Chapter 250

Camille stepped out just before noon the next day.

It had been ages since she'd seen Iris, and the little girl had been missing her terribly.

The aroma of gourmet food greeted Camille as she entered The Meridian. She headed straight for the VIP lounge where Iris immediately spotted her. "Miss Camille!"

With a warm smile, Camille embraced the excited child. "It's been too long, sweetheart."

This marked Camille's first visit to the upscale restaurant.

Every dish surprised her with its exquisite flavors - each one perfectly suited to her palate.

After lunch, they proceeded directly to the cinema where Tristan had reserved tickets for the afternoon showing.

Iris insisted on popcorn before entering the theater. Tristan started toward the concession stand. "Large or small?"

"Extra large! I'll share with you and Miss Camille."

Tristan chuckled. "As you wish."

Inside the darkened theater, Iris claimed the middle seat.

She balanced the oversized popcorn bucket on her lap, nibbled a piece, then nudged Camille to join her.

Camille obliged, selecting a buttery kernel.

Iris then turned to Tristan, insisting he partake as well.

Tristan had chosen a newly released animated feature specifically for Iris's enjoyment.

Though targeted at children, the film captivated all three with its clever humor and touching moments. Even Camille found herself engrossed.

At one point, Camille reached for popcorn just as Tristan did the same. His fingers brushed against hers, then lingered a moment too long.

Camille froze.

Tristan stiffened slightly.

To Camille, it meant nothing - just an accidental contact not worth dwelling on.

As if reading her thoughts, Tristan withdrew his hand with a quiet, "My apologies."

"No harm done."

Iris, completely absorbed in the movie, missed the entire exchange.

Noticing only a few kernels remained in Iris's bucket, Camille stopped eating.

Tristan noticed her restraint but misinterpreted it as deliberate distancing.

He lowered his gaze and abstained as well.

Later, Iris needed a restroom break after drinking too much soda. Camille naturally accompanied her.

There were certain things Tristan couldn't assist with, after all.

"Thank you," he murmured.

"Of course."

As they exited the restroom, a boy emerged from the men's side.

He spotted Camille and Iris but quickly vanished into the crowd as they returned to their movie.

"Mother."

The boy approached Selene Harrington. "I'm finished. Let's go."

Selene acknowledged him absently.

The child was Caleb Harrington, Selene's son.

Having no fondness for Camille, he'd deliberately ignored their passing.

Selene, occupied with a phone call, hadn't noticed Camille either.

Bored during their departure, Caleb finally mentioned it. "Mother, I saw Aunt Camille earlier."

Selene barely reacted. "Did you?"

"Yes. She had some child with her - not Chloe."

Selene showed no interest. "Is that so?"

Her indifference made clear how little she cared about Camille's affairs.

Assuming it was just some Hartwell family child, she dismissed it entirely.

They left for Harrington Manor where Marcus Harrington was already entertaining guests with Damien.

Still intimidated by Damien, Caleb offered polite greetings.

Chloe sat nearby, engrossed in a puzzle.

After acknowledging the adults, Selene instructed Caleb to join his cousin.