Chapter 181

A subtle change flickered across Tristan's face.

His gaze lingered on Camille.

Damien remained oblivious to Tristan's intense stare.

Gabriel was thoroughly enjoying himself. With theatrical flair, he executed a perfect bow and extended his hand like a nobleman from a period drama. "Might I have the pleasure of dancing with the exquisite Ms. Hartwell?"

Camille was no stranger to ballroom dancing.

She laughed at Gabriel's dramatic display. "The pleasure would be mine," she replied, placing her hand in his.

Gabriel led her onto the polished dance floor with practiced ease.

Not to be outdone, Tristan extended his own invitation to the woman beside him.

As Camille and Gabriel moved across the floor, their attention was drawn to Damien and Selene.

The couple was preparing to dance themselves, their eyes accidentally meeting Camille's direction.

Just as Camille started to look away, she thought she saw Damien smile at her.

Her brow furrowed momentarily before realizing her mistake.

That smile was meant for Selene.

His attention never strayed from his partner.

Camille refocused on Gabriel, surrendering to the rhythm of the music.

Everett, Felix, and Arlo were the kind of eligible bachelors who commanded attention in high society.

Naturally, numerous women vied for their attention.

After greeting Gabriel, Everett only had eyes for one person - Selene.

Like Felix, he had no intention of dancing tonight.

However, certain well-connected young ladies had family ties that couldn't be ignored.

At their elders' insistence, both men reluctantly accepted partners and joined the dancing.

Arlo, true to his reputation as a ladies' man, was already circulating with enthusiasm.

Camille moved with effortless grace in her cocktail dress, her every motion exuding timeless elegance. Her radiant smile made her unquestionably the evening's most captivating presence.

This didn't go unnoticed, and soon multiple gentlemen were angling to cut in.

Elliot was particularly persistent.

Approaching with his current partner, he asked, "Mr. Ashcroft, care to switch partners for a song?"

His gaze remained fixed on Camille.

Gabriel's expression darkened. "I think not."

Elliot was momentarily speechless.

Then Camille heard another voice. "Ms. Hartwell? Would you mind switching partners for this dance?"

She turned to find Felix's partner addressing her.

The woman had striking features and was clearly more interested in Gabriel than in her current partner.

Camille smiled politely. "I don't mind, but Mr. Rhodes—"

Felix interjected smoothly, "I'm amenable either way."

Gabriel looked mildly affronted.

Apparently his opinion wasn't required.

Still, Felix was an impressive match by any standard, and certainly no poor choice for Camille.

With that thought, Gabriel relented.

The exchange happened seamlessly.

Camille found herself momentarily uncomfortable placing her hand in a stranger's and resting the other on his shoulder.

True to his reputation, Felix maintained a respectful distance.

Noticing her tension, Felix found himself wondering if she lacked experience with romantic partners.

Though they'd met before, they were hardly acquainted.

"Felix Rhodes," he introduced himself.

Camille took a moment to compose herself before meeting his gaze. "Camille Hartwell."