Chapter 387

The evening meal concluded, Chloe trailed behind Camille back to the Hartwell estate.

That night, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Hugh, extending an invitation for her and Gabriel to join him for golf the following morning.

Camille accepted without hesitation. Yet when the location details arrived, her fingers froze mid-scroll.

The golf course happened to be Harrington property. She'd walked those greens before.

Still, commitments were commitments. Backing out now would be poor form.

Saturday dawned bright and early as she pulled out of the driveway precisely on schedule.

Upon arrival, she spotted Hugh, Dorian, and Marcus already waiting near the clubhouse.

Hugh's face lit up at their approach. "Right on time."

Camille offered a polite nod.

"Ever swung a club before?" Hugh asked, eyeing her athletic frame.

"I've had some lessons," she admitted.

After exchanging pleasantries, they moved onto the course, clubs in hand, conversation flowing easily between swings.

Just as Camille was securing her driver back in the bag, two familiar figures materialized in the distance.

Damien and Selene.

Normally inseparable from Tristan and Arlo, today the pair walked alone.

Having heard of Hugh's presence from staff, they'd come to exchange greetings.

Selene's step faltered upon recognizing Camille and Gabriel among the group.

Damien, ever the diplomat, greeted Hugh first. "Mr. Rhodes."

Their families moved in overlapping circles. Though Marcus Harrington had been based overseas for years, business kept their connection alive.

"Damien!" Hugh clapped him on the shoulder. "Early bird catches the worm, eh?"

"Just keeping active," Damien replied smoothly.

Both Dorian and Marcus recognized the Harrington family's ownership of the course. They'd played here often enough, yet rarely crossed paths with Damien.

The coincidence of today's encounter didn't escape them.

Aware of the complicated history between Camille and Damien, they relaxed only when her expression remained neutral.

Gabriel's jaw, however, had gone rigid.

While Damien conversed with Hugh's group, Camille and Gabriel maintained silence.

Unexpectedly, Damien turned to Gabriel. "Ashcroft."

Gabriel's response came through gritted teeth.

Hugh, sensing tension, deftly changed course. "How's the Vertex Dynamics collaboration progressing?"

Gabriel's lips curled slightly. "Still ironing out the kinks."

Damien smiled. "From our end, everything appears smooth. Should any issues arise, we welcome your feedback."

Gabriel's grip tightened on his club. "The technical teams work well enough. It's the blurred lines between professional and personal that complicate matters." His gaze locked onto Damien. "You understand my meaning."

The unspoken challenge hung in the air.

Selene's fingers twitched at her sides.

Recognizing the precarious turn, Gabriel added, "This isn't the place for shop talk. We'll address any concerns Monday."

"Of course," Damien conceded.

Hugh, ever the peacemaker, swiftly steered the conversation toward safer waters.