Chapter 44
Third Person’s POV
After a brief welcome, Marcus gave a concise summary and critique of the expo’s key exhibits and then took questions from several corporate representatives.
He stood under the light, his suit sharply tailored. His pace was slow, but every sentence was precise and hit the core issue.
Even though this was a technology expo, his tightly controlled Alpha aura still subtly dominated the messy blend of scents in the venue.
Melanie could sense it. She figured Archer and Camille could as well.
The program wasn’t over yet, but he quickly descended the stage, returning to his seat in the front row through a side aisle.
As he passed, several stood up to shake his hand and exchange greetings..
Attendees further back, especially those from the technical sector, looked on with obvious envy–that small circle was not easily approachable by just anyone.
Marcus’s seat was to the right of Archer.
Seeing him approach, Archer stood up, and Camille immediately rose as well.
“Mr. Norman, it’s been a while,” Archer said, actively extending his hand.
The two were clearly not meeting for the first time; they were old acquaintances who had crossed paths years ago.
Marcus’s expression was as reserved as always. He shook Archer’s hand. “It has been quite a while.”
He always maintained this cool, professional demeanor–even with his own students.
Camille also extended her hand. “Hello, Mr. Norman. I’m Camille. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Marcus gave her a brief look, nodded a short acknowledgment, then shook her hand and the hands of a few other guests who stepped up before taking his seat.
Melanie watched quietly. She had always known how incredibly strong her mentor, Marcus, was.
She also understood how fortunate she was to be his student.
Watching Camille easily gain access to her mentor through Archer, she realized just how wrong she was to prioritize her relationship over her career.
Archer sat to his right. The executive to Marcus’s left quickly started a conversation, and Marcus calmly began to chat with him.
Archer sat quietly, listening to the rest of the speeches on stage.
Camille wanted to seize the opportunity to speak with Marcus, but with Archer between them, she couldn’t lean in without being rude.
She was slightly surprised that Archer didn’t proactively introduce her.
She asked quietly, “Did something unpleasant happen between you and Mr. Norman?”
Archer smiled as he answered, “No.”
Given the seating etiquette and their brief conversation, his answer seemed accurate.
Camille thought for a moment, intending to suggest they switch seats.
Chapter 44
+25 Bonus
However, Marcus was deep in conversation with the executive, who was clearly a VIP. Interrupting now, given her current status, would look ill–mannered, so she decided against it.
A moment later, Archer added in a low voice, “He doesn’t think highly of me.”
Camille was taken aback. “Why?”
He didn’t elaborate or offer any further explanation.
The conversation between them ended there.
Time passed, and the main program concluded.
Someone let it slip that Marcus would not be leaving immediately but would stay in the front row for a while.
The news instantly caused many people to rush forward.
By the time attendees from the back rows arrived, Marcus was already surrounded by front–row guests.
Camille was already in the front but didn’t immediately step forward.
Daphne, watching from across the room, waved at her, looking slightly anxious and urging her to take the chance.
Camille first quietly explained a few things to Daphne, essentially saying that Marcus was surrounded by heavy hitters. Even if she pushed in, she wouldn’t get a proper word in and would only interrupt the existing conversation. Archer suggested that a private meeting later would be just as effective.
Daphne realized she had been too hasty.
Given Archer’s connections, the people who were normally hard to reach were now concentrated in their area. She didn’t want to waste that advantage and urged Camille to return to Archer’s side to network with others.
Camille, composed, indicated that she had already met the necessary people and exchanged contact information.
In fact, several executives who finished talking with Marcus had gravitated toward Archer, staying on his side to discuss projects and potential collaborations.
She returned to Archer’s side.
This area was already dense with people, but even though she was just a regular guest, everyone seemed to know she was Archer’s public date.
Seeing her approach, they naturally stepped aside, creating a small pathway for her.
One who had just finished a discussion smiled casually. “Camille is truly exceptional in both talent and poise. Archer, you have excellent taste.”
Although the comment was standard social flattery, Camille was indeed remarkable in terms of her résumé, appearance, and
conversation skills.
Archer nodded and smiled, not denying the compliment.
Camille responded gracefully. “Thanks.”
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