "Your talents would be valued here."

Camille saw through the ploy instantly.

Her polite reply declined any near-future travel plans before she closed her email client.

That evening found Camille arriving at The Meridian's private dining room where Helena waited.

No sooner had she taken her seat than the door burst open. "Mommy!"

Chloe's enthusiastic entrance forced Camille to catch the flying child.

Marianne Reed accompanied the girl, but Damien was conspicuously absent.

As Chloe helped select dishes beside Camille, Helena explained, "Damien declined this morning. Said he was unavailable."

She huffed. "We'll enjoy ourselves without him. His presence wasn't essential anyway."

Camille responded with a quiet, knowing smile.