Chapter 98

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. Arlo Calloway stepped out, catching Camille Hartwell completely off guard. She hadn't anticipated his presence at the hot springs resort.

Helena Harrington and Damien Harrington showed no surprise whatsoever. Clearly, they'd been expecting Arlo all along.

Arlo's gaze landed on Camille first, one eyebrow arching in silent greeting. Then he turned to Helena with practiced charm. "Leaving so soon, Mrs. Harrington? Won't you stay for lunch?"

The Harringtons and Calloways went way back. Helena had watched Arlo grow up. She smiled fondly at him. "I'll leave you young people to enjoy yourselves."

They escorted Helena to the entrance, watching her car disappear down the winding driveway. Chloe immediately bounced on her toes. "What brings you here, Mr. Calloway?"

Arlo crouched to pinch Chloe's rosy cheeks. "Your father summoned me. Came straight after seeing your grandmother off. Good friend material, don't you think?"

"Dad called you?"

"Indeed." Arlo's smile widened. "I even alerted Tristan and Selene the moment I heard your grandmother was leaving. They're en route as we speak. Happy?"

His eyes deliberately sought Camille's reaction.

She met his gaze evenly, recognizing the calculated move.

Chloe's initial excitement faltered as she glanced uncertainly at her mother.

Camille pretended not to notice. She ruffled Chloe's hair instead. "Have fun with them. I'm heading home."

Without sparing Damien or Arlo another glance, Camille turned on her heel and walked away.

Arlo studied Camille's retreating figure, noting her complete lack of reaction. No discomfort. No concern. Absolute indifference.

With Chloe still present, Arlo couldn't speak freely. He leaned toward Damien instead. "What's going on?"

Damien remained impassive. "Did you come alone?"

"Are you kidding? Hot springs demand company. Brought my date, obviously—"

Arlo cut himself off mid-sentence, tilting his head. "Wait. You're changing the subject."

Damien didn't deny it. "Your date's here."

A statuesque blonde approached them, bathrobe parted to reveal a scandalous bikini beneath.

Back in her room, Camille changed into comfortable loungewear and settled at the desk. Her laptop screen illuminated with research from the latest tech expo.

Thirty minutes later, compiled data filled her screen. A sudden idea struck.

She dialed Gabriel Ashcroft. "Got a minute?"

"At a masquerade ball. What's up?"

Camille outlined her concept.

She could practically hear his expression shifting through the phone. "Give me fifteen. Heading back now."

"Fine." Hanging up, Camille resumed work until chatter from downstairs interrupted her concentration. Tristan and Selene must have arrived.

Rising, she shut the window against the noise.

Her stomach growled. Room service took her order promptly, promising quick delivery.

When the knock came, Camille opened the door to find the room-service attendant with her meal.