Chapter 408

Camille Hartwell and Emmett Maddox exchanged rapid-fire technical discourse, their conversation flowing with intellectual energy.

Observers could clearly see Emmett growing more animated the longer he spoke with Camille. His eyes sparkled with professional admiration.

Midway through their discussion, Emmett actually discovered several knowledge gaps in his own expertise. This realization only heightened his excitement.

"You've proven me right," Emmett suddenly declared with a laugh. "Hartwell, your understanding surpasses mine in every way."

The admission sent ripples through nearby listeners. As a leading AI authority, Emmett's public acknowledgment of a younger peer's superiority was unprecedented.

Only Gabriel Ashcroft wore a subtle, knowing smile in response.

Selene Lancaster stood silently nearby, listening intently.

Giselle, lacking technical knowledge, grew visibly impatient. "How can they possibly have this much to discuss?"

Selene remained silent, but her grip on her wine ss turned her knuckles white.

While Lucerne's AI field had made impressive advances recently, with professors like Dorian Hartwell and Hugh Dunmore gaining national recognition, they still lagged behind experts like Emmett Maddox and Graham Bennett.

If Selene had initially dismissed Camille's knowledge as merely picked up from Gabriel during the Westbridge University symposium, she could no longer maintain that illusion.

Camille's expertise was alarmingly comprehensive.

To engage Emmett as an equal - even occasionally outmatching him - how could this be achieved in less than a year?

This meant Camille must have been highly skilled before joining Vertex Dynamics.

That controversial research paper of hers... it might genuinely be her original work after all.

If true, then professionally, Camille had already surpassed her.

But how?

Camille had barely graduated before becoming Damien Harrington's secretary. Where could she have acquired such advanced knowledge?

"Selene?" Giselle finally noticed her cousin's pale complexion. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Selene took a slow sip of wine, her silence more telling than any response.

Declan Vaughn had recognized Camille's brilliance before, but tonight she exceeded even his expectations. As he listened to her technical exchange, a colleague leaned in.

"I did some digging on Ms. Hartwell for you. She's not originally from Lakeview."

"Her parents divorced, and her mother has... mental health challenges. She moved here with her uncle's family over ten years ago."

"When their business struggled a few years back, no one stepped in to help. They don't seem well-connected here."

"Things have improved slightly recently, but in Lakeview's social hierarchy, they're practically invisible."

Seeing Declan's impatient glance, his friend continued, "As for her marriage... The Hartwell family's social obscurity makes information scarce."

"Despite extensive inquiries, no one seems to know anything concrete."