Chapter 58

A chill ran down Camille and Gabriel's spines.

Gabriel spoke quickly. "We're already developing a new prototype. It should be ready by next year."

Graham Bellamy responded with indifference. "Until it's completed, don't waste my time with meetings."

"Understood."

"Submit your technical analysis of today's expo by midnight."

Camille and Gabriel immediately realized he wanted a comprehensive report on all the showcased technologies.

"Understood."

Gabriel hesitated before adding, "Mr. Bellamy... completing it in one night might be challenging."

That was putting it mildly. The task was nearly impossible.

He tried negotiating. "Would... a month be acceptable?"

With hundreds of exhibits to analyze, the report would require at least fifty thousand words. Maybe more. An overnight deadline was absurd.

Graham didn't respond. His piercing gaze said everything.

Though always impeccably dressed and composed, his stare could make even seasoned professionals sweat.

Gabriel straightened immediately. "Understood! It will be done!"

Camille remained silent. The conversation was clearly over.

Then Graham turned his attention to her.

She instinctively stiffened under his scrutiny. "Mr. Bellamy..."

"Look at your choice!"

He spat the words with icy contempt before striding away.

Camille stood frozen.

Gabriel murmured, "He meant your husband."

The implication was clear - How could someone like you marry such a man?

Camille understood. But...

"Did they say something to him?"

During the conference, they'd been seated far from the front row.

They'd seen Damien and Selene approach Graham after his speech.

But the actual conversation remained a mystery.

Gabriel shook his head. "No idea."

As they processed this, Selene and Rosalie emerged outside.

They witnessed the tense exchange with Graham.

Watching Graham leave, Rosalie told Selene, "It doesn't matter. She lacks your expertise. Even knowing Graham means nothing. She'll never qualify as his protégé."

Selene nodded. "I know." Then added, "Let's go."

Camille and Gabriel had only stepped out briefly. They weren't leaving yet.

This conference offered invaluable networking opportunities. Leaving now would be wasteful.

After Graham departed, they returned to the exhibition hall.

Later, they crossed paths with Damien again. Neither approached the other.

To observers, they appeared as complete strangers.

Selene's group remained too.

When Camille had encountered Malcolm at the jewelry store, he'd initiated conversation, claiming he still cared.

Today, despite multiple encounters, he never glanced her way. Not a single acknowledgment.

The contrast made Camille scoff. But she understood perfectly.

With Selene present, everyone knew he was her father now.

If he acknowledged Camille, and people discovered she was Damien's wife... what would that do to his precious reputation?