Chapter 406

The following morning, Audrey Hartwell's medical reports arrived.

Her organ failure showed marginal improvement compared to the previous tests conducted at the rehabilitation center.

At this stage of deterioration, proper medical intervention and care could potentially stabilize her condition.

However, Audrey's baseline health remained critically weak, with her organs deteriorating at an alarming pace - leaving her long-term prognosis uncertain.

After consulting with the physician, Camille and Marianne experienced simultaneous waves of hope and apprehension.

Hope because Audrey still had fighting chance; apprehension because her fragile state might hinder full treatment compliance.

That afternoon, Graham Bellamy extended a dinner invitation to Camille and Gabriel.

With Gabriel away on business, Camille drove alone to collect Graham that evening.

As they exited the vehicle at The Meridian's entrance, Selene Lancaster happened to arrive simultaneously.

Spotting Camille with Graham - and notably without Gabriel - Selene's eyes narrowed slightly. She approached with calculated steps. "Mr. Bellamy."

Graham acknowledged her with an icy glance, offering the barest nod before turning back to Camille. "Shall we?"

He continued their earlier conversation as they moved toward the entrance.

Days prior, during a discussion about AI advancements with Dorian Hartwell and Hugh Dunmore in Damien's office, Camille had impressed them with her insights.

Even if they considered some perspectives derivative, Selene had since immersed herself in studying the latest AI developments.

Now she recognized Graham and Camille debating cutting-edge topics like neural interfaces and edge computing.

Receiving Graham's dismissive treatment, Selene maintained her composure but trailed them inside at a discreet distance.

"Good evening," the hostess greeted. "Do you have reservations?"

"Two under Hartwell," Camille confirmed.

After checking the system, the hostess smiled. "Right this way, Ms. Hartwell."

Selene froze upon hearing "two."

Gabriel wasn't coming?

Camille now commanded enough respect from Graham Bellamy to merit private meetings without Gabriel's presence?

Graham, though a titan in his field, famously disdained mentoring. His technical knowledge wasn't freely given, and few could engage him in substantive discussions.

Most supplicants never earned his attention, regardless of status.

His reputation for icy arrogance should have drawn criticism, but his unparalleled contributions rendered him untouchable.

Yet here he was, actively exchanging ideas with Camille Hartwell.

Did Graham genuinely value Camille's intellect? Why else would the notoriously inaccessible scholar grant her a private dinner?

Watching Graham's attentive posture toward Camille compared to his frigid dismissal of herself, Selene's crimson lips pressed into a bloodless line as they disappeared into the restaurant.