Chapter 401

"No thanks, I already ate." Camille's voice was polite but firm as she declined the offer.

Felix's confession had been unexpectedly touching. Yet...

She'd only answered his call to set things straight once and for all.

"I truly appreciate your feelings," she said with quiet conviction. "But as you said yourself, I'm not ready for any new relationships right now. So I'm sorry. Please don't wait for me."

When she sensed Felix about to protest, she didn't hesitate - ending the call with a decisive tap.

Phone still clutched in her hand, she stood frozen, emotions churning.

Finally, a wry smile touched her lips before she turned back toward the private dining room.

Her absence had stretched longer than intended.

Gabriel had guessed the call's purpose the moment Felix's name appeared. Now, the prolonged conversation only fueled his curiosity.

As Camille returned, he leaned in. "What's really going on between you two?"

She sipped her lemon water calmly. "Nothing worth mentioning."

Gabriel caught the hint. "Not the right place? I'll ask later."

Camille remained silent.

Declan was even more restless than Gabriel.

While waiting for Camille's return, he'd messaged a contact about Felix. Their shared social circles meant quick answers.

Just as Camille reentered, his phone buzzed with a reply: "Why the sudden interest in Felix Rhodes?"

Distracted, Declan typed a quick "No reason" without catching Camille and Gabriel's exchange.

Damien glanced up when Camille returned, but after a brief pause, resumed his conversation.

Camille paid little attention to either man. After exchanging a few words with Gabriel, she refocused on Dorian's discussion.

Soon, Dorian had a technical question and sought her input.

As she moved toward them, Damien was typing on his phone.

Dorian stood to make space, accidentally bumping Damien's arm. The phone clattered to the floor.

Without realizing whose it was, Camille automatically bent to retrieve it - only to see Selene's name lighting up the screen.

Damien's phone.

She averted her eyes immediately, placing it on the table. But Damien was already reaching out. "Mine. Thanks."

She handed it over without comment, taking the seat beside Dorian.

Twenty minutes later, lunch concluded. Camille rose with the others.

As they exited, the opposite private room's door opened simultaneously.

Gabriel murmured, "What a coincidence. Arranged, I presume?"

He meant Damien and Selene had coordinated their timing.

Having glimpsed Damien's messages earlier, Camille knew Gabriel was right. Declan quickly moved to walk beside her. When she asked what he wanted, he realized his slow approach wasn't working - but this wasn't the time.

"Nothing," he said.

Damien noted Declan's proximity, gave them a measured look, then turned to Selene emerging across the hall.

Camille and Gabriel didn't bother acknowledging the Whitakers or Lancasters. They certainly had no interest in observing Damien and Selene's interactions.

They departed without pause.

Downstairs, after brief work-related conversation, Damien and Selene drove off.

Watching Camille leave earlier with Gabriel and Declan, Nora remarked, "Wasn't that girl with Gabriel Ashcroft? And Declan Vaughn from Redfern Industries beside her?"

"If something develops there, it'll certainly affect her relationship with Gabriel, don't you think?"

The Lancasters knew all about Selene and Declan's history. They'd fully supported Selene's choice of Damien.

Compared to Declan, Damien was clearly more accomplished - and had proven willing to sacrifice far more for Selene.