Chapter 127

Gabriel held up a hand. "Could we pause for a moment, Mr. Hartwell? There's another guest arriving in ten minutes."

Owen knew exactly how Gabriel and Camille were connected.

Gabriel had always looked out for Camille like family.

That's why Marianne and Owen were deeply grateful to him.

Hearing this, Owen asked, "Is he coming alone? We've got space at the head table if he'd like to join us."

"He'd be honored," Gabriel confirmed.

"Excellent."

Owen nodded to the staff, instructing them to serve the other tables first while holding their main course.

As the appetizers arrived, Gabriel checked his phone. He leaned toward Camille. "Our guest is here. I'll go greet them."

Camille nodded. The moment she turned, a familiar baritone voice cut through the chatter. "No need. I'm already here."

Camille spun around. "Mr. Bellamy?"

Graham gave a curt nod.

The other guests gasped when they recognized the tech mogul. Some rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

It was Graham Bellamy in the flesh - the billionaire genius who dominated business headlines.

Who wouldn't know that striking profile and commanding presence?

Rumors swirled about his powerful connections, but his brilliance alone made him legendary.

Finding him at Marianne's birthday celebration was beyond shocking.

Marianne and Owen froze when they saw him.

They scrambled to their feet the moment they regained composure.

Despite his icy reputation, Graham showed proper respect to elders he valued.

He'd met Marianne before.

In three long strides, he reached her side, gently guiding her back into her chair. "Please, don't trouble yourself."

Marianne sat, flustered. "This is such an honor, Mr. Bellamy."

"The honor is mine, Mrs. Hartwell." Graham took the seat beside her. "My apologies for not visiting sooner."

He signaled Gabriel, who handed him an elegant gift box. "This was rushed - I hope you'll forgive the lack of preparation."

Marianne beamed. "Your presence is gift enough."

After exchanging pleasantries, Graham noticed Camille and Gabriel hovering awkwardly behind him like misbehaving students.

One sharp glance sent them scrambling into adjacent chairs.

Marianne spoke again. "Thank you for guiding Camille all these years."

"Hardly worth mentioning," Graham said. "Her recent research breakthroughs prove her talents weren't wasted. You've no cause for concern."

Neither Graham nor Marianne had stopped Camille when she abandoned her studies for Damien.

They believed facing consequences was crucial for growth.

Some lessons could only be learned through personal mistakes.

The real tragedy would be letting failures define one's future.

Fortunately, Camille had chosen to rebuild herself.

Marianne had worried, especially after Audrey's example.

But she knew overprotecting would backfire. Sometimes, people needed to find their own path.

Hearing Graham's words, Marianne relaxed. "Good. That's all I needed to hear."