Chapter 123

Chloe didn't catch the subtle coldness in Camille's voice. She exhaled in relief at Camille's words.

Damien handed his present to Marianne first, with Camille following suit.

The initial gift was an embroidered landscape painting. "Grandmother had Caleb prepare this specially for you," Camille explained.

Marianne unfolded the delicate fabric, studying it carefully. Her lips curved into a pleased smile. "She's always been thoughtful."

Next came the emerald jewelry set. "This is from Damien," Camille said.

The gems sparkled with impeccable clarity under the chandelier lights.

Marianne's eyes lingered on the necklace for a heartbeat.

But remembering its origin, she snapped the velvet case shut. "Lovely pieces. Do thank him for me."

She never inquired if Damien would attend her celebration.

The question didn't interest her enough to ask.

Camille noted Marianne's indifference toward Damien. There was a time she would've defended him passionately.

Not anymore. She simply presented her own gift - the one she'd personally selected.

Just as Camille predicted, Marianne adored the antique scholar's writing set above all other presents.

Marianne couldn't stop admiring the craftsmanship. She immediately retreated to her study to test the new brushes.

Breakfast passed with warm chatter and laughter.

Marianne seemed genuinely happy throughout the meal.

Yet...

Fleeting shadows of loneliness flickered in her eyes when she thought no one was looking.

Camille, Owen, and the others understood. Today was meant for family.

But one chair remained conspicuously empty.

Camille looked away, blinking rapidly. No one mentioned Audrey's absence to preserve the festive mood.

By midmorning, close associates of the Hartwell family began arriving.

The main celebration would occur at their reserved hotel banquet hall that evening.

While greeting guests, Owen's son Silas noticed Chloe sitting apart, distracted. He gently pinched her cheek. "You're miles away, little one."

Camille knew instantly - Chloe was thinking about Selene.

She'd obeyed Damien's orders, staying at the Hartwell estate without protest.

But her mind clearly wandered elsewhere.

Chloe had bombarded Selene with messages all day. The sparse replies suggested Selene was equally preoccupied.

Come afternoon, the family relocated to the hotel.

Guests trickled in around six.

Owen accepted gifts and ushered people to their seats. One businessman hesitated. "My apologies, Mr. Hartwell. Another engagement calls me away. I'll just stay for a quick toast."

Owen and Camille exchanged glances but didn't press. They assumed this was an isolated case.

Within thirty minutes, however, numerous associates delivered gifts and excused themselves. Some sent assistants instead of attending personally.

The banquet hall's empty tables painted a dismal picture.

All their meticulous preparations seemed wasted. Marianne would be heartbroken when she saw.

Owen could accept personal conflicts graciously.

But his expression darkened with each departure.

Noticing the pattern, he pulled aside Roland Royce, a close acquaintance. "Everyone keeps mentioning another event. Might I ask where you're headed?"

The mass exodus couldn't be coincidence.

"The Lancaster residence," Roland admitted. Then added, "It's Mrs. Lancaster's housewarming. They've recently relocated to Westbridge. Since they're new here, they're hosting tonight."

Camille and Owen froze.

They'd thought the video scandal was their last hurdle. The Lancasters' timing couldn't be accidental.

Marianne and Helena Lancaster had celebrated birthdays together for decades.

Could Helena possibly forget today's significance?

No. This was deliberate.

The housewarming was scheduled precisely because they remembered.

Roland remained oblivious to the Hartwell-Lancaster feud.

He lowered his voice apologetically. "We can't refuse, Owen. Not with Mr. Harrington backing them. It's business."

Skipping the Lancasters' event would be interpreted as a slight.

And with rumors swirling about Damien marrying Selene soon...

Offending the Lancasters now meant offending both Selene and Damien.

That was a risk no one dared take.