Chapter 226

Camille Hartwell scanned her surroundings once more. Confirming Selene Lancaster was nowhere in sight, she departed with Chloe Harrington.

Everett Mercer watched their retreating figures, preparing to leave when he suddenly spotted Camille standing nearby.

His steps faltered.

Recognizing her, he initially decided to ignore her completely. But then he noticed Camille's piercing gaze fixed on Selene and Chloe.

Her expression was glacial, her eyes even colder. The intensity of her stare made it seem like she was looking at an enemy rather than just another person.

That predatory glare made Everett suspect Camille might actually intend harm toward Selene.

He observed her silently, convinced she still harbored resentment. So he approached.

Camille was laden with purchases - two potted plants and several decorative pieces. The ornaments had been an impulse buy.

Since moving into her new apartment, she'd been too preoccupied to properly decorate, leaving her living space feeling stark and empty.

She'd only intended to buy plants today, but spotting a nearby store selling cabinet decor, she'd picked up a few items.

Just as she was leaving, she'd unexpectedly encountered Selene and Chloe again.

After they left, she was about to continue her errands when Everett intercepted her.

"What are you plotting?" he demanded.

Camille stopped mid-step. "Excuse me?"

Everett's voice turned icy. "She doesn't even acknowledge your existence. Yet you're still nursing this grudge? How pathetic."

"She doesn't acknowledge me?" Camille's gaze turned arctic. "You really worship the ground she walks on, don't you?"

To Everett, Selene was perfection incarnate.

Before he could respond, Camille continued, "So? What's your point? Came to warn me not to touch your precious Selene?"

That was precisely his intention.

Camille let out a derisive laugh. "Not even Damien Harrington has dared say that to me. Yet here you are, Mr. Mercer, rushing to her defense. What gives you that right? Are you Selene's secret admirer?"

Everett made no effort to conceal his feelings for Selene in Camille's presence.

At her taunt, he retorted coldly, "So what you're saying is - I should go remind Mr. Harrington to keep an eye on you?"

He recalled that gala where Damien had asked Camille to dance. Both he and Felix Rhodes had assumed it was merely a warning to leave Selene alone.

"Or," he added pointedly, "do you think Damien's previous warning wasn't strong enough?"

Camille didn't respond immediately. She simply studied him with faint mockery in her eyes.

Then she suddenly asked, "Are you really Marcus Mercer's son?"

Her limited interactions with Marcus had shown her a man of warmth and wisdom, a true leader. Aside from superficial resemblance, she saw none of Marcus's qualities in Everett.

Then again, perhaps Everett was simply too blinded by his obsession with Selene to think clearly.

Everett stiffened at the mention of his father. Her tone suggested familiarity - but how could she possibly know Marcus?

His expression darkened. "What are you implying?"

Camille ignored the question. "Weren't you going to have Damien warn me? Fine. I'll be waiting."

With that, she turned and walked away without a backward glance.