Chapter 82

Tristan studied Damien for a moment before accepting the crystal glass with a nod of thanks.

Their glasses clinked softly as they began conversing between sips of aged whiskey.

Arlo observed them quietly from his seat.

After several minutes, Damien gave Tristan a meaningful look.

Tristan arched an eyebrow in silent question.

Arlo cut in first. "You're not yourself today."

Damien chuckled lowly, clearly agreeing with the assessment.

Tristan's voice remained even. "Am I?"

Arlo smirked. "Aren't you?"

Tristan took a measured sip without responding.

Their conversation was interrupted by an approaching guest exchanging pleasantries.

When they were alone again, Tristan checked his watch. Concerned Iris might be hungry, he started toward her just as she returned with Chloe.

"Uncle Tristan, can I have that pink macaron?" Iris pointed eagerly at the dessert display.

Given Iris's food sensitivities, Tristan shook his head. "Wait here. I'll check the ingredients first."

Iris nodded obediently.

Chloe, accustomed to independence, helped herself to the buffet. She even offered Damien a plate. "Father, would you like some?"

Damien ruffled her hair affectionately. "I'm fine, darling."

The girls settled nearby with their treats. Selene joined them, sharing a chocolate truffle with Chloe.

"Thank you, Selene!" Chloe beamed.

Iris studied Selene curiously before whispering to Chloe. "Is she your mother?"

The question created an instant tension in the air.

Chloe blinked before shaking her head. "No."

Iris pressed gently, "So...you don't have a mother either?"

"I do," Chloe clarified. "She's just not here."

Later, when staff distributed souvenir keychains, Iris immediately claimed two crystal ones - the last remaining.

Chloe's eyes lingered on them. "Could I have one? I'd like to give it to Selene."

Iris hesitated. "I want to give one to my friend too."

Thinking of Camille, Iris continued excitedly, "Today Uncle Tristan and my friend took me kite flying. We fished and rode bicycles too. She's so pretty - she'll love this crystal!"

The adults had been only half-listening until now. At Iris's words, Selene, Arlo and Damien all turned sharply toward Tristan.

Arlo recovered first, grinning. "Well well, Tristan. Keeping secrets?" He leaned forward. "How long has this been going on? Damien, did you know about this?"

Damien simply sipped his drink, watching Tristan expectantly.

Tristan remained impassive. "We happened to meet."

Arlo snorted. "At lunch too, apparently? No wonder you handled Iris so easily today - you had help!"

Tristan's silence spoke volumes.

Damien studied him before stating simply, "You like her."

Tristan froze, his lips parting slightly before closing again without denial.

Selene's smile faltered momentarily.

Arlo's jaw dropped. "Wait - seriously?" His teasing had uncovered actual feelings. "Who is she? Do we know her? Why haven't we met her yet?"