Chapter 280

The car Damien had arranged arrived moments after Chloe finished calling Camille.

She never got to see her mother before departure.

When Chloe entered the private lounge, she rushed straight into Damien's embrace. "Daddy! Selene!"

Damien smiled warmly, tousling her hair. Selene helped set Chloe's backpack aside.

Tristan and Arlo were already waiting there with Giselle.

Watching Chloe's obvious affection for Damien and Selene, Arlo chuckled. "Told you, Dane. Should've brought our girl along. Look how she missed you. Another week apart and we'd have seen tears."

His comment carried an unspoken judgment about Chloe's time with Camille.

Before anyone could respond, Tristan smoothly redirected. "Did you enjoy your stay, Chloe?"

Chloe settled into her seat. "We did! Mom took me to the cinema and VR arcade. We dined out too."

Arlo raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"

"Yeah." Chloe shrugged. "Mom was too busy for much else."

Arlo assumed she meant holiday family obligations.

He and Tristan had been swamped themselves - endless relatives visiting since New Year's. Just as things calmed down, work demands exploded. Today marked their first free evening in weeks.

Selene was engrossed in a book.

Chloe sipped her drink, idly glancing at the cover. Something about it looked familiar. She peered closer.

Tristan noticed. "Interested?"

Chloe shook her head. "No, just... Mom has the same one."

Selene's fingers stilled on the page. A faint smile touched her lips.

The book existed in beginner and advanced editions with identical covers.

Selene held the advanced version - material beyond most doctoral programs, let alone undergraduate studies.

Having visited the Harringtons frequently, Giselle knew about both editions.

At Chloe's remark, she nearly laughed aloud.

+25 BORBUN

She bit it back only because Damien and Tristan were present.

Tristan understood instantly.

He lowered his gaze, smiling silently.

Then Arlo turned to Tristan with a teasing grin. "Heard your mother's been setting up blind dates. Any luck?"

All attention shifted immediately.

Giselle had heard the rumors too. She watched Tristan anxiously.

But Tristan ignored her completely. He shot Arlo a look. "Must you gossip daily?"

Arlo grinned unrepentantly. "Just curious."

Tristan's silence spoke volumes.

Clearly, he had zero interest in arranged meetings.

Arlo pressed on. "What about that woman Iris keeps mentioning? If you're serious, why not tell your mother? Or..." He trailed off suggestively. "Is she... unsuitable?"

Tristan didn't glance at Damien. "With all this food, you're still talking?"

His evasion only fueled Arlo's curiosity. "I get it - worried about parental approval. But it's been months now. At least introduce her to us first. Bring her here."

Without waiting for response, Arlo turned to Damien. "Don't you agree?"

Damien chuckled. "When he's ready, Tristan will introduce her himself. No need to push."

Arlo sighed dramatically.

Everyone knew that.

He just wanted details.

Giselle tugged Selene's sleeve. "Selene..."

Arlo had mentioned Tristan's interest in someone else before. She'd refused to believe it.

Now, it seemed undeniable.

Selene smiled serenely, offering no comment.

They'd never met this mysterious woman Iris referenced.

But was Tristan truly invested? Or was she merely a smokescreen? Perhaps this entire charade concealed deeper truths.