Chapter 199

Camille shook her head. "You two go ahead. I won't be joining."

Chloe's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Mom, you're not coming?"

"Mmm." Camille gently ruffled Chloe's hair. "I need to leave first. Enjoy your meal."

"Oh..."

Camille offered a small smile before turning away without another word.

Damien watched her retreating figure but made no move to stop her. Instead, he simply said, "Let's go."

"Okay."

No sooner had they settled in the car than Damien's phone rang. Helena's name flashed on the screen.

The moment he answered, her furious voice came through gritted teeth. "Did you approve that joint venture with the Lancasters and the Dunmore family through Harrington Group?"

Damien hummed in confirmation, then chuckled darkly. "You're just finding out now?"

"How dare you!" Helena's voice trembled with rage. "What game are you playing? Are you—" She cut herself off, realizing the implication. If he was making moves like this, divorce papers couldn't be far behind.

By openly bringing the Lancasters into Harrington business, he wasn't even trying to hide his intentions anymore.

Before he could respond, she snapped, "I won't allow it! If you insist on proceeding, you'll reduce their shares immediately. Otherwise, I'll—"

"Grandmother." Damien's voice remained calm but firm. "I upheld my end of our agreement before marriage. Now I expect you to honor yours—stay out of my business decisions."

In other words: hands off the Lancasters.

"You—"

Since Damien took the helm at Harrington Group, the company had flourished under his leadership. The board had long since learned that his decisions brought profit and stability.

If Helena tried to oppose him now, the shareholders would revolt before he even needed to lift a finger.

The truth was simple: Harrington needed Damien far more than he needed them.

Using the company as leverage was pointless. What about emotional blackmail?

As he'd just reminded her, marrying Camille had already been his concession to family obligations.

Helena knew her grandson well—he wasn't one for repeated compromises. Once he set his mind to something, nothing could sway him.

And if pushed too far...

The line went silent. That silence was her surrender.

Damien casually changed the subject. "Have you eaten lunch?"

The dial tone answered him.

Looking at his phone, Damien smirked.

Chloe peeked over curiously. "What happened?"

"Your grandmother is upset," he said, setting his phone aside.

"Did you make her mad?"

"Mmm."

"Aren't you going to apologize?" Chloe asked.

"Later." He started the engine. "I'll handle it when the time is right."

"Oh... okay."

Back at the office, Gabriel noticed Camille's return but didn't mention the school event. "You're back early. Hungry?"

"Starving."

"Let's grab lunch then."

Camille smiled. "Sounds perfect."

At the restaurant, they unexpectedly crossed paths with Levi Navarro, a senior Harrington executive dining with his family.

After ushering his family into a private room, Levi turned to Gabriel. "I'd hoped we might collaborate again. But now..." He trailed off meaningfully.

Gabriel arched an eyebrow. "I hear Harrington's new venture is thriving."

"Indeed." Levi's smile didn't reach his eyes. "With Mr. Harrington personally overseeing it, failure isn't an option."

"How fortunate." Gabriel's tone was ice. "I also heard the Lancasters and Dunmores secured significant stakes. No objections from your board?"