Chapter 325

Tristan Rutherford still refused to acknowledge Giselle Lancaster's presence.

At that moment, an acquaintance approached to greet him. Recognizing both Camille Hartwell and Gabriel Ashcroft, the four engaged in lively conversation.

Giselle stood frozen, utterly excluded. Her face flushed with humiliation until she had no choice but to retreat.

Arlo Calloway observed the scene from a distance. "Tristan seems quite close with them," he remarked, referring to Camille and Gabriel.

Selene Lancaster nodded in agreement.

After all, if Tristan and Gabriel were merely business associates, a brief exchange would have sufficed at such an event.

Yet they were deep in conversation.

This suggested genuine friendship was developing.

Selene assumed Tristan valued Gabriel's professional connections. As for Camille? She was just decoration.

Hearing Arlo's comment, Damien Harrington glanced toward the group but remained expressionless.

Selene turned away - only to spot Declan Vaughn entering the grand ballroom.

Damien followed her gaze.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, Declan appeared more striking than usual, his aloof demeanor intact.

When Selene looked his way, their eyes briefly met.

She smiled and started toward him, but Declan deliberately turned away, entering through a side entrance with his colleagues, completely ignoring her.

Selene halted mid-step, sighing before turning to Damien. "He's still upset about me informing his family of his whereabouts. Won't answer my calls. Now he's giving me the cold shoulder in public."

Damien shrugged. "Youthful temper. It'll pass."

Selene nodded.

Declan remained oblivious to their assumptions.

While greeting the host, he caught sight of Camille and Gabriel from the corner of his eye.

His grip tightened around his champagne flute.

He hadn't anticipated their attendance.

Camille wore an exquisite light blue gown that accentuated her figure, the intricate embroidery complementing her quiet elegance. She looked ethereal - pure, flawless, breathtaking.

This marked Declan's first time seeing Camille in formal attire. His gaze lingered.

His companion noticed and followed his line of sight. "Damn. Who's that vision?"

Declan blinked. "Camille Hartwell."

"No way! That's Camille? Didn't expect such beauty."

Without responding, Declan set down his glass and strode toward them.

"Mr. Ashcroft. Ms. Hartwell."

They turned, equally surprised to see him. After brief acknowledgments, Tristan inquired, "And this is...?"

Gabriel performed introductions. "Declan Vaughn." He summarized Declan's background before adding, "This is Tristan Rutherford."

Recognition flashed in Tristan's eyes at the prestigious Vaughn name. "Mr. Vaughn."

Declan returned the greeting.

As conversation flowed, Declan's attention repeatedly drifted to Camille. His expression when looking at her...

Tristan noticed. His fingers tightened around his glass. Lips pressed thin, he fixed Declan with a piercing stare.

Declan met his gaze.

In that charged moment, mutual understanding passed between them regarding Camille.

An abrupt silence fell as their eyes locked.