Chapter 184

Camille froze momentarily.

Even though Felix had asked her to dance again, she sensed no romantic undertones in his invitation.

It was purely an apologetic and friendly gesture.

Recognizing his sincerity, she placed her hand in his.

Tristan had already exited the dance floor.

His expression darkened when he noticed Camille and Felix returning to dance together.

Selene too raised an eyebrow at Felix's persistent attention toward Camille.

Damien observed them as well.

He smirked slightly before resuming his dance with Selene as if nothing had occurred.

Moments later, Damien received a call. He and Selene stepped away from the dancers.

Coincidentally, Gabriel also wished to stop dancing.

Thus Gabriel and Selene joined Tristan, whose gaze remained fixed on Camille.

Camille and Felix continued swaying to the music.

Gabriel sipped his drink, watching them. "Felix seems quite taken with her. But you know how those elite families are - they'd never approve, no matter how much he likes her."

After all, Camille was a divorced single mother. Given the Hartwell family's precarious financial situation, the Rhodes family accepting her was unthinkable.

Gabriel didn't voice these thoughts, but Selene understood perfectly.

Having lived in Lucerne for years, she knew the Harringtons, Rutherfords, Calloways, Rhodes family, and Mercers were among the city's most powerful families.

She'd suspected Felix came from privilege - likely the Rhodes family.

Her guess proved correct.

Perhaps Felix did enjoy Camille's company, but that didn't imply romantic interest.

As for Camille marrying into the Rhodes family? Impossible.

Just as Selene pondered this, Felix and Camille left the dance floor.

After a polite nod, Felix walked away without hesitation.

Selene smiled.

Her assumptions had been right.

She knew someone like Felix would never fall for a woman like Camille at first sight.

Gabriel looked away. "All that dancing made me hungry. Shall we grab something to eat?"

Noticing Camille and Gabriel heading toward the buffet, Tristan agreed.

Selene informed Damien - still on his phone - of their plans before joining Gabriel and Tristan.

As they arrived, several guests approached to greet them.

Some even seized the opportunity to discuss potential business ventures with Tristan and Gabriel.

Selene stood aside, listening to their conversations.

Then Felix and Everett appeared.

Spotting her, Everett approached. "Good evening, Ms. Lancaster."

Selene offered a faint smile. "Mr. Mercer."

"Where's Mr. Harrington? Isn't he with you?"

"He's currently occupied with phone calls."

Realizing Selene and Felix hadn't been introduced, Everett took initiative. "Ms. Lancaster, may I present my good friend, Felix Rhodes."

Turning to Felix, he added, "Felix, this is Ms. Lancaster."

Felix extended his hand. "A pleasure."

Selene shook it briefly. "Likewise."

Camille and Gabriel were approaching their group.

Gabriel clicked his tongue in annoyance when he saw them.

The desserts he wanted were just beyond the gathering.

As they moved toward the treats, business associates intercepted them.

Meanwhile, after greeting Selene, Felix turned to Tristan and Gabriel. "Mr. Rutherford, Mr. Calloway."

Tristan gave a curt nod.

Just then, Damien finished his calls and joined them.

Gabriel recalled Felix and Camille's extended dance. He cleared his throat meaningfully.

Regardless of circumstances, Camille remained Damien's wife.

Tristan's expression darkened further.

Damien, however, appeared completely unbothered.

He initiated conversation with Felix. "Mr. Rhodes."

Felix nodded. "Mr. Harrington."

Damien tapped his glass against Felix's before sipping. "It's been some time."

Felix gripped his glass lightly. "Indeed it has."

Gabriel nearly rolled his eyes.

His concern had been unnecessary.

The group fell into casual conversation.

Camille and Gabriel became engrossed in discussions that lasted quite awhile.

They didn't cross paths with Damien's group again that evening.

As midnight approached, they bid their host farewell and departed discreetly.

Monday morning found Gabriel arriving at work to learn Levi Navarro from Harrington Group waited downstairs to discuss collaboration.

Selene had accompanied Levi.

Gabriel sighed internally.

Had Damien come personally, he'd have refused the meeting.

But he respected Levi.

With Damien sending him, refusal wasn't an option.

He had to admit Damien knew precisely which strings to pull.

Moreover, Levi had brought Selene.

A headache began pounding at Gabriel's temples.

Suppressing his irritation, he went to brief Camille on the situation.