Chapter 456

By the time Camille finished her work and surfaced from her intense focus, she realized with a start that Felix had already left his seat without her noticing.

The following days saw her working around the clock until the mission was finally resolved.

She collapsed into bed and slept for a solid twenty-four hours before feeling remotely human again.

Though improved, her complexion remained noticeably paler than before she'd entered the facility.

That entire day had been spent in restless slumber with barely any food consumed.

As evening approached, hunger finally roused her from bed.

Making her way to the dining hall, she unexpectedly crossed paths with Felix emerging from the opposite wing.

His eyebrows lifted in surprise.

"I assumed you'd already left NovaSight Labs."

Given the mission's significance, he could roughly estimate her arrival timeline.

With operations now concluded, he'd expected her departure yesterday after completing her objectives.

Camille shook her head.

"There are still some matters requiring my attention," she explained.

Originally scheduled to leave yesterday, Graham had requested her personal assistance with lingering issues.

Felix offered a warm smile of understanding.

Taking in her still-sleepy demeanor, he guessed she'd only recently woken from her marathon rest.

He restrained further questions.

"Heading to eat?" he inquired instead.

"Care to join me?"

Under the circumstances, refusal seemed impolite.

"Of course," she acquiesced.

They collected their meals and settled at a table facing each other.

Felix studied her carefully.

During his recent leave, while no romantic progress had occurred between them, he'd managed to obtain Gabriel's contact through mutual acquaintances and learned Camille's divorce remained unofficial.

According to Gabriel, her husband had urgent overseas business with no definite return date - meaning the divorce likely remained pending.

With the legal separation incomplete and her feelings currently platonic, Felix saw no benefit in pressing the matter.

Their conversation steered clear of personal topics - no inquiries about divorce paperwork, no questions about her child's gender, age, or personality.

Instead, they discussed mission-related events at the facility.

Work topics always provided ample discussion between them.

But NovaSight Labs's environment bred unpredictability.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted when Camille received an urgent notification from Graham.

Spotting the alert, she dabbed her lips and rose quickly.

"I'm needed immediately. Please, finish your meal."

Felix nodded gently.

"Of course."

As she turned to leave, their gazes accidentally locked.

The unguarded longing in his eyes gave her pause.

She hesitated, dropping her gaze momentarily before looking away.

After a brief silence, she offered a soft "Goodbye" before hurrying off.

Felix's reluctance stemmed from practical concerns - his upcoming assignment would take him away from NovaSight Labs for weeks.

By his return, Camille would certainly have departed.

Their next meeting likely wouldn't occur for at least a month...