Chapter 262

Camille noticed but remained indifferent.

Tristan's sudden warmth toward her was purely business-related - a direct result of their NovaSight Labs collaboration.

Arlo shared the same assessment.

This marked Tristan's third encounter with Camille.

"That woman," he asked casually, "is she Tristan's lover?"

Arlo nearly spat out his drink. "Lover? Absolutely not. Don't invent rumors."

Being new to Lucerne, Adrian lacked context.

Both Arlo and Selene assumed his assumption stemmed from Camille's striking beauty and her undeniable chemistry with Tristan.

"I see."

Yet Tristan hadn't taken his eyes off Camille since spotting her. That intensity suggested deeper feelings.

Even if they weren't involved now, Tristan clearly had feelings for her.

Tristan had noticed Selene and Arlo's lingering stares.

As his meeting time approached, he bid Camille a brief farewell.

Then he paused. "You're not attending The Meridian's gala this weekend, are you?"

"No," Camille confirmed.

Her definitive answer stirred something in Tristan's chest. With a curt nod, he turned to leave.

Approaching Arlo, he nearly collided with Damien's arrival.

Damien's gaze flickered toward Camille momentarily before dismissing her entirely. "Shall we begin the meeting?"

Tristan noted Damien's complete disinterest in his soon-to-be ex-wife.

His eyes darkened imperceptibly.

Before ascending, Damien addressed Adrian. "Have you seen my office yet?"

"Not yet."

"I've prepared refreshments. Feel free to visit if you grow bored."

In just days, Damien and Adrian had developed an easy rapport.

Post-meeting, The Meridian's executives gathered for lunch.

Though neither high-ranking, Selene and Adrian joined Damien's car due to their personal connections.

Departing, Tristan glanced back at The Meridian's towering structure, thoughts lingering on Camille. "When will Damien's divorce finalize?" he asked Arlo.

Assuming professional concern, Arlo answered, "Delayed by share transfers in one of Damien's companies. Soon, though."

"Understood."

At noon, Camille dined with colleagues in The Meridian's cafeteria.

After a brief rest, she resumed work.

By three, her tasks complete, she returned to NovaSight Labs.

Come evening, Camille arrived at Beaumont Group's gala with Gabriel.

Hearing of their arrival, Tristan went to greet them - then froze at the sight of Camille.

Tonight she wore a breathtaking ombré gown, shifting from sapphire to amethyst, the off-shoulder design showcasing her luminous skin.

The flowing silhouette accentuated her natural grace.

Tristan had never seen her so radiant.

Composing himself, he stepped forward. "Mr. Ashcroft. Ms. Hartwell."

Gabriel and Camille returned the greeting in unison. "Mr. Rutherford."

Their pleasantries were interrupted by Damien and Selene's arrival.

Selene's couture white gown and dazzling jewels made a striking impression.

Yet spotting Camille, she faltered momentarily.

Camille outshone every previous appearance.

But Selene's confidence never wavered. Beauty meant nothing without substance - and she had both.

With that assurance, she turned to Damien.

Noting his dispassionate glance toward Camille, Selene allowed herself a small, satisfied smile.