Chapter 143

Tristan stayed close to Camille and Iris, shielding them from the bustling crowd.

The slopes were unusually packed today.

Within the first hour, two skiers collided with them.

Iris remained unharmed, but Camille crashed straight into Tristan.

His arms instinctively encircled her waist, pulling her firmly against his chest.

Pressed against his muscular frame, Camille froze momentarily before squirming uncomfortably. She tried pushing away, only to wince in pain.

Tristan tightened his grip. "Did you twist your ankle?"

"I think... yes."

He summoned a staff member to assist Iris before scooping Camille into his arms.

She'd expected him to let the staff handle it. The sudden lift made her gasp. "Put me down—"

"The medic's waiting," Tristan interrupted. "Let's get that ankle checked first."

Camille stopped resisting.

Inside the lodge, Tristan carefully set her down.

The examining physician confirmed a minor dislocation. After a quick adjustment, she was cleared.

"Still want to ski?" Tristan asked.

"I'm fine." Camille didn't want to ruin Iris's fun.

Seeing the doctor's approval, Tristan didn't object.

Unbeknownst to them, someone watched from a distance.

"Giselle? What's caught your eye?"

Giselle squinted. "I think I recognize someone."

The man's profile resembled Tristan's. But with a woman and child? Surely not him.

As she stepped closer for a better look, the man replaced his goggles and moved away.

Over the next hour, Camille and Iris had two more minor collisions, both harmless.

When Tristan reached to steady her, Camille subtly withdrew her hand. "I'm good now."

Only then did he release her wrist.

At lunchtime, they retreated to a nearby restaurant. Tristan handed Camille the menu.

Mid-meal, Iris suddenly asked, "Ms. Hartwell, what's your first name?"

"Camille. Camille Hartwell. You can call me Ms. Camille."

Iris beamed. "Ms. Camille."

Camille smiled, gently patting the girl's cheek.

Exhausted from skiing, Iris dozed off before dessert. Tristan lifted her, wiping chocolate from her mouth.

Camille set down her fork. "Shall we call it a day?"

"Alright." Instead of rising, Tristan met her gaze. "Can I invite you out again?"

"Sure."

He'd helped today, and Iris clearly enjoyed her company. A few more outings seemed fair.

"Thanks."

"No need."

With Iris asleep and conversation lulling, Camille excused herself.

Tristan watched her car disappear before carrying Iris to his vehicle.

At home, Iris stirred. "Ms. Camille left already?"

"Yes." Tristan suddenly added, "From now on, just call her 'Ms. Hartwell,' okay? And keep her name secret. Don't tell anyone."

Iris nodded obediently. "Okay."