Chapter 129

Selene scoffed. "How utterly shameless of her!"

Just the thought made her blood boil. Could there be some special connection between them? Why else would such an important figure attend her grandmother's birthday?

"No," Selene replied icily. "They barely know each other."

From her perspective, Camille only met Graham through Gabriel.

So Graham's presence today was likely just a courtesy to Gabriel.

"Oh, I see," Giselle murmured.

Tristan and Arlo sat at the adjacent table directly behind Selene.

Tristan had been quietly enjoying his meal until he overheard the conversation about Graham attending Marianne's party. He paused mid-bite. "The Hartwell family's celebration?"

Arlo quickly explained, "Today's the birthday of Camille's maternal grandmother. Both the Hartwell and Lancaster families scheduled their events on the same day, with overlapping guest lists. Most attendees chose this one because of Damien and Selene."

Arlo hadn't known this earlier.

He'd only just pieced it together from the banquet hall chatter.

Understanding dawned on Tristan. "So the Hartwell gathering is practically empty then?"

Arlo shrugged. "From what I heard, three-quarters of the tables are vacant."

Then he chuckled darkly. "Quite pathetic really, watching guests slip away without being able to stop them."

Amusement laced Arlo's tone.

Tristan's expression shifted abruptly. He stood without warning.

Arlo blinked in surprise. "What's wrong?"

"Need to make a call," Tristan muttered.

Without waiting for a response, Tristan strode out purposefully.

Selene and Giselle turned, watching Tristan's abrupt departure.

Selene frowned. "Where's Tristan rushing off to?"

"Said something urgent came up," Arlo supplied.

"Oh."

Selene didn't press further.

The seat beside her remained conspicuously empty.

She'd reserved it specifically for Damien.

Rosalie checked her watch. "Damien still isn't here, Selene. Should you call him?"

Selene had been considering the same thing.

She retrieved her phone and dialed Damien.

The call didn't connect.

Dozens of guests had flocked to the Lancaster housewarming. The family moved between tables, offering drinks and networking.

Naturally, Selene participated.

After all, most attendees came because of her.

With Selene present, guests showed proper deference.

As the Lancasters approached with drinks, attendees rose politely.

After exchanging pleasantries, someone inquired, "Has Mr. Harrington arrived yet, Ms. Lancaster?"

"He's on his way," Selene assured them. "Should be here shortly."

As she spoke, a nearby guest remarked, "My friend just texted that Mr. Harrington is at the Hartwell celebration."

"Mr. Harrington is there too? Really?"

"There are photos circulating. Look!"

"Goodness, it is him!"

All eyes turned to Selene.

Most guests barely knew the Lancasters. They'd attended partly for Damien, partly because the Hartwell family's declining business seemed beyond recovery.

But now, not only had Graham appeared at Marianne's party, even Damien was there celebrating.

Which made everyone wonder - why had they bothered coming here at all?