Chapter 268

"Dad! Selene!"

The moment Chloe Harrington stepped out of the airport and spotted Damien and Selene Lancaster, she let go of Marianne Reed's hand and sprinted toward them, throwing herself into their arms.

Inside the car, Chloe dug through her small backpack and proudly presented the souvenirs she'd picked up during her trip.

"Dad, Selene, I got you gifts!"

Selene accepted them with a warm smile, gently ruffling Chloe's hair. "Thank you, sweetheart."

That evening, since Helena Harrington was being discharged from the hospital, Damien and Chloe were heading back to the Harrington Manor for dinner.

After dropping Selene off at her place, Damien instructed the driver to turn toward the Harrington estate.

During the ride, Damien was occupied with work, so Chloe entertained herself quietly, not wanting to disturb him.

When they arrived, Chloe leaped out of the car, slinging her backpack over her shoulder as she dashed toward the house, calling out, "Mom! Mom!"

Damien tucked away his laptop and stepped out. Hearing her, he said calmly, "Your mom isn't here."

Chloe froze mid-step and turned to look at him. "Huh? Mom's not home?"

"No."

"Is she still busy?"

Damien ruffled her hair with his large hand. "Maybe you should call and ask her."

"Okay."

Lately, every time she called, her mom never answered.

It hadn’t been so bad when she was at home, but being abroad—without Damien or Selene around—had made her feel lonely. Even though they video-chatted daily, it wasn’t the same as having them physically there.

In those first few days overseas, she had missed her mom the most. She’d called every day, but Camille never picked up.

Eventually, Chloe stopped trying, assuming her mom was just too busy.

Before returning, she’d secretly hoped Camille would come to the airport.

But since Damien and Selene had promised to be there, Chloe hadn’t called. She’d assumed her mom would be waiting at the manor.

Now, standing there, she suddenly didn’t feel like calling anymore. Even if she did, her mom probably wouldn’t answer.

The excitement of coming home dimmed.

Damien crouched slightly, pinching her cheek lightly. "Are you crying?"

Chloe pursed her lips and turned away. "No, I'm not!"

He smirked. "So you're giving up? Don’t want to call your mom anymore?"

Chloe hesitated before whispering, "N-no..."

She still wanted to call.

Damien chuckled but didn’t press further. Instead, he scooped her up. "Let’s go inside."

Chloe wrapped her arms around his neck, nestling into his warmth. Finally, she felt a little better.

Inside, the Harrington family was waiting for them to start dinner. As they entered, all eyes turned their way—especially Helena’s, who lit up at the sight of Chloe.

"Chloe, you're back! Come here, let me see you."

Chloe slid down from Damien’s arms and ran over. "Grandma!"

She greeted the others cheerfully. "Grandmother, Aunt Selene, Uncle Hugo."

Selene and Lydia Harrington responded politely, though their tones were indifferent. Hugo, however, was delighted. He stood, hugged her, and immediately started teasing her.

Chloe giggled as he playfully messed with her hair.

Then, out of nowhere, Hugo tilted his head and asked, "By the way, Dane—where’s Camille?"