Chapter 335

Tristan Rutherford felt a twinge of disappointment when Camille Hartwell declined Iris's birthday invitation, but he understood perfectly.

"Work comes first," he said smoothly. "Iris will understand."

The moment Camille ended the call, her phone buzzed again with a video request from Tristan's number.

Only one person would video call her using Tristan's phone.

Iris's beaming face filled the screen before Camille could even greet her.

"Good morning, Ms. Hartwell!" The girl's excitement was palpable. "Uncle Tristan told me you can't come to my party tomorrow. That's okay! We can celebrate together another time!"

Without missing a beat, Iris continued, "He said you're baking me a special cake and got other presents too! Thank you so much! Grandma says when someone gives you gifts, you should treat them to dinner. There's this amazing new place - are you free tonight? Uncle Tristan and I want to take you!"

Camille couldn't suppress her smile. "Tonight works perfectly. Thank you, Iris."

"No need to thank me! It's what I should do!"

With school calling, Iris quickly handed the phone back to Tristan after their rushed goodbyes.

They finalized dinner plans before disconnecting.

At the office that morning, Camille informed Gabriel Ashcroft about needing to return to the research facility the following day.

Gabriel gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. "You've been pushing hard. I'll handle the R&D team coordination - you focus on your priorities."

"Appreciate it."

Camille typically worked past eight, but today she began shutting down her workstation at six sharp.

Declan Vaughn paused at her office doorway, eyebrows lifting at the unusual sight of her packing up. "Early departure?"

"Prior engagement," she explained, then added, "I'll be away for a few days starting tomorrow. Any issues, go straight to Gabriel."

"Again?"

Camille murmured an affirmation.

Declan remained silent, though his expression tightened. She'd just returned, and now she was leaving again.

Thirty minutes later, Camille pulled into the valet circle of Tristan's chosen restaurant.

As she stepped from her car, Tristan and Iris arrived simultaneously.

"Ms. Hartwell!" Iris came sprinting over.

Camille crouched to embrace the girl, then surveyed the luxury vehicles crowding the entrance. "This place is certainly popular."

Tristan chuckled. "The owner mastered the art of exclusivity. It's become the power lunch capital."

"Impressive."

"Shall we?" Tristan gestured toward the entrance.

"Of course."

Nearby, Selene Lancaster emerged from her chauffeured sedan while finishing a call.

She snapped her phone shut, turned toward the restaurant entrance - and froze.

The sight of Camille, Tristan, and Iris walking together as a unit stopped her dead in her tracks.