Chapter 223

"Miss, would you like some chocolate-dipped fruit?"

Camille turned at the vendor's call.

The glistening strawberries on wooden skewers caught the festival lights perfectly, making her mouth water instantly. She couldn't remember the last time she'd indulged in such a treat.

Her gaze automatically sought out Chloe in the crowd.

Just as expected, the little girl was happily devouring her own chocolate-covered treat nearby.

Selene stood beside Damien, clutching an extravagant bouquet of red roses while chatting animatedly. Chloe offered her half-eaten skewer to Selene without hesitation.

Selene took a delicate bite directly from Chloe's hand before offering it to Damien.

He shook his head with an inaudible refusal that made Camille's chest tighten.

"I'll take the strawberry one," Camille told the vendor.

Before she could ask Felix if he wanted anything, he'd already stepped forward. "Allow me."

In one fluid motion, he scanned his phone, completed the payment, and accepted the treat from the vendor before presenting it to her.

"It's just ten dollars," Camille protested even as she accepted it.

"My pleasure," Felix replied with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Neither noticed Damien and Selene watching the exchange from across the plaza.

Damien's jaw tightened imperceptibly while Selene's smile froze in place.

The fireworks display lasted twenty spectacular minutes.

As the grand finale lit up the sky, Chloe tugged at Damien's sleeve. "Daddy, what are you and Selene looking at?"

"Nothing important," Damien said smoothly, while Selene forced another smile.

When the show ended, Camille turned to Felix. "Thank you for the company - and the strawberries."

"Heading home now?"

"Yes, just need to grab some snacks first."

Felix didn't press further. "Goodnight then."

"Goodnight."

Camille disappeared into the dispersing crowd while Felix made his way toward the parking garage.

He'd only taken a few steps when a familiar voice called out. "Felix?"

Everett Mercer approached with narrowed eyes. "What brings you here?"

"Dinner with a friend," Felix answered evenly. "You?"

Everett shifted uncomfortably. "Same."

"I was just leaving. You?"

Everett's reply died on his lips as his attention snapped to something behind Felix.

Following his gaze, Felix spotted Damien and Selene entering a nearby café with Chloe.

Everett's expression darkened. "That child... Could the rumors be true? Does Harrington really have a daughter?"

Felix shrugged. "Possibly."

Everett stood rooted to the spot, lips pressed into a thin line.

If that girl was Damien's child, what did that mean for Selene's position?

And those persistent whispers about Damien still being legally married...

If Damien reconciled with his estranged wife because of their child, where would that leave Selene?