Chapter 182

Felix Rhodes paused mid-step. "Camille? As in... divine?"

"Exactly."

The name fit her perfectly, though Felix kept that thought to himself.

Everett Mercer, Arlo Calloway, Tristan Rutherford, Selene Lancaster, and Damien Harrington all took notice.

Partner swapping during dances wasn't uncommon.

But Camille Hartwell with Felix Rhodes?

Visually, they were breathtaking together.

Everett's brow furrowed.

Tristan froze momentarily.

His dance partner tilted her head. "Mr. Rutherford?"

Tristan quickly looked away. "My apologies."

"It's fine."

Really, changing partners during a waltz meant nothing.

Tristan wouldn't have minded even switching with Damien.

But Camille—

This was Selene's first encounter with Felix tonight.

Everett had greeted him earlier, but Felix hadn't stayed long.

Selene knew nothing about his background.

Yet judging by how Everett and Elliot Mercer treated him, his status clearly matched Everett's.

Selene's lips pursed as she watched Camille blush while dancing with Felix, who seemed unusually attentive.

Arlo suddenly grinned. "Let's switch, Damien."

Selene snapped back to reality.

Damien met her gaze. "Shall we?"

Smiling tightly, Selene nodded. "Of course."

Damien smoothly transferred his partner to Arlo.

Arlo's dance partner hadn't expected Selene to agree so readily.

When Damien took her hand and rested his other hand lightly on her waist, she stared up at his striking features, her pulse racing uncontrollably—she missed a step.

Flushing crimson, she glanced at Damien in mortified hesitation.

Damien paused briefly before speaking gently, "Relax."

His calm demeanor steadied her. After murmuring an apology, she gradually matched his rhythm.

Initially, Selene hadn't cared about the switch.

One dance couldn't threaten her relationship with Damien.

But seeing the girl's starry-eyed admiration for Damien made Selene's fingers tighten involuntarily.

Arlo had never viewed Selene romantically—she was his best friend's girlfriend.

The switch had been impulsive.

Yet now, holding Selene's hand felt strangely uncomfortable.

His free hand hovered awkwardly near her waist.

Selene glared. "It's just a dance. Damien won't mind."

Arlo forced a laugh. "Right."

Meanwhile, Camille and Damien were gradually drifting closer.

Camille remained oblivious.

Suddenly, Damien's voice cut through the music. "Felix, care to switch?"

Camille turned sharply, meeting Damien's intense gaze.

Felix hesitated. "Ms. Hartwell, would you—"

Before he finished, Damien had already made the exchange, passing his partner to Felix.

Had Felix not caught her, she might have stumbled.

Seeing Damien secure Camille, Felix had no choice but to release her and steady the other woman at her waist.

It happened too fast—Camille barely registered the shift before finding herself securely in Damien's arms.