Chapter 399

The clock struck noon when Camille and Damien's group arrived at The Meridian for lunch following their morning meeting.

As they approached their private dining suite, the adjacent door swung open abruptly.

"Selene! Dane!" Giselle's voice rang out deliberately loud enough for everyone to hear.

Spotting Dorian among the group, Malcolm flashed a polished smile. "Ms. Hartwell, what an unexpected pleasure to find you dining here."

Gabriel returned the smile with equal politeness. "Quite the serendipitous encounter."

Though the words suggested chance, this meeting had been carefully orchestrated.

News of Damien and Camille's courthouse visit to file divorce papers had spread through both families like wildfire.

Learning of Damien's lunch plans in the district - and Camille's presence - Giselle had specifically requested the private room directly across from theirs.

Thus, this "coincidental" encounter came to be.

The knowledge that Damien had wasted no time initiating divorce proceedings after finalizing the agreement filled Giselle with glee.

What thrilled her even more was the thirty-day countdown until Damien could legally dissolve his marriage to Camille.

After that, Selene and Damien's wedding would undoubtedly follow swiftly.

There would be no place left for Camille in their world.

Giselle shot Camille a look brimming with smug superiority.

While Selene had never openly pressured Damien to divorce, her anxiety about the situation had been palpable.

Despite her absolute confidence in their relationship, as long as Damien remained legally bound to Camille, their connection lacked proper legitimacy.

Hearing on Saturday that Damien had finalized divorce terms and scheduled Monday's courthouse visit had filled her with quiet satisfaction.

The sentiment wasn't unique to them - both the Harrington and Lancaster families shared in the celebration.

Helena barely glanced at Camille before dismissing her entirely, while Nora couldn't contain her triumphant smile.

"Go ahead," Selene told Damien with practiced grace. "We won't keep you."

"I'll see you shortly," he replied.

"Of course," she smiled.

Their exchange painted the picture of deeply devoted lovers.

Dorian and the others exchanged knowing chuckles.

Camille and Gabriel wasted no time with pleasantries, moving directly into their private suite upon seeing the Lancaster clan.

"They're putting on quite the performance," Gabriel sneered.

"Obviously," Camille agreed dryly.

"Pathetic display from supposedly respectable families."

After brief greetings, Damien's party entered their room while the Lancasters retreated to theirs.

Nora's satisfaction wasn't complete, however.

Leaning toward Helena, she whispered, "That little tramp landing Gabriel after leaving Dane is too fortunate."

Gabriel represented significant status, not to mention his connection to Graham.

The thought stuck in Nora's throat like an unswallowable bone.

She wasn't alone in this discomfort. Since learning of Camille's genuine professional growth under Gabriel's mentorship, both Helena and Selene had grown uneasy.

"That divorce will brand her permanently," Nora continued through gritted teeth. "What makes her think she deserves better?"

The label of divorcée soothed Helena somewhat.

"Nothing's final until they're married. There's still time."

Nora knew this intellectually, but couldn't shake her unease. Any possibility of Camille marrying Gabriel kept her from true contentment.

In the adjacent room, Camille remained oblivious to the Harringtons' machinations.

Damien's party settled into comfortable conversation, the atmosphere deceptively relaxed.

After a brief interval, Damien stood. "Please continue. I'll return shortly."

His earlier promise to visit Selene's room explained his departure, prompting knowing smiles.

"Take your time, Mr. Harrington," Dorian chuckled.

"Indeed, no rush," Hugh echoed with amusement.

Damien smiled and exited.

Camille and Gabriel observed the charade with detached interest, barely sparing him another glance.

While Camille paid little attention to his absence, Gabriel checked his watch impatiently. "Ten minutes. How presumptuous."

Camille opened her mouth to respond when Damien reappeared, cutting off her reply.

Gabriel rolled his eyes dramatically.

Damien resumed his seat as if nothing had occurred, rejoining the conversation seamlessly.

Then Camille's phone rang.

She froze at the caller ID.

Gabriel noticed her reaction and peered at the screen. "Felix? Why's he calling you?"

Though he hadn't spoken loudly, Dorian and nearby guests - including Damien - all heard clearly.

Remembering Felix's previous confession, Camille found herself at a loss for words.