Chapter 471

Damien had been occupied the entire time, leaving no room to entertain Arlo.

After sitting idly for a while, Arlo grew restless.

"Fine then, I'll go find Tristan instead," he announced.

Without glancing up, Damien replied coolly, "Do you really believe Tristan has time for you?"

Arlo fell silent.

True to Damien's prediction, when Arlo arrived at Rutherford Group, Tristan was indeed swamped with work.

Seeing that Tristan was equally unavailable for conversation, Arlo couldn't help but remark, "Surely you have time for lunch at least?"

Tristan turned a page in his document and responded, "I have a lunch date scheduled."

Arlo's interest was immediately piqued.

"Your mother is still setting you up on blind dates?"

"I heard the last one became completely infatuated after just one meeting."

"How did that situation resolve itself?"

"Has she finally given up?"

Before Tristan could answer, his secretary entered carrying an extravagant bouquet, looking slightly uncomfortable.

"Mr. Rutherford, these are from that young lady again."

"I tried to refuse them, but the delivery person insisted..."

Tristan responded indifferently, "Understood."

"Dispose of them as you see fit."

"You may leave."

"Yes, sir."

After the secretary departed, Arlo raised an eyebrow with an amused smile.

"Nothing happened these past couple days, so I assumed she'd moved on."

"But apparently..."

He couldn't resist adding, "Honestly, that heiress from Northwind Corporation—her looks, education, family background, personality—she's supposedly flawless."

"What exactly don't you find appealing about her?"

Tristan paused, turning to give him a sharp glance filled with clear disdain.

"Did you come all this way just to gossip?"

Arlo chuckled.

"You're only realizing that now?"

"Keep talking and I'll have security escort you out."

"Seriously though," Arlo pressed on.

"I've met Ms. North personally."

"She's genuinely impressive."

"You're really not even slightly interested?"

Seeing the dangerous look in Tristan's eyes, Arlo quickly added, "I just think, well, you're not getting any younger."

"It's understandable your mother is concerned."

"But if you don't like Ms. North, then what type of woman do you prefer?"

"Tell me, I can introduce you to someone—"

Tristan set down his pen.

"One more word and you're leaving."

Arlo immediately closed his mouth.

Fine.

Recognizing that Tristan had reached his limit, Arlo decided not to push further.

"Alright, you're busy at noon, but you must be free for dinner?"

"Not available."

"What? You're not actually angry, are you?"

Tristan paused before saying, "I'm heading to NovaSight Labs later."

"I already have evening plans."

Arlo assumed Tristan meant business-related matters, probably having dinner with Gabriel and the others after their meeting.

Since it involved official business, he didn't insist further and left feeling somewhat disappointed.

Around three in the afternoon, Tristan arrived at NovaSight Labs.

When Camille learned of his arrival, she set aside her work and went to greet him.

The moment Tristan saw her, he immediately rose from the sofa.

"It's been a while."

Camille nodded.

"It has."

Indeed, considerable time had passed since their last meeting.

Truthfully, this matter didn't require Tristan's personal presence.

But he had made the trip specifically to see her.

Camille hadn't expected him to come personally either.

Still, she didn't dwell on it—simply assuming it indicated his serious commitment to their collaboration.

Declan only discovered later that Tristan had come to NovaSight Labs.

Needing to speak with Camille urgently, he went to the meeting room to find her.

Tristan had been smiling and conversing pleasantly with Camille, but the moment Declan entered, his smile noticeably faded.

Declan's gaze toward Tristan also carried a distinct chill.

However, considering Camille wasn't officially divorced yet, and that both he and Tristan had feelings for her, he saw no point in openly displaying their rivalry at this moment.

So, he looked away and focused on discussing work matters with Camille.