Chapter 10

Damien didn't dwell on it. He figured Camille had returned to the Hartwell estate.

Stepping into the shower, it struck him that Camille always took Chloe along when visiting Marianne. This time, she hadn't.

Had she gone somewhere else?

Maybe an emergency had come up at the Hartwell residence. Colin's earlier comments flashed through his mind, cementing his suspicions.

Damien hesitated briefly before shaking it off. Not his concern.

At breakfast the next morning, Damien informed Chloe, "Your school registration is complete. Classes start tomorrow."

"Got it." Chloe wrinkled her nose. "Will you drive me tomorrow, Dad?"

"Can't promise that."

"Fine." Her eyes sparkled. "I'll ask Selene to take me."

Before Damien could respond, his phone rang. Helena Harrington was calling.

"Back in the country, I hear?" came Helena's voice.

"Yes."

"Did Chloe come with you?"

"She did."

"I haven't seen my great-granddaughter in ages. Bring her and Camille for dinner tonight."

"Will do."

Helena pressed, "Where's Camille? Put her on."

"She's not here."

"At this hour? Where is she?"

"Likely at the Hartwell residence."

"'Likely'? You're her husband and you don't know?"

Silence.

"Oh, Damien." A heavy sigh. "You're impossible."

Damien's tone softened slightly as he deflected. "Had lunch yet?"

"Your nonsense is enough to kill my appetite!"

A quiet chuckle escaped him as he continued eating.

Helena knew pushing Damien was futile. His marriage to Camille was already a major compromise for someone of his stubborn nature. There were limits to how much even she could pressure him.

"Fine," she sighed. "I've said my piece, you obstinate mule."

"See you tonight."

"You— Ugh!" The line went dead.

Chloe, who'd been half-listening, perked up. "Who was that, Dad?"

"Your great-grandmother."

Remembering the dinner plans, he added, "She wants us over tonight."

Chloe brightened. "Perfect! I've missed Nana so much!"

Damien glanced at his phone without comment.

Meanwhile, Camille was finishing breakfast at the Hartwell estate when Damien's call came through.

She froze. Unlike before, his name on her screen no longer sparked joy.

After a beat, she answered. "Hello?"

"Grandmother wants us at Harrington Manor tonight," Damien stated.

"Understood," Camille agreed.

"Pick up Chloe on your way," he added.

Camille had no desire to return to his house. Even if she did, Chloe wouldn't be thrilled to see her.

Why subject herself to that?

"Have the chauffeur bring her," she countered. "I'll drive separately after work."

During rush hour, this made practical sense.

Yet Camille had always insisted on personally handling Chloe's transportation before. Her detached response gave Damien pause.

Still, it was trivial. "Fine," he said, hanging up.

This time, Chloe recognized the caller. "Was that Mom?"

"Yes."

"So she's coming to Nana's tonight?"

"Yes."

Chloe's face clouded briefly before smoothing. It wasn't that she didn't miss Camille—she hadn't seen her in weeks, and this was the longest they'd gone without contact.

The thought tugged at her heart. But Camille's return meant less time with Selene.

Learning Camille was away on business after their return had delighted Chloe—more Selene time.

Now that arrangement would end. Her mood soured.

She'd already secured Selene's promise to take her to school tomorrow. What now?

"Dad," she ventured.

"Yes?"

While Camille could handle school drop-off, Chloe was determined to attend Selene's racing championship tomorrow night.

Clutching Damien's arm, she pleaded, "You promised to take me to Selene's race tomorrow. Mom won't allow it. Don't tell her? If she asks, make something up?"

"Fine."

Reassured, Chloe brightened slightly.

After breakfast, Damien left for work.

Camille arrived at Harrington Group that morning without crossing paths with him.

At noon, Marianne invited her to lunch at The Meridian. Since it was nearby, Camille agreed.

Approaching the entrance, familiar voices made her freeze.

"Damien, without your help, I'd never have landed this contract. My deepest gratitude."

Her father, Malcolm.

Damien's unusually warm reply followed: "Think nothing of it, Mr. Lancaster."

Camille's fists clenched. That tone was reserved for people he valued—and she knew his regard for Malcolm had nothing to do with her.

Not after Malcolm had divorced Audrey, cutting ties with Camille entirely. These days, he only acknowledged Selene as his daughter.

Sure enough, Malcolm continued, "Selene's alone here. Her mother and I worry. Please look after her."