Chapter 210

Giselle's eyes widened in shock as she saw Tristan Rutherford engaged in conversation with Camille Hartwell. She couldn't resist tugging at Arlo Calloway's sleeve. "Why is Tristan talking to her?"

Before Arlo could respond, she started marching toward them.

Helena Lancaster swiftly caught her arm. "They're discussing business matters."

"Business?"

"Yes."

Giselle pressed her lips together in frustration, though her gaze remained locked on Camille and Tristan.

Camille wore a simple winter dress today, yet even without elaborate styling, she radiated effortless elegance.

Standing beside Tristan, they created an unexpectedly harmonious picture.

Though Giselle knew nothing could possibly exist between them, unease twisted in her stomach. She pulled Arlo's sleeve again. "Arlo, what could they possibly be discussing for so long?"

Her feelings for Tristan were painfully obvious.

Having known Tristan for years, Arlo understood perfectly that Tristan had no interest in spoiled, willful women like Giselle.

Besides, Tristan had already rejected her quite clearly.

Arlo chuckled lightly. "Just socializing. It happens."

"Couldn't business wait for office hours?"

Arlo wasn't interested in arguing. He wanted to go inside for tea, but Tristan hadn't returned yet.

Just then, Damien Harrington and Selene Lancaster finally arrived.

Arlo immediately waved them over. "Here!"

Seeing them, Malcolm Lancaster and the others broke into smiles. "Damien! Selene! You're here!"

Damien nodded, about to speak when his gaze landed on Camille and Tristan nearby.

The Lancasters and Whitakers watched him closely, anticipating his reaction. After only a brief glance, Damien turned away and simply said, "I'll go greet them."

Nora Lancaster and Helena exchanged subtle glances as Damien walked away.

Selene, however, smiled gracefully. "Mrs. Harrington Senior maintains good relations with them. Even divorced, he wouldn't burn bridges unnecessarily."

So a polite greeting in public was expected. Anything beyond that? Impossible.

Hearing this, Nora and the others relaxed. For a moment they'd wondered...

Selene glanced toward Camille, then casually looked away.

Camille faced Malcolm's group, so she'd naturally noticed Damien and Selene's arrival.

What surprised her was Damien approaching her.

Her brow furrowed slightly.

"Madam Hartwell." Damien greeted Marianne first.

Marianne's warm expression turned frosty upon seeing him. "Mr. Harrington."

Unfazed by her cold tone, Damien gave Camille a brief nod as well.

Camille turned her face away, ignoring him completely.

As Selene had said, he'd only come for pleasantries. Mission accomplished, he prepared to leave.

Before departing, he glanced at Tristan, silently asking if he wanted to join him.

Tristan turned to Marianne and Gabriel. "I have matters to attend to. We'll continue another time." Gabriel waved dismissively, clearly unimpressed.

Marianne remained polite. "Let's talk again when you're free."

With that, Tristan and Damien returned to the Lancasters and Whitakers.