Chapter 72

Gabriel noticed how Camille greeted the man with familiarity.

"That's Tristan Rutherford."

"Tristan?" Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you two barely acquaintances? How did you end up sharing a table?"

"His niece fell into the pool earlier. I rescued her, and he came to express gratitude."

Gabriel gave a curt nod. "I see."

Camille mentioned she was with colleagues. Tristan assumed the man who'd greeted her was just another coworker, so he didn't bother turning around.

When Camille and Gabriel walked away, Tristan finally glanced back. A tall, well-built young man walked beside her.

From the rear view alone, they looked perfectly matched.

Their close proximity and easy body language suggested a comfortable relationship.

"Uncle Tristan!"

Iris's voice snapped him back to reality. "Finished eating? Let's return to our room."

"Okay!" Iris chirped.

Having already eaten, Tristan wiped his hands and escorted Iris back.

Camille returned to her suite intending to read on the balcony when her phone rang. Damien's name flashed on the screen.

He only called for urgent matters.

After a brief hesitation, she answered coldly. "Yes?"

"Grandmother expects us for dinner tomorrow night."

A pause. "Understood."

The line went dead before she could respond.

Camille couldn't care less about his abruptness.

She set the phone aside, steadied her breathing, and resumed reading.

That night, she slept soundly and woke refreshed at dawn.

The resort gym provided perfect space for her morning run. After cooling down, she decided to enjoy the hot springs again.

A woman in her fifties approached, holding little Iris's hand. Camille recognized her from yesterday.

Clearly the Rutherford family nanny assigned to care for Iris.

Yesterday's emergency call had distracted the nanny, making her unaware of Iris's disappearance.

Had Camille not been present when Iris fell into the pool, the consequences would've devastated the nanny.

Profuse thanks poured from the woman's lips.

"No need," Camille replied simply.

She'd assumed Iris would avoid water after yesterday's scare.

Tristan must have helped her overcome the fear. Clutching both the nanny's hand and a floatation ring, Iris tentatively dipped her toes before slowly entering.

Moments later, the girl kicked her legs and paddled toward Camille. "Ms. Hartwell?"

Camille turned. "Yes?"

Iris remained silent but circled her happily, clearly in high spirits.

The nanny smiled. "She's taken quite a liking to you."

Camille offered a polite smile but said nothing.

Team-building activities demanded her presence soon.

Before leaving, she bid Iris farewell.

To her surprise, the child stretched out her arms. "Ms. Hartwell, hug!"

With no choice, Camille lifted her from the water.

Wrapped in a dry robe, she carried Iris toward the elevators, planning to part ways at their floor.

As they waited, Tristan appeared.

"Uncle Tristan!" Iris beamed.

Tristan reached for his niece. Torn between them, Iris kept one arm around Camille's neck while stretching the other toward Tristan.

During the transfer, Iris accidentally tugged Camille's robe open.

Tristan's gaze fell on the sapphire blue lace beneath.

The glimpse of fair skin, delicate curves, and that slender waist proved utterly mesmerizing.