Chapter 101

The hot spring resort stretched endlessly before Camille. She had no clue where Damien and the others might be. Descending the stairs, she didn't encounter them.

Since twilight hadn't fully settled yet, Camille summoned two staff members to accompany her up the mountainside.

The evening breeze carried a slight chill, but her layered outfit kept her warm. She savored the crisp air while gathering apples, the rhythmic activity clearing her thoughts.

With multiple hands helping, they quickly filled several crates with ripe fruit.

Rather than heading back immediately, Camille lingered to admire the spectacular sunset painting the sky.

Footsteps and a child's voice interrupted her reverie.

Turning, her eyes locked with Tristan's.

He appeared equally surprised by their unexpected meeting, hesitation flickering across his features.

"Ms. Hartwell!" Iris's excited voice rang out from the video call.

Tristan had been showing his niece the orchard through his phone, planning to bring her fresh apples tomorrow. Running into Camille hadn't been part of his agenda.

Despite their recent encounters and Tristan's past assistance, Camille maintained emotional distance. Her expression cooled at the sight of him, though softened slightly upon hearing Iris's cheerful voice.

Tristan noted her shifting demeanor.

"Iris wants to speak with you," he said, keeping his distance. "If you have time?"

That day at the nursing home had left Camille emotionally drained. Though Iris had been the one requesting her company, the little girl's presence had actually helped Camille breathe through the suffocating weight of her grief.

Camille nodded.

Tristan handed over his phone without approaching, maintaining a respectful three-foot gap.

Their conversation revealed Iris was traveling with her grandmother, explaining her absence from the resort. Camille shared the sunset view with the delighted child before returning the phone after fifteen minutes.

"Thank you," Tristan said as they concluded the call.

"No need."

Darkness was settling, but the illuminated path made descent easy. Without another word, Camille turned toward the resort.

Tristan followed silently at a distance.

Their wordless journey ended when they encountered Selene at the entrance.

Selene's lips pressed into a tight line at seeing them return together. Camille walked past without acknowledgment.

"Tristan, you two—" Selene began.

"We happened to be in the orchard at the same time," Tristan replied flatly.

Knowing Tristan had gone to video call Iris among the apple trees, Selene relaxed slightly. A coincidental meeting made sense.

"They're at the pavilion," she said. "The bonfire preparations are ready. We were about to call you."

Tristan nodded.

They walked toward the gathering side by side, the unspoken tension lingering like the evening mist.