Chapter 151

Alright.

Camille Hartwell returned to the Hartwell estate for lunch on Saturday morning. She asked Owen about the new project.

Once she confirmed everything was running smoothly, she finally relaxed.

By 2:00 PM, she drove to the campsite.

Tristan Rutherford and Iris had just arrived as well.

Tristan’s team was already setting up the tents and prepping the grill.

Snow had been falling for days, blanketing the mountains in thick white layers.

The moment she stepped out of the car, Iris tugged at her sleeve excitedly. "Let’s build a snowman!"

Camille had built snowmen with Chloe before.

So, it wasn’t difficult for her.

Soon, they finished a small, lopsided snowman.

Iris had even brought a scarf for it. Once they were done, she asked the helpers to fetch the carrot and scarf she’d packed.

Tristan approached her.

Camille stayed silent.

He crouched beside her. "So, you’re working at NovaSight Labs now?"

She smoothed the snowman’s round head. "Yes."

He remembered how coldly she’d dismissed Damien and Selene at Vertex Dynamics. Like she’d already moved on. "When did you start?"

"A while ago."

He wanted to ask more, but her tone made it clear she wasn’t interested. So, he changed the subject. "Just five times total."

She paused. He was referring to the five outings she’d promised Iris.

"Okay," she agreed.

Iris returned with two scarves. She wanted to build a bigger snowman beside the small one—like them, one tall, one short. She even pulled Tristan into helping.

He complied without protest.

When the larger snowman was done, Iris insisted on photos with both of them.

Tristan took out his phone. Through the screen, he watched Camille’s rare, genuine smile and snapped several shots.

Time flew by in laughter and snow. By the time they finished, dusk had settled. The scent of grilled meat filled the air, and the tents glowed warmly against the darkening sky.

"Hungry?" Tristan asked.

She nodded.

He handed her a skewer.

The campsite buzzed with winter campers. Though not overcrowded, the energy was lively. A bonfire party was scheduled for later.

"Want to check it out?"

"Sure."

Just as Tristan was about to reply, his phone rang.

Arlo Calloway.

He stepped away to answer.

"Drinks tonight?" Arlo said.

"Pass. You go ahead."

"Why—"

Iris dashed over with another skewer. "Uncle Tristan! This one’s for you!"

He bent down to take it.

Arlo heard her voice. "You’re grilling?"

"Yeah."

"Where?"

"Out," Tristan said flatly. "Camping."

"Damn, that’s perfect! Snow, camping, bonfire—why didn’t I think of that?" Arlo paused. "Wait, you went without us?"

"I’ll invite you next time."

"Hold on—Iris’s there, right? Where exactly? I’ll come. Better yet, I’ll tell Damien. We can all—"

"Gotta go," Tristan interrupted, hanging up before Arlo could finish.