Chapter 133

Chloe wrapped her tiny arms around Camille's neck, pressing her face into the warmth of her scarf to escape the biting wind.

Camille's coat was soft against Chloe's cheek, and the little girl snuggled deeper, nuzzling her nose against the fabric with a contented sigh.

Damien was never late. By the time Camille carried Chloe to the parking lot, his sleek black car had already pulled up beside them.

The moment they appeared, the car glided to a smooth stop.

Even with her father waiting, Chloe didn’t budge from Camille’s arms. Instead, she grinned at Damien through the lowered window. "Daddy, carry me in!"

Damien didn’t speak. He simply stepped out and lifted Chloe from Camille’s embrace.

Giggling, Chloe kicked her legs playfully as he settled her against his chest.

As he leaned in, Camille caught the faintest trace of a familiar scent—Selene’s perfume.

It hadn’t been there earlier when he sat beside her.

Which meant after leaving them, he’d gone to the Lancasters.

Damien met her gaze. "It’s cold. You should head home."

Camille took a deliberate step back. "I will."

Chloe waved enthusiastically. "Bye, Mommy!"

Camille gave a small nod in response.

She didn’t wait for them to drive away. The moment Damien secured Chloe inside, she turned on her heel and walked toward her own car.

Damien watched her retreating figure for a long moment before finally looking away. "Drive."

The car merged seamlessly into the evening traffic.

Just as Camille reached for her door handle, a voice stopped her. "Camille."

She hadn’t noticed anyone approaching, assuming it was just another stranger in the parking lot. But at the sound of her name, she turned—and found Tristan standing there.

She assumed it was coincidence. The hotel wasn’t exclusive to them, after all.

Offering a polite nod, she unlocked her car, ready to leave.

Tristan didn’t move. His hesitation was palpable.

Camille paused, hand on the door. His expression suggested he had something to say.

Her voice cooled. "Did you need something?"

Tristan hesitated.

In the end, he didn’t mention the evening’s events. Instead, he said, "Iris has a gift for you. Maybe we could arrange dinner in the next few days?"

Iris had been through something traumatic—physically and emotionally. She’d once told Camille she reminded her of her late mother.

Camille liked Iris. Under normal circumstances, she’d set aside her issues with Tristan to spend time with her.

But meeting just for Iris’s sake…

Before she could respond, Tristan added, "There’s a project your uncle’s working on. I can help."

Camille stiffened.

He didn’t elaborate. "Think about it. Call me whenever you decide."

She didn’t answer. Trusting him was impossible. He was close to both Selene and Damien.

Even if his offer was genuine now, what guarantee was there that he wouldn’t use it against her later—just like Damien had?