Chapter 208

Camille tightened her grip on Marianne's arm.

Marianne calmly patted her granddaughter's hand. "It's fine."

If they could predict her arrival, how could she not have anticipated their presence? Gabriel said, "Mrs. Hartwell, I'll go find Mr. Rhodes inside. Would you and Camille like to join me?" He was offering to introduce them to Hugh, giving Camille a chance to meet her idol.

But Marianne shook her head. "Seeing so many of the artist's works in one place is honor enough. I wouldn't dream of disturbing him."

With her decision made, Gabriel had no choice but to relent. Still, with the Lancasters present, he felt uneasy leaving them alone.

Camille reassured him, "Go ahead. We'll be fine."

The Lancasters valued their reputation too much to cause trouble in such a public setting.

Gabriel departed.

Camille asked, "Grandmother, which painting would you like to see first?"

Marianne smiled. "Let's begin with the nearest one."

"Of course."

As Camille turned to guide Marianne away, Everett and Elliot entered. They spotted her immediately.

Elliot, still harboring feelings, moved to greet her.

Everett instinctively frowned.

Camille ignored them and turned away.

Marianne inquired, "Do you know those young men?"

"We've worked together before."

Satisfied with the professional explanation, Marianne asked no further.

Just then, Malcolm and Helena arrived. Before they could greet Everett, he spoke first. "Mr. Lancaster, Mrs. Lancaster, what a surprise to see you here."

"Indeed."

Malcolm began to speak when Nora and Rosalie approached.

"Malcolm, Helena," Rosalie asked, "do you know these gentlemen?" She'd noticed the brief exchange between Camille and Everett.

Malcolm smiled. "This is Mr. Mercer, a friend of Selene and Adrian."

"I see."

After exchanging pleasantries with the Lancasters, Everett and Elliot proceeded inside.

Upon entering, they spotted Gabriel but weren't surprised. "Gabriel's here too?"

Since they were all attending at their families' behest, they maintained proper decorum. Gabriel smirked. "Obviously."

Felix emerged then, handing Gabriel a teacup before noticing Everett. "You made it."

Everett nodded. "Of course. Where's your grandfather?"

"Inside with other guests. He'll be awhile. Why don't you gentlemen sit?"

Everett took a seat. "Very well."

But Gabriel kept checking his watch restlessly.

Felix noticed. "Gabriel, are you expecting someone?"

Gabriel hesitated. "No... I just have another engagement. Though leaving without seeing Hugh would be rude."

His concern won over etiquette. "Forgive me, Felix. I need to step out briefly."

Felix waved him off. "By all means."

Gabriel departed immediately.

Everett watched him go, quickly dedising his destination was Camille.

Felix remarked, "Grandfather will be occupied for some time. You two might enjoy the gallery while you wait."