I couldn't breathe as tension filled the room. Julian's eyes bore into mine with a silent warning while Camille waited for an answer, her gaze darting between us.
"Well?" Camille pressed, her innocent face pinched with concern. "Julian, do you know her or not?"
Before Julian could respond, Adrian stepped forward, his commanding presence instantly shifting the room's focus.
"I believe Mr. Bennett is simply surprised to see me with a young woman," Adrian said smoothly. "My reputation precedes me, after all."
My shoulders sagged with momentary relief as Julian seized the lifeline Adrian had thrown him.
"Exactly," Julian nodded, his charming smile sliding back into place. "I was just caught off guard. I apologize for the awkwardness."
Camille's suspicion visibly eased, though not completely. She turned to me with a warm smile that twisted my insides with guilt. This woman had done nothing wrong, yet I hated how easily Julian had shifted his affection to her.
