Chapter 274

The clock had already struck noon when they departed.

Returning home to cook didn't feel appropriate. None of them were truly in the right state of mind.

Truth be told, lunch was the last thing on their minds.

Yet sustenance was necessary.

Camille broke the silence first. "Let's dine out."

Marianne gave a quiet nod. "Whatever you prefer, dear."

No sooner had Camille and Damien stepped out of their vehicle than they spotted the Lancasters and their entourage.

Fate had led them to the same establishment.

As they approached, someone recognized Malcolm and Helena, extending a warm invitation to join their table.

The Lancasters noticed the Hartwells immediately.

Nora let out a derisive snort, her gaze dripping with contempt.

Helena barely spared them a glance before turning away.

Selene didn't even acknowledge their presence - she behaved as though they were invisible.

Just then, the maître d' hurried over, addressing Selene with practiced deference. "Ms. Lancaster, Mr. Harrington's private dining room is prepared. Right this way."

Selene gave a curt nod, ignoring Camille's family completely. She turned to Darius with practiced diplomacy. "My apologies, Mr. Cross. This is a family affair. Perhaps another time?"

Darius, recognizing the dismissal, bowed slightly. "Of course. I wouldn't dream of intruding."

Without another word, Selene followed the maître d' inside.

Camille hadn't anticipated this encounter.

She linked arms with Marianne, hesitating. Marianne patted her hand reassuringly. "It's alright. Let's proceed."

"Very well," Camille replied.

Upon entering, an impeccably dressed host approached with an apologetic smile. "Terribly sorry, but we're completely booked for lunch. No tables available at present."

Camille knew this restaurant well.

A full house? Highly improbable.

This had the Lancasters' fingerprints all over it.

Her jaw tightened.

The realization wasn't lost on Damien and Marianne either.

"Ms. Hartwell?"

She turned to find Felix Rhodes.

"Mr. Rhodes," she acknowledged.

Felix's sharp eyes flicked to the nervous host, then back to Camille. "Trouble?"

Isabelle kept her tone even. "Apparently they're fully booked."

Felix arched an eyebrow at the host. "Is that so?"

The host clearly recognized Felix.

More importantly, he knew Felix's uncle Hugh was currently dining inside.

Seeing potential intervention, the host backpedaled instantly. "Apologies! A private dining room just became available. Please, right this way."

Camille didn't move. Her gaze remained fixed on Marianne.

"Let's go elsewhere," Marianne decided firmly.

"Agreed."

Camille turned to Felix. "Thank you regardless."

"Think nothing of it," he replied smoothly, nodding politely to Marianne and the others.

The Hartwells departed.

Felix entered the restaurant, his piercing stare making the host squirm.

The host offered no explanation - his silence spoke volumes about who held real power in this establishment.