Chapter 20

When Selene Lancaster celebrated her birthday, Damien Harrington had Tristan Rutherford and his circle arrange the festivities. Now, during Selene's racing competition, Tristan and the others showed up again to support her.

Rumors swirled about Selene's closeness with Damien's inner circle. Their bond had grown so strong that even in Damien's absence, they never failed to include Selene in their gatherings.

Tristan and his friends had fully embraced her as one of their own. This acceptance had gradually eroded their interactions with Camille Hartwell over the past two years, their indifference toward her becoming more pronounced.

Camille had once attempted to forge connections with them. But they'd dismissed her from the start, never granting her an opportunity.

Pride prevented her from pushing the matter after their stance became clear. She maintained polite greetings during necessary encounters, though most were met with deliberate ignorance or outright disdain. This time, Camille chose silence, walking past Tristan without acknowledgment.

"Ms. Hartwell, I never took you for a racing enthusiast," Tristan remarked coolly, assuming she'd followed Damien here.

Camille turned, her voice glacial. "What exactly are you implying?"

Tristan didn't mask his contempt. "Merely observing that racing seems... incongruous with someone of your disposition. I found it curious."

"My disposition?" Camille held his gaze steadily. "Mr. Rutherford, do we share such intimacy that you presume to know me? Enlighten me - what exactly is my disposition?"

Tristan had always perceived Camille as quiet, gentle, almost shy. But he believed this facade concealed a calculating nature - how else could she have orchestrated that despicable scheme to win Damien's affection?

His silence spoke volumes, heavy with unspoken judgment. He considered her unworthy of further commentary.

Yet today, Camille's tone carried an unfamiliar edge. The pretense of meekness seemed discarded, though not entirely. Her piercing gaze held both cold clarity and subtle mockery - as if laughing at his presumption of understanding her, at his self-righteous condemnation without full context.

Camille cared little for Tristan's thoughts. She turned away without another word.

Lydia Harrington had rented Hugo Harrington an apartment near campus. By the time Camille dropped him off, the clock showed 11:00 PM.

Despite his earlier dinner, Hugo's stomach growled again. "Camille, there's an amazing late-night spot nearby. My treat," he offered.

Camille hadn't eaten. The prospect of warm comfort food appealed to her current mood. She agreed. As they settled at the diner, her stomach emitted a quiet protest.

Hugo froze, then realization dawned. "Wait... you skipped dinner?"

She nodded.

His face fell. "God, Camille, I'm so sorry. This is completely my fault—"

"It's fine. I wasn't hungry earlier."

Her gentle reassurance only deepened Hugo's guilt. In that moment, he recognized her genuine kindness. What a tragedy that Damien remained blind to it.