Chapter 220

That look on his face spelled trouble.

They clearly wanted to speak with Camille about something.

Malcolm started first. "Cami, I—"

Before Camille could respond, Gabriel cut in with a dry chuckle. "Mr. Lancaster, here to make some grand announcement about your relationship with Cami?"

Malcolm's smile stiffened before he forced an awkward laugh. "Mr. Ashcroft, I just need a private word with Cami. Could you—"

Gabriel didn't let him finish. "If you're so eager to broadcast your relationship status, feel free to say whatever you want."

Malcolm knew better than to provoke Gabriel further.

With no other choice, he left with Rosalie in tow.

But before exiting, he turned back to Camille. "I'll call you tonight. Don't ignore it."

Camille remained silent.

She couldn't care less about his threats.

As for that call? Not happening.

Gabriel clenched his fists. "I swear, one of these days I'm going to punch that smug face of his."

Camille understood the sentiment all too well.

The problem was, with Damien's accusations still hanging over her, she'd never been able to clear her name.

If she confronted the Lancasters directly, Damien and his cronies would twist it to protect Selene.

She knew exactly how the Harringtons operated—they'd turn this against her in a heartbeat.

Her mother remained confined in that nursing home, completely at their mercy.

While talking with Gabriel, Camille noticed Damien's group had abandoned their chess game.

Night was falling, so they decided to join Marianne.

Marianne and Alistair had just concluded their art discussion.

Spotting some acquaintances, Alistair excused himself to greet them.

Not wanting to impose, Marianne prepared to leave just as Camille approached.

Upon learning of their departure, Alistair insisted on gifting Marianne the painting she'd admired earlier—Silent Peaks.

After exchanging pleasantries, they left.

Outside, Damien and Selene still occupied the pavilion, deep in conversation.

They noticed the departing group.

Damien's gaze flickered to Camille before returning to Tristan, Arlo, and the others.

Selene caught the glance and smirked, deliberately looking away.

Tristan gave Camille a polite nod.

Camille and Gabriel returned the gesture before leaving without hesitation.

The next morning brought another hectic day at NovaSight Labs.

With new projects launching, their workload tripled overnight. They dove in without pause.

The following days blurred together in a haze of nonstop work.

Then one afternoon, colleagues started handing out gingerbread cookies.

Camille blinked in surprise. "Christmas already? Where did the time go?"

Her coworker stretched with a grin. "The city's all decked out. My friends and I are hitting the holiday markets later. Any plans?"

Camille shook her head with a smile. Tucking the cookies aside, she returned to her screen.

After work, remembering her dying houseplant, she detoured to the mall.

The moment she stepped inside, Christmas assaulted her senses—glittering trees, oversized Santas, exactly as described.

The festive atmosphere was undeniable.

Shoppers packed the corridors, everyone paired up or in groups.

Taking in the cheerful chaos, Camille suddenly froze mid-step.