Chapter 155

Camille remained silent.

She sneezed violently after ending the call.

Talia grew concerned Camille might be coming down with something. She prepared homemade chicken broth. After drinking it, Camille's eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted into sleep.

Upon waking, she realized she was burning up.

The fever raged high, making her head swim.

Chloe approached with worried eyes. "Mommy, are you sick?"

Camille murmured weakly.

Helena fretted over her condition. She insisted on taking Camille back to Harrington Manor to see their physician Emmett, who could provide proper treatment.

Marianne agreed the illness had struck suddenly and urged Camille to return with Helena.

Soon they arrived at Harrington Manor. Emmett examined Camille and administered medication. After taking the pills, Camille retreated upstairs and fell asleep again.

When she awoke, the fog in her mind had lifted slightly.

She opened her eyes to find the bedside lamp glowing. Turning her head, she saw Damien seated nearby, absorbed in a book.

The sight startled her.

Then she remembered - she was at Harrington Manor, in Damien's childhood bedroom.

Hearing movement, Damien glanced up. "Awake?"

Her throat burned. She didn't feel like speaking, so she stayed quiet.

As she reached for her jacket to rise, Damien handed her a glass of water.

Camille hesitated before accepting it silently.

Damien didn't press for thanks. He reached to check her temperature, but she dodged his hand with surprising speed despite her condition.

Withdrawing, he stood. "Emmett's downstairs. I'll fetch him."

Without waiting for response, he left.

Moments later, Emmett, Helena, Damien and Chloe all entered.

Emmett assessed her. "Your fever's breaking, but continue the medication. Stress and exhaustion weakened your immune system. Proper nutrition will restore your strength."

Camille nodded.

"Hungry, dear?" Helena asked.

Camille had barely eaten at lunch before collapsing into bed.

Though evening had fallen and her stomach growled, food held little appeal.

Helena insisted she try. She instructed Damien to bring up the specially prepared meal.

Damien returned with a tray.

Helena and Emmett departed, leaving Damien reading in the chair.

Camille noticed the book in his hands - the same one she'd been reading at the mountain retreat.

She frowned. "You—"

Damien smiled. "I found your margin notes fascinating. Gave me new perspectives, so I kept it. I revisit it sometimes."

Camille bit her lip and looked away.

What little appetite she'd had vanished completely.

Damien studied her. "After all these years, you still haven't learned to fight back?"

She turned her face away.

He sighed. "Fine. Eat something."