Chapter 447

The Monday morning sun cast golden streaks across the pavement as Camille Hartwell approached the corporate tower. Just as she reached the entrance, she collided with Declan Vaughn arriving simultaneously.

"Good morning," Declan offered with a warm smile.

Camille returned the greeting, only to spot Felix Rhodes standing nearby. Her steps faltered slightly at his unexpected presence.

Declan's expression darkened when he noticed Felix. The businessman ignored Declan completely, striding directly toward Camille.

"I returned from my business trip yesterday," Felix explained. "It's been weeks since we last met, so I thought I'd stop by."

His gaze held quiet longing. He'd genuinely come just to see her face. Knowing her boundaries well, he added quickly, "Don't let me interrupt your work. I'll be leaving shortly."

Camille found herself momentarily speechless. Their complicated history made casual conversation impossible. Accepting his dismissal, she simply nodded and turned toward the elevators.

Declan shot Felix a final glare before following Camille. Felix watched her retreating figure, hands clenching slightly. A bouquet of roses lay forgotten in his car - an offering he now knew would only push her further away. He exhaled sharply through his nose before returning to his vehicle.

Inside the elevator, Declan stood unusually close to Camille. When she caught him staring, she arched an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"

"Nothing," he said too quickly. Then, unable to resist: "Does Mr. Rhodes often visit you like this?"

"Hardly ever," Camille replied truthfully. Between Felix's demanding schedule and her own boundaries, their encounters remained rare.

Declan's shoulders relaxed slightly. He'd been relieved when Camille rejected Felix's previous advances, but now worried persistence might wear down her resistance. His thoughts jumped to Tristan Rutherford - another admirer who'd mysteriously backed off.

A new suspicion formed. Did Tristan know Camille's husband? The question burned in Declan's throat.

"You seem... curious about something," Camille observed as the elevator climbed.

Declan seized the opening. "If I may ask - Felix Rhodes is quite the catch. Why the lack of interest?" He needed to understand her dealbreakers.

Camille found the question surprising coming from normally reserved Declan. Still, she answered frankly: "I'm still legally married. Romance isn't on my radar. And Felix?" She shook her head. "There's simply no spark."

Declan froze. "You're not divorced yet?" This changed everything.

"Not yet," she confirmed as the doors slid open.

Camille strode toward her office without looking back. Declan remained rooted in place, mind racing. Suddenly, Tristan's withdrawal made sense. Either he knew about Camille's marital status... or worse, knew exactly who her husband was.