Chapter 19

Even Damien, usually so composed and restrained, couldn't hide his look of admiration. Beside him, Chloe and Arlo jumped from their seats, cheering wildly.

The race intensified to its peak. Hugo raised the binoculars again, completely unaware that Damien's group was also watching.

During a brief pause in the competition, Selene momentarily took the lead.

Camille asked Hugo for the binoculars.

Hugo grinned excitedly. "You've become a fan of SC too, haven't you? I told you - no one can resist her charm!"

Camille gave a faint smile but didn't respond.

Her mind wandered to calling Damien. She wanted to see his reaction, but quickly dismissed the idea, knowing he'd likely reject the call as usual.

Still, just this once, she thought.

Against her better judgment, Camille dialed Damien's number and lifted the binoculars again. Through them, she watched as he glanced at his phone and immediately declined the call before refocusing on Selene.

His eyes held only Selene.

Camille took a deep breath, smiled to herself, and handed the binoculars back to Hugo. She didn't watch the rest of the race or look in Damien's direction again.

When the race concluded, Selene had claimed first place.

Hugo was overjoyed. He and his friends excitedly discussed approaching Selene for an autograph.

"But SC's a billionaire heiress with a doctorate from Cambridge. Racing is just her passion project. She doesn't entertain fans or give autographs. She always leaves immediately after races. It's practically impossible to get one."

"True, and since this was an invite-only event, we had better odds. But the racers have private exits, and we don't have any connections to get backstage. Damn..."

As Hugo and his friends lamented, news spread that Selene had already left with her entourage to celebrate. Lydia called to check in, and Camille declined Hugo's plea to join his friends, insisting on taking him home.

Before leaving, Camille stopped by the restroom.

On her way out, she accidentally collided with someone.

"Sorry," they both apologized simultaneously, stepping back.

Camille looked up and froze.

It was Tristan, one of Damien's closest friends.

Tristan recognized her too, and his already indifferent expression turned even colder.

Camille noticed immediately.

She'd known Damien since she was ten, but Tristan and Damien had been childhood friends, inseparable since their school days. Their bond remained unbreakable.

Yet Damien had always excluded her from his inner circle, even after their marriage. So despite knowing Tristan and Arlo for over a decade, they were barely acquaintances.

But Selene, whom Damien had known for only a short time, had already been introduced to all his friends.