Chapter 107

The whisper in Damien's voice didn't escape Camille's notice when he discreetly passed the invitation to Marianne Hartwell's birthday celebration. She caught every nuance.

"I know," she replied simply.

Marianne Hartwell and Helena Harrington shared a decades-long friendship. Under normal circumstances, Helena would never miss such an event.

But tradition dictated that guests older than the birthday celebrant shouldn't attend. For years, Marianne's birthdays had been quiet family affairs.

Damien had never once attended. He always claimed work commitments kept him away.

Camille knew better. Even when he had free time to socialize with friends, he'd make excuses. Every year, she'd ask anyway, hoping this time would be different.

This year, she hadn't bothered asking. But Marianne's seventieth birthday changed everything. Owen Hartwell had invited prominent business associates. Given the families' ties and their pending divorce status, protocol demanded the Harringtons receive an invitation.

Whether they attended remained their choice.

Camille had planned to return to her apartment that evening. Instead, she turned the car toward Damien's villa.

The house stood empty when she arrived. Neither Damien nor Chloe had returned yet. Helena had returned to Harrington Manor days earlier to handle family matters.

Camille set down her purse and headed for the shower.

Thirty minutes later, the sound of tires on gravel announced their return. She remained seated, calmly drying her hair.

Chloe burst into the master bedroom first. "Mommy! We're home!" The child smelled distinctly of Selene Lancaster's signature perfume.

Camille barely reacted, humming in acknowledgment as she turned off the hair dryer. "Have you bathed yet?"

Chloe shook her head.

"It's past ten. School tomorrow." Camille's tone left no room for argument.

Damien entered as she spoke. Their eyes locked briefly before she looked away.

"Mommy, help me shower!" Chloe tugged at her arm.

"Let me finish drying my hair first."

Chloe scampered off to gather pajamas.

Damien settled across the room. "When did you get back?"

"Not long ago." She kept her attention on her hair.

He didn't press further, moving toward the walk-in closet to prepare for his shower.

Camille remembered her purpose. She switched off the dryer and retrieved an invitation from her bag. "Grandmother's birthday is coming up. This is for the Harrington family."

As she approached, Selene's cloying perfume clung to him.