Chapter 332

"A play?" Declan Vaughn's eyebrows shot up. "What sort of play? Those are practically extinct around here."

Camille Hartwell hesitated. "It's a vintage performance. Probably not your style."

His gaze turned razor-sharp. "Try me. Just because I grew up abroad doesn't mean I don't appreciate Lucerne's cultural heritage. I've been meaning to explore more local traditions."

Cornered, Camille reluctantly gave him the theater's address.

Within minutes, Declan secured an online ticket.

His phone buzzed with an incoming call. "Hey moneybags," his friend's voice crackled through. "We're hitting The Meridian tonight."

"Can't," Declan cut in. "Already booked for the evening."

After ending her call with Declan, Camille remained swamped with work until late afternoon.

A glance at her calendar reminded her - Iris Rutherford's birthday approached. She hesitated briefly before dialing Tristan Rutherford.

Tristan had been craving more reasons to connect with Camille.

Ever since discovering Declan's interest in her, his urgency had intensified.

Yet beyond their professional collaborations and Iris, they lacked natural touchpoints.

With no current projects requiring him at NovaSight Labs, he'd struggled to find excuses to reach out.

And now that Damien Harrington was collaborating with NovaSight Labs...

Tristan froze mid-step exiting his car when Camille's name flashed on his screen.

He answered instantly.

"Hope I'm not interrupting, Mr. Rutherford," Camille began.

"Not at all," Tristan replied, his stern features softening. "Everything alright?"

"I want to make Iris's birthday gift myself but worry she might not like it. Thought I'd get your input."

Warmth flooded Tristan's chest at her consideration for his niece. "Iris adores you. Anything thoughtful from you will delight her."

Knowing Iris's personality, Camille conceded this was likely true. "Any specific suggestions?"

Tristan paused. "Do you bake?"

"I do," Camille brightened. "That solves it. Thanks."

"My pleasure. Reach out anytime if you need anything."

"Will do."

As Tristan finally entered the restaurant, Arlo Calloway and Selene Lancaster were already seated with Damien.

"Took you long enough," Arlo remarked.

Tristan chuckled. "Important call."

Selene studied Tristan's unusually buoyant mood.

Since Cora Finch joined his company, she'd made multiple lunch invitations. Each time, Tristan politely declined citing workload.

Once or twice, she believed him.

But this many refusals?

Was he still bitter about her matchmaking attempts with Giselle Lancaster? Did he assume every outreach was another setup?

That evening, after dining at the Hartwell estate, Camille prepared to leave with Marianne Hartwell for the y when Graham Bellamy called.

"At the Hartwell residence?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Urgent matter. Be ready in ten - car's coming."

"Understood."

Graham's tone brooked no argument.

When Marianne learned of the summons, she waved Camille off cheerfully, saying she'd attend with Talia Hartwell instead.

Exactly ten minutes later, a black sedan arrived.

En route, Camille learned the urgency - the government-backed project she'd spearheaded faced critical deadlines. With Graham entangled elsewhere, only she possessed the technical expertise to keep it on track.

Her phone was confiscated upon arrival at the secure facility.

The next forty-eight hours became a blur of nonstop work.

On the third day, as she finally grabbed lunch in the cafeteria, Felix Rhodes approached her table.