Chapter 272

The fireworks display ended with a spectacular finale.

Camille Hartwell and Noah Hartwell said their goodbyes to the family elders and stepped out into the night.

Their destination was the Lucerne Sky Tower—the perfect vantage point to admire the city's dazzling Lumina Festival lights.

On the eve of the holiday, the tower hosted a breathtaking light show along with other festive performances.

By the time they arrived, the plaza was already packed with excited spectators.

Laughter and cheerful chatter filled the crisp night air.

The main event hadn't begun yet.

Isaac Hartwell and his university friends had planned to celebrate the festival here together.

Spotting his group near the fountain, Isaac excused himself to join them.

When they noticed Camille and Noah, Isaac's friends greeted them politely—though their gazes kept drifting toward Camille with poorly concealed admiration.

"Your cousin is stunning," one of them whispered to Isaac.

Isaac smirked. "Obviously."

The group immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere, snapping photos and recording videos of the pre-show entertainment.

Camille and Noah hung back, content to let the younger crowd enjoy themselves.

Then Camille's phone buzzed.

A text from Tristan Rutherford: Are you watching the light show at the Sky Tower tonight?

Frowning slightly, she typed back: Already here. Why?

Tristan responded instantly: Iris and I are on our way too.

Camille stared at the screen. What a coincidence.

Tristan didn't elaborate further.

Soon, the light show began—a mesmerizing symphony of colors dancing across the cityscape.

Camille was completely absorbed until a familiar voice called out: "Ms. Hartwell!"

Turning, she saw Tristan approaching with little Iris Rutherford in his arms.

The moment Iris spotted Camille, she squealed with delight and reached out.

Camille took Noah's hand as they navigated through the crowd. When they reached Tristan, she gathered the beaming child into her arms.

Iris clung to Camille's neck, her wide eyes reflecting the kaleidoscope of lights above. "Ms. Hartwell, look! So pretty!"

Camille chuckled. "I see it, sweetheart."

The joyous atmosphere was infectious, and Camille found herself smiling genuinely for the first time that evening.

Tristan watched them for a moment before gently retrieving Iris, concerned about Camille's arms tiring. "Where's Isaac? Didn't he come with you?"

"He's over there with his friends." Camille gestured toward the boisterous group nearby.

As she turned back, her smile froze.

Three familiar figures stood just twenty feet away.

Malcolm Lancaster. Helena Lancaster. Tristan Lancaster.

She couldn't hear their conversation, but the affectionate way Malcolm ruffled young Tristan's hair spoke volumes. They stood close together—a picture-perfect family enjoying the festival.

Camille's expression darkened instantly.

Tristan Rutherford noticed the change immediately. Following her gaze, he spotted the Lancasters.

Before he could react, young Tristan noticed them too.

"Tristan!" The boy waved excitedly, drawing his parents' attention.

Malcolm and Helena's faces lit up when they saw Tristan Rutherford—until their eyes landed on Camille. The warmth vanished, replaced by thinly veiled hostility.

Helena's brows furrowed the moment she saw Camille standing beside Tristan.

Since they'd been spotted, ignoring them would be rude.

Tristan hesitated before turning to Camille. "I should go say hello."

Her reply was clipped. "Of course."

After one last searching look, Tristan carried Iris toward the Lancasters.

Noah had noticed Camille's sudden shift in demeanor.

She didn't know all the details of Camille's past, but Malcolm Lancaster was more than just a vague memory. The way Camille's entire body tensed at the sight of them told Noah everything she needed to know.

Her chest tightened. "Maybe we should leave?" she suggested softly, squeezing Camille's hand.

Camille shook her head. "I'm fine."

Her reaction wasn't about lingering feelings for Malcolm.

It was about seeing him with Helena—and remembering her mother.

Especially tonight.

Why did they get to celebrate happily as a family when her mother—

No, not just the three of them. A family of four.

Selene Lancaster was probably out somewhere with Damien Harrington.

They'd destroyed her mother's life, yet their perfect little family continued to thrive. The injustice burned.

Noah squeezed her hand again but remained silent.

She understood their family wasn't like others.

For them, holidays weren't about celebration—they were about survival.

Visiting Audrey Hartwell at the care home was painful. Not visiting was worse.

Every trip forced them to relive the past in brutal detail, leaving them emotionally drained for days.

Moving forward hurt. Staying stuck hurt more.

They'd been existing in that limbo—not thriving, not quite drowning—until Selene Lancaster reappeared and stole Damien from Camille. Now the entire Lancaster clan had relocated to Lucerne, twisting the knife deeper.

Noticing their tense expressions, Isaac broke away from his friends. "Everything okay?" he asked, approaching cautiously.

Before Camille could respond, Noah nodded toward the Lancasters. "They're talking to Tristan Rutherford."

Isaac's jaw tightened immediately.

Meanwhile...

Tristan Rutherford had just finished exchanging pleasantries with the Lancasters.

When he turned back, Camille and the others were gone.