Chapter 245

The call ended with a sharp click.

Damien placed his phone on the marble countertop, his gaze fixed on the massive screen broadcasting the Meridian Technologies press conference. His fingers pressed against his temples, the weight of unspoken worries pressing down.

Across the room, Giselle reclined on the velvet sofa, idly popping grapes into her mouth. But the sight of Camille commanding the stage with effortless grace at such a high-profile event made her stomach churn. With a violent jab at the remote, she silenced the television. "Why does she get to stand there?" The words tasted like poison. "She's stealing the spotlight again."

"That's not what matters," Helena interjected smoothly.

To her, Camille was merely riding on Gabriel's coattails. A speech at a press conference? Meaningless. Just temporary glitter that would soon fade.

The real prize was Meridian's groundbreaking technology.

That was the true measure of power.

Damien caught Helena's implication immediately.

Yes, Camille spoke eloquently today. But when it came to Meridian's proprietary tech, he, Selene, and Helena all knew Gabriel must have spoon-fed her every word.

There was no way she genuinely understood the complexities.

Sabrina disagreed. "Like it or not, she's secured her position with Gabriel's backing."

Regardless of motives, Camille had made waves today - and in doing so, brought unexpected benefits to the Hartwell family.

That alone, in Sabrina's eyes, proved her capability.

Giselle couldn't care less about business implications.

She'd noticed Tristan's intense focus on Camille throughout the event.

The way his eyes tracked her every movement - a look he'd never given Giselle.

If she'd been the one on that stage, she knew his attention would have been hers.

By the time Camille and Gabriel exited the hotel, the clock neared 10 PM.

After a grueling day, Camille's temples throbbed with exhaustion.

On autopilot, she drove toward her usual apartment complex. Only when she parked did she realize her mistake.

No point going back now. The Hartwell estate held nothing for her tonight.

As she stepped out, her phone screen illuminated with multiple missed calls - from family members and Chloe.

Among the notifications, a message from Chloe sent around 8 PM stood out: "When are you coming home?"

Camille glanced at it briefly before silencing her phone.

Inside her apartment, she moved through her nighttime routine mechanically before collapsing into bed.

Morning came too soon.

She'd barely opened her eyes when Chloe's name flashed across her caller ID.

Camille considered ignoring it.

The moment the ringing stopped, the Hartwell estate's landline number appeared.

She had no choice but to answer. "Grandmother."

"You didn't return last night, Camille."

"I was occupied."

Marianne didn't press further, simply passing the phone to Chloe.

"Mommy!"

Camille responded with a noncommittal hum.

Chloe hadn't anticipated her mother skipping nights at the family home now.

She'd called repeatedly last evening with no response. Waking to find Camille still absent left her unsettled.

"When are you coming back, Mommy?" The question carried a child's uncomplicated longing.

"Tonight... probably."

A pause.

Then Camille remembered. "Call your father to arrange your ride to school. I'm busy today."

"Okay." Chloe hesitated. "Mommy, where are you staying? Can I visit after school?"

"No." The refusal came instantly. "I'll be working late. Stay with Grandmother. If you're bored, ask your father to take you out."