Chapter 301

The conference dragged on for several more days. Camille managed to attend a couple more sessions despite her busy schedule.

She crossed paths with Selene twice during this time. Both times, Damien was conspicuously absent.

March brought relentless rain showers that seemed never-ending.

After one particularly long seminar, another downpour began just as she was leaving.

Camille had an umbrella in her car, but hadn't thought to bring it inside. She moved toward the main exit, hoping to wait out the worst of the storm.

Before she could reach the doors, Selene appeared.

Selene was deep in conversation with someone, but her smile vanished the moment she spotted Camille.

Then Damien materialized beside her, umbrella in hand. He'd clearly come to collect Selene.

Without hesitation, he removed his coat and draped it over Selene's shoulders.

The small crowd waiting out the rain watched with obvious envy. Several women sighed audibly at the romantic gesture. Only then did Damien notice Camille standing nearby. Their eyes met briefly before he looked away.

He raised the umbrella again and escorted Selene out into the storm.

The wind howled around them, but with Damien's coat as extra protection, Selene remained perfectly dry despite the driving rain. It was the kind of thoughtful attention that spoke volumes about their relationship.

Soon they disappeared into the gray curtain of rain.

Not long after, Damien's driver approached with another umbrella. "Mrs. Harrington," he said, offering it to her. "Mr. Harrington asked me to bring this to you."

Camille shook her head. "That won't be necessary. You can take it back."

Helena had mentioned that Damien was making an effort to be civil for Chloe's sake.

First the concern at the seminar. Now sending an umbrella when he was with Selene.

If Selene could so easily allow Damien to send her an umbrella, she must be supremely confident in their relationship. This was nothing more than polite courtesy for their daughter's benefit.

The driver hesitated. "But—"

"He won't mind," Camille said firmly. "You may go."

After another moment's pause, the driver retreated with the umbrella.

The rain showed no signs of letting up. Camille checked her watch, debating whether to wait or make a run for it.

Then a familiar voice spoke beside her. "Let me give you a ride."

Tristan stood there, car keys in hand.

Dusk was falling fast. If she didn't leave soon, she might be stuck here for hours.

"Thank you," Camille said, accepting his offer.

Tristan started to remove his coat, but Camille stopped him. "Don't bother. I keep spare clothes in my car."

He didn't insist, but positioned himself to shield her from the wind as they walked. "Were you here for the conference?" she asked as they descended the steps.

He hadn't been. Arlo had mentioned her attendance, and with work keeping them apart lately, Tristan had found himself missing their conversations. So he'd come.

Noticing her reddened ears from the cold, he smiled slightly. "Have time for dinner?"

He'd done her a favor, and they did have business to discuss. It seemed harmless enough.

"Sure," Camille agreed.