Chapter 265

The Meridian banquet was held three nights after the Rutherford Group's event.

Tristan arrived unusually early that evening.

With Damien, Everett, and Elliot absent, the Meridian banquet proceeded without major incidents. The guest list was impressive that night.

Camille and Gabriel were swamped with hosting duties, barely finding time to acknowledge Tristan's presence.

It wasn't until midway through the event when they spotted Tristan conversing with Owen that they realized he hadn't left yet.

After all, the Lancaster family was hosting their own gala that same evening.

They'd assumed Tristan's early arrival meant he'd leave halfway to attend the Lancaster affair. But surprisingly...

Gabriel nodded approvingly. "Now this is how you show commitment to a business partnership. Textbook professionalism. Unlike that Everett Mercer - I don't even want to discuss him."

Camille raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Since Tristan was demonstrating such respect, it would be rude for them not to reciprocate.

They approached him politely. "Mr. Rutherford, please forgive any oversight in our hospitality tonight with so many guests to attend to."

Throughout the evening, Tristan's gaze had kept drifting toward Camille - though no one seemed to notice.

He raised his champagne flute, clinking it lightly against theirs. "No formalities between friends," he said after taking a sip.

Though their business collaboration had been smooth, Gabriel never considered them actual friends. He dismissed Tristan's words as mere social niceties.

Still, he appreciated Tristan's ability to prioritize business over personal grievances.

While Tristan appeared to be speaking to Gabriel, his attention remained fixed on Camille.

Tonight's banquet primarily honored Gabriel and Camille.

Despite Gabriel's protective presence, Camille had still consumed considerable alcohol.

Her cheeks glowed pink, eyes slightly glassy - softening her usual sharp demeanor into something almost... adorable.

Tristan's grip tightened momentarily on his glass before he deliberately looked away.

Though she'd been drinking, Camille remained far from intoxicated.

As the event wound down, she escorted Tristan to the exit.

He paused at the threshold.

A winter breeze swept through the doorway as his gaze dropped to the sliver of bare leg visible beneath her flowing gown.

"No need to see me out further."

Camille nodded. "Safe travels."

Tristan studied her, seeming to wrestle with unspoken words before finally turning away without another word.

After the key guests departed, Camille finally entered Owen's car and left the venue. Tristan, however, remained.

He'd been concerned about her safety after drinking.

Only after watching Owen's car disappear down the street did he tell his driver, "We can go now."

The next morning, Camille ate breakfast while Talia and Marianne discussed Lumina Festival preparations.

Tomorrow was Lumina Festival Eve. Starting today, the company officially closed for holidays.

"I'll join you both," Camille announced.

Marianne beamed. "Perfect! We'll make a day of it."

Then, hesitating slightly, she asked, "Is Chloe spending the holidays with the Harringtons this year?"

At the mention of Chloe, Camille's smile dimmed. "I believe so."

That day when she'd received Emmett, she'd encountered Damien in the elevator. He'd subtly hinted about hoping she'd look after Chloe.

But since then, neither Damien nor Chloe had reached out.