Chapter 410

Tristan Rutherford stood beside Camille Hartwell, but Damien Harrington didn't acknowledge him. Instead, he spoke directly to Camille. "Long time no see."

Camille offered a polite nod. "Keeping busy these days?"

Damien adjusted his cufflinks. "Quite. Just returned from Lucerne this morning."

Though he'd been traveling, news had reached him within hours - Camille and Gabriel Ashcroft were finally proceeding with their divorce formalities.

Six months had passed since they'd signed the separation agreement last year. Now, at last, the legal dissolution of their marriage was imminent.

Twenty-three more days until the decree absolute. Then he could finally—

Noticing Gabriel still engaged in conversation with Camille, Damien schooled his expression. After exchanging brief pleasantries with the pair, he tactfully withdrew.

Arlo Calloway was deep in discussion with Selene Lancaster and Giselle. When Arlo gestured him over, Damien hesitated momentarily before joining them.

Selene greeted him coolly. "When did you return?"

"This morning."

Arlo interjected, "What about Gabriel? He's been away nearly a week—when's he due back?"

As if on cue, Selene's phone chimed.

She glanced at the screen, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. "Speak of the devil," she announced, holding up her phone. "He just landed."

As she typed her response, Damien sipped his champagne, his gaze drifting back to Camille. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

At that precise moment, Camille looked up from her conversation. Their eyes met across the crowded room.

Seeing his apparent good humor, she offered a polite nod before turning her attention elsewhere.

Thirty minutes later, the gala was winding down.

Camille and Gabriel prepared to take their leave from host Marcus Rhodes. As they made their way toward the exit, they crossed paths with Damien's group.

Being VIP guests, Marcus insisted on personally escorting both parties downstairs.

During the descent, though Camille and Selene had both spoken at the event, not a single word passed between them.

Giselle, unable to conceal her irritation, glared daggers at Camille's back the entire way.

Marcus, initially oblivious to the tension, gradually became aware of the charged atmosphere but wisely refrained from comment.

Upon reaching the lobby, just as Camille and Gabriel were about to depart, a sleek black sedan pulled up.

Marcus chuckled. "Mr. Harrington, I thought you were occupied tonight. To what do we owe this pleasure?"

Giselle cut in loudly, casting a pointed look at Camille. "He just flew back from Europe! Came straight here to collect Selene!"

Marcus laughed. "Ah, young love."

Gabriel gave Camille a subtle nudge toward their waiting car.

She offered Damien a final, perfunctory nod before turning away.

Once inside the vehicle, Gabriel considered making a remark about the encounter but thought better of it. With the divorce proceedings underway, there seemed little point.

Just then, Camille's phone lit up with an incoming call.

Felix Rhodes.

She stared at the screen for a long moment before declining the call.

Gabriel couldn't resist commenting. "Felix's a decent man. You're nearly divorced—are you really not going to give him a chance?"

Camille set her phone aside. "I don't have those feelings for him. Starting something just because he's interested would be unfair to us both."

"But shouldn't you at least try? Feelings can develop over time."

She shook her head firmly. "If that happens, we'll address it then."

Gabriel sighed. "Your call."

The following morning, barely an hour into her workday, Camille's phone began vibrating incessantly.

She froze when she saw the notifications—a rapid succession of bank transfers.

All originating from Damien Harrington.

As the staggering sums continued appearing, realization dawned—Damien was executing their divorce settlement ahead of schedule, transferring the liquid assets specified in their agreement.

They hadn't even filed the final paperwork yet, and he was already fulfilling his financial obligations?

Her suspicions were confirmed minutes later.

Lucas Vaughn called promptly at 10:15 AM. "Ms. Hartwell, Mr. Harrington has initiated the asset transfer process."

"The liquid portion—his attorney confirms it's already been deposited into your accounts. Regarding the real estate holdings, all documentation has been processed."

"I'll collect everything this afternoon and deliver the paperwork to you personally."

Camille nodded absently. "Fine. I'll be at The Meridian after three."

"Understood," Lucas replied before ending the call.