Chapter 271

Tristan had just hung up when Iris came sprinting toward him, waving a glowing wand excitedly. "Uncle Tristan! Can I video call Chloe?"

After a brief hesitation, he nodded. "Go ahead."

The call connected almost immediately, with Chloe answering on the first ring.

Iris's face lit up the moment the screen cleared. "Chloe! Look what I have!" She brandished the wand with pride.

Concerned Chloe couldn't see it properly, Iris handed the phone to Tristan and backed up several paces, twirling to display the entire wand.

The garden's dim lighting made the wand's glow even more striking against the evening shadows.

Chloe was still processing the sight when Iris rushed back, grinning. "It's my Lumina Festival present! Isn't it amazing?"

Many childhood memories from two years ago had faded for Chloe.

But seeing Iris with that wand sparked sudden, vivid recollections.

"Yeah, it's beautiful," she admitted. "I think I had one like that too."

"Really? You don't have one now?" Iris's nose scrunched in confusion.

Chloe shook her head. Watching Iris dance with the glowing wand looked incredibly fun.

An idea struck her. "I'm asking Dad to get me one right now! Don't hang up - I'll be back!"

Before Iris could respond, Chloe bolted upstairs with the phone still connected.

The night before Lumina Festival always brought part of the Harrington extended family to the manor for celebrations.

Damien was currently circulating among guests when his daughter came barreling toward him.

Excusing himself, he scooped Chloe up and stepped aside. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

"Iris got a glowing wand for the festival. I want one too."

"A glowing wand?"

"Not like the ones in my room." Chloe thrust the phone forward. "Iris, show Daddy your wand!"

Understanding dawned as Iris demonstrated the sparkling toy from several feet away.

After examining it, Damien smiled. "Got it. Thank you, Iris."

"You're welcome!"

Damien then addressed Tristan, who still held the phone. "Any plans tonight?" Tristan hesitated. "Probably the countdown. You?"

"I'll be heading out," Damien replied.

Tristan wasn't surprised.

On this significant night, of course Damien would go to Camille.

Tristan didn't pry, changing the subject instead. "Were you tied up earlier?"

"Still hosting," Damien confirmed.

Tristan understood completely.

As head of the Harrington family, Lumina Festival was never simple for Damien.

"I'll let you get back to it then."

"Appreciate it."

Before returning the phone, Damien smiled at his daughter. "Enjoy the festival."

"You too!"

Handing the phone back, he promised, "You two chat. I'll have someone get you that wand."

"Yay!" Chloe cheered as her father walked away.

Tristan likewise passed the phone to Iris for the girls to continue their conversation.

When discussing plans earlier, Tristan hadn't asked Damien's destination, just as Damien hadn't extended an invitation.

That unspoken understanding said everything - tonight, Damien wanted no company.