Chapter 302

The moment they stepped into the private dining room at The Meridian, Tristan poured Camille a glass of sparkling water. "Did the conference give you any breakthroughs?"

"A few."

She'd attended hoping to find fresh perspectives on the research materials Gabriel Ashcroft and Graham Bellamy had shared months ago. After several sessions, new possibilities had begun to take shape.

As she sipped her water, Camille glanced up. "How's Iris these days?"

"Much better since last autumn." Tristan's expression softened. "She started school again this term, made new friends. Happy at home, happy in class." He hesitated, then added, "Still asks about you often. Maybe we could all have lunch together soon?"

Camille nodded. "I'd like that."

Their conversation shifted from personal matters to work—collaborations, upcoming projects. By dessert, they were discussing Tristan's recent partnership with Owen Hartwell. The ease between them was new; in the past, their interactions had been strained, with Camille's attention reserved solely for Iris.

Now, without the little girl as a buffer, they spoke freely. Tristan recognized the shift—not friendship, not yet, but something warmer than the icy tolerance she'd shown him before.

They parted ways after the meal.

Since moving into her own apartment, Camille had neglected shopping. With seasons changing, her wardrobe needed updating. On Saturday, she spent an hour trying on outfits at an upscale boutique, selecting pieces for herself and the Hartwell family before collapsing onto a plush sofa to wait for her purchases.

"Camille?"

The voice came from the store entrance. She turned to see Cora Finch standing there, eyes wide with recognition.

Cora—daughter of Rosalie Lancaster, just months younger than Camille. They'd been inseparable as children, but after Audrey Hartwell's divorce from Malcolm Lancaster, their contact dwindled. The last time they'd met was years ago, before Damien Harrington had entered Selene Lancaster's life.

Cora had once quietly handed Camille her entire savings—nearly a hundred thousand dollars—when rumors swirled about Malcolm's failing business.

Camille smiled. "It's been a while."

"Too long." Cora's gaze flickered with emotion. Then concern tightened her features. "Are you... okay?"

She knew. Of course she knew—about Camille's years of unrequited love for Damien, about how he'd fallen instantly for Selene.

Cora understood Selene's allure all too well. She'd watched countless men become entranced, including her own high school sweetheart, who'd only dated her to get closer to Selene.

The cruel truth? Selene was extraordinary. Magnetic.

To lose the man you loved to someone that brilliant, to stand helpless as their bond deepened—especially with the tangled history between Helena Lancaster and Audrey Hartwell—Cora couldn't imagine the pain.