Chapter 102

The bonfire feast tonight featured hearty stew, perfectly charred grilled chicken, and sizzling barbecue skewers.

Aromatic steam rose from the simmering chicken stew. The marinated chicken pieces were already skewered and ready for grilling. Beside the roaring fire, a long banquet table displayed an impressive spread of premium ingredients - all prepped and waiting.

Flames danced brightly in the night.

Damien and his companions had already taken their seats around the fire pit.

When Tristan and Selene returned, Selene immediately claimed the spot beside Damien.

Arlo couldn't resist temptation and had already started nibbling on the marinated chicken skewers.

Seeing the group assembled, he was about to officially begin the feast when he suddenly remembered Camille.

Turning to Chloe, he said, "Chloe, go ask your mother to join us. Tell her we have amazing food down here."

He fully expected Camille to decline, just like she had at lunch. But appearances had to be maintained.

Selene understood the gesture too. The invitation was merely a formality - whether Camille came or not was her choice.

"Go ahead, Chloe," Selene added.

Chloe frowned, reluctant to move. Secretly, she didn't want her mother joining them. But with everyone watching, she had no choice.

Just as she set down her drink, Damien spoke up. "I'll go."

His words brought instant silence.

Damien stood and left without another word.

Arlo blinked, then chuckled awkwardly. "Well... having Damien invite her personally does show more sincerity."

Sending a child to fetch Camille every time had been rather thoughtless.

Selene nodded in agreement.

This was clearly just another attempt to appeal to Helena. Damien's gesture meant nothing.

He'd never shown any real affection for Camille before. That certainly wouldn't change now.

But Chloe pressed her lips together anxiously. If her father went to call her mother... she might actually come down.

Her mother had never been able to refuse Damien anything.

Meanwhile upstairs, Camille had returned to her room, ordered room service, and opened her laptop.

She'd barely started working when the door opened.

Startled, she turned to see Damien entering with his key card.

Assuming he'd returned for something, she merely glanced at him before refocusing on her screen.

Then she heard his deep voice. "There's a bonfire party downstairs. It's quite lively. Why don't you join us?"

She paused. Like Arlo and the others, she assumed this was just another performance for Helena's benefit.

It meant nothing. And even if it did, she no longer cared.

"I have work," she said flatly. Then, turning slightly, she added, "Don't worry. If Helena asks, I'll cover for you."

Damien chuckled at her words, his dark, unreadable eyes studying her.

Under his gaze, Camille's fingers tensed slightly on the keyboard.

After all these years together, she still couldn't decipher him.

She'd never truly understood what went on behind those enigmatic eyes.

Once, she might have tried to unravel the mysteries of his heart. But now...

Camille pressed her lips together firmly. "Thank you for asking, but I'd rather stay here."