Chapter 183

Camille's first instinct was to shove Damien away the moment she realized what had happened.

"Relax," Damien murmured casually.

His grip around her waist tightened slightly, as if he'd anticipated her reaction.

"You!"

She couldn't break free without causing a scene.

People always had motives.

He must have something important to say, she reasoned, which explained this sudden switch.

She stopped resisting. "What do you want?" she asked coldly.

Damien studied her frosty expression but remained unfazed. "When are you planning to answer Chloe's calls?"

"Soon."

His lips curved. "Which means about ten days?"

Camille hesitated briefly. "Yes."

Even though their divorce was final and she didn't have custody of Chloe, she still had maternal responsibilities.

She'd decided to dedicate one day each month exclusively for her daughter.

Ten days would mark a full month.

"Alright," Damien acknowledged.

There was nothing left to discuss between them.

Camille shot him a pointed look, demanding he release her.

Instead, Damien held firm. "How have you been lately?"

Her lips pressed together. What game was he playing now?

"None of your concern."

Her wellbeing wasn't his business anymore.

When she didn't elaborate, Damien didn't press. Before she realized it, he'd steered her off the dance floor and disappeared.

The sudden dance partnership between Damien and Camille left everyone stunned.

Selene bit her lip hard.

But she quickly composed herself.

If Damien had ever been interested in Camille, it would've happened years ago.

Not now.

When she saw Damien returning, she intercepted him. "What did you say to her?"

"Just about Chloe."

Selene relaxed. Of course - Damien wouldn't approach Camille without reason.

Smiling, she extended her hand. "Dance with me again?"

Damien led her back onto the floor.

Meanwhile...

Gabriel was still processing Camille's dance with Damien.

Hearing it was just about Chloe eased his tension. "Try to avoid him when possible."

Camille nodded. "I will."

Just then, Felix approached. "Ms. Hartwell, my apologies for the unplanned partner switch."

He'd noticed Camille's dark expression during the exchange. She clearly hadn't wanted anything to do with Damien.

The realization hit him - Damien was Selene's boyfriend.

Given Selene and Camille's history, Felix assumed Damien had approached to discuss - or defend - Selene.

Camille shook her head. "It's fine. Not your fault anyway. I'd have done the same in your position."

Her tone was calm and sincere.

Felix could tell she genuinely bore no ill will.

During their earlier dance, he'd noticed she wasn't particularly talkative or socially adept.

Quiet and reserved, she'd regarded him simply as a temporary dance partner without ulterior motives.

Felix extended his hand. "May I have this dance then?"