Chapter 403

Felix Rhodes extended his hand with a polite smile. "Felix Rhodes."

Declan Vaughn shook it firmly.

Their eyes locked in silent understanding: This would be a fair competition for Camille's affection.

After the handshake, Felix turned back to Camille.

"My presence made you uncomfortable, didn't it?"

It had.

But she answered diplomatically, "A little."

"I thought so." His voice remained calm, almost apologetic. "I knew you'd feel this way, yet I came anyway."

"Because if I didn't try, I'd always wonder if you might change your mind. Now I have my answer. I'll respect your boundaries moving forward."

So he wasn't giving up?

Before Camille could respond, Felix addressed Gabriel Ashcroft. "Let's postpone the Meridian tour. I won't intrude further."

Gabriel had formed a favorable opinion of Felix. If Camille ever considered remarrying, he believed Felix would be a worthy candidate.

But since Camille showed no current interest, he wouldn't interfere.

"You're always welcome to visit again, Felix," Gabriel replied courteously.

Felix nodded. Before leaving, he cast one last glance at Camille.

She stood silent, lost in thought.

He seemed to want to say more but ultimately settled on, "Until next time."

"Take care."

Then Felix departed.

Declan had initially assumed Felix and Camille were already involved. Now he realized it had been entirely one-sided pursuit.

Camille had rejected him—clearly and definitively.

This realization lifted Declan's spirits considerably.

Within minutes of Felix's departure, office gossip spread like wildfire—a stunningly handsome stranger had come asking for Camille.

"Is that her husband?" someone whispered.

Declan froze mid-click at his computer. Husband? Had he heard correctly?

Before he could react, another colleague chimed in, "Reception thought so too at first. But from their conversation? Pure unrequited pursuit. Definitely not married!"

"Damn, some Adonis chased her to the office? Wonder if her husband knows about—"

Declan cut in sharply, "Wait. Camille's married?"

The colleague blinked. "You didn't know?"

"I didn't."

He'd assumed Camille and Gabriel were dating. But after joining the company, he'd noticed their strictly professional dynamic—no shared arrivals/departures, zero romantic cues.

Camille herself had confirmed they weren't involved.

"Ah, you're new," the colleague realized. "Most veterans know, but we've stopped discussing her personal life lately."

Declan remained silent, reeling from the revelation.

Finally he asked, "What's her husband like? Anyone met him? How's their relationship?"

"We've only seen his silhouette during one video call last year—never his face. No clue who he is."

Another added, "As for their marriage? Hard to say. Camille's been here years, but aside from that one surprise call, her husband's never appeared again. She never mentions him either."