Chapter 402

Declan Vaughn possessed every quality of an ideal partner, which nearly made Giselle Lancaster bolt from the car in protest.

Absolutely not! What if Mr. Vaughn actually falls for that scheming woman? We'd lose an ally and gain an enemy!

Sabrina Lancaster merely laughed, unfazed. She tapped her daughter's forehead lightly. "Silly girl. With Selene glowing like a diamond, how could Mr. Vaughn possibly be swayed by Camille?"

Over the years, she'd witnessed firsthand how men became utterly powerless against Selene's charms.

Selene remained silent.

She wouldn't comment on whether Nora's strategy would work—but like Sabrina, she harbored no doubts about Declan's loyalty.

She knew the depth of Declan's love for her. That certainty was unshakable.

Helena Lancaster, though quiet, shared the same conviction that Declan would never truly be taken in by Camille.

Having settled that matter, she finally spoke. "Because of the NovaSight Labs debacle, Selene has suffered significant losses these past months. Meanwhile, Camille seized that very opportunity to elevate herself—and now her star is clearly rising."

"If we allow her to continue unchecked, letting her maintain ties with Gabriel, she could establish herself firmly in the AI industry."

"So sabotaging her relationship with Gabriel and reclaiming the connections with Gabriel and Graham that Selene lost—this must be our immediate priority."

"Otherwise, we stand to lose even more ground!"

The words struck home.

Remembering how Camille had cost them a $300 million breach of contract, then watching her bask in acclaim following her recent paper publication, Giselle burned with envy.

After hearing Helena's analysis, she stopped objecting.

Instead, she leaned forward eagerly. "Then what's our move? Mr. Vaughn is so devoted to Selene—he'd never cooperate, right?"

Enhancing Selene's image while convincing Declan to play along would require careful maneuvering. But it wasn't impossible.

Camille, Gabriel, and Declan returned to NovaSight Labs's headquarters after lunch.

As the elevator doors opened on their floor, they stepped out. Just as they approached the entrance, they spotted a tall, broad-shouldered figure waiting by reception.

Hearing their footsteps, the man turned.

Camille froze.

She'd already explained her situation with Felix Rhodes to Gabriel during the car ride back.

Gabriel, ever the gossip enthusiast, had been thoroughly enjoying the drama.

Now seeing the man in question waiting in their company lobby, he let out an amused "Well, well" and raised an eyebrow, thoroughly entertained.

Declan had never met Felix before, but one look told him exactly who this was.

There was no denying it—Felix was strikingly handsome, living up to every implication of his distinguished name.

Declan's expression darkened visibly.

Felix turned fully, spotting Camille and Gabriel. "You're back."

Camille hadn't anticipated him showing up at her workplace. She pressed her lips together. "You—"

"Guessed you might be here," he said smoothly, then added politely to Gabriel, "Mr. Ashcroft, it's been a while."

Gabriel grinned, shaking his hand. "Indeed it has. First time at NovaSight Labs, right? Since you're here, why not join us for a quick tour?"

"Certainly," Felix replied with a smile—casting another glance at Camille while simultaneously catching Declan's icy stare nearby.

Though strangers, Felix immediately sensed Declan's hostility.

The way Declan positioned himself close to Camille, his posture and expression radiating possessiveness—clearly displeased by Felix's presence and protective of Camille.

Felix understood immediately.

He paused, then looked at Declan. "And this is...?"

Gabriel waited for Camille to introduce them. When she remained silent, he had no choice but to intervene. "This is Declan Vaughn, one of NovaSight Labs's engineers."