Chapter 363

The morning sun painted golden streaks across the sports hall as Damien, Chloe, and Selene arrived early for Chloe's competition.

They'd barely settled in when Tristan and Iris Rutherford made their appearance.

Chloe spotted them first. "Mr. Rutherford, Iris, you made it!"

Iris strode forward, grasping Chloe's hand. "The competition starts soon. Nerves kicking in yet?"

Chloe remained composed. "Not at all."

Tristan had pressing matters to attend to, merely dropping Iris off.

Damien recognized Tristan's urgency. "I'll look after Iris. Go handle your business."

Tristan gave a curt nod. "I'll join you all for lunch later."

"Understood."

Their camaraderie appeared unchanged. But beneath the surface...

Selene's gaze flickered between Damien and Tristan. If Damien discovered Tristan's growing feelings for Camille, would their friendship survive?

Tristan caught her stare and acknowledged her with a slight nod before departing without a word.

Watching him leave, Selene's lips twisted into a bitter smile. Ever since Tristan fell for Camille, his indifference toward her had become increasingly apparent.

Meanwhile, Camille received an unexpected call from Gabriel while resting at home.

"Having lunch with my parents today. They've been asking about you constantly. Care to join us?"

It had been weeks since Camille last saw Felix and Naomi Ashcroft. She agreed readily.

By noon, she was pulling up to the restaurant just as Gabriel and his parents arrived.

Naomi immediately clasped Camille's hands. "Darling! You grow more radiant each time I see you."

As they exchanged pleasantries, Ezra Calloway exited his vehicle nearby. Spotting Camille with Gabriel and his parents, he froze momentarily.

Camille noticed him, her smile faltering briefly before she deliberately looked away.

Recovering, Ezra greeted the Ashcroft family politely before entering the restaurant alone. Once inside, he dialed Damien immediately.

Damien answered on the first ring. "What is it?"

"Guess who I just saw?" Ezra teased.

Damien didn't play along. "Who?"

Ezra sighed. Of course Damien already knew.

"Camille. With Gabriel and his parents. They looked... cozy. Naomi was practically glowing while holding Camille's hand, calling her 'Cami' like she's already family. Are we witnessing engagement preparations here?"

Damien's response was ice. "Fascinating." His disinterest was palpable.

Given Damien's history with Camille, his indifference wasn't surprising.

Changing tactics, Ezra asked, "How's Chloe's competition going?"

"Morning session went well," Damien replied tersely.

"Good to hear," Ezra said before hanging up.

Undeterred, Ezra decided to share his gossip in their group chat, knowing Selene and Tristan remained unaware.

At that moment, Damien and Selene were arriving at the restaurant with Tristan joining them shortly after.

Both Tristan and Selene checked their phones simultaneously upon seeing Ezra's message.

Selene's lips curled into a satisfied smirk when she read about Camille's lunch with the Ashcroft family. Her conversation with Naomi yesterday must have worked.

This meeting was clearly a warning to Camille, wasn't it?

Then Ezra dropped the bombshell:

"Naomi couldn't stop smiling while holding Camille's hand, calling her 'Cami' with such affection you'd think she was her actual daughter."

"Remember at Mrs. Harrington's birthday when Naomi said she'd arrange Gabriel and Camille's wedding whenever they were ready? She wasn't joking! This is happening!"

Selene's smirk vanished. The blood drained from her face as comprehension dawned.