Chapter 311

Helena Harrington's birthday arrived without fanfare.

Damien had reminded Camille in advance, so Chloe had already prepared a birthday gift. The moment she came downstairs for breakfast, she presented it eagerly.

Helena's eyes crinkled with warmth. "Thank you, Chloe."

Damien handed over his gift next. "This is from both Camille and me. Happy birthday."

At his words, Helena shot him a knowing look.

Before she could respond, the butler entered carrying two gift boxes. "Mrs. Harrington, these presents were sent by Madam Lancaster and Mrs. Harrington."

Helena accepted them, then glanced at Damien. She knew he'd mentioned Camille's name just to please her, but she'd stopped interfering in their relationship.

She huffed. "Camille already sent me a separate gift. No need for your empty gestures." With that, she turned away.

Damien simply chuckled, unfazed. He urged Chloe to finish breakfast so he could drive her to school.

After delivering her gift, Camille grabbed her car keys and headed to work. Shortly after arriving, she and Gabriel left for a business meeting at Vertex Dynamics.

They spotted Selene immediately upon arrival.

Selene only acknowledged Gabriel. "Mr. Ashcroft."

She wore a bright smile, showing no sign of disappointment about missing Helena's birthday banquet.

Gabriel gave her a brief glance, lips curving slightly without responding. He and Camille proceeded with their business.

Gabriel found it interesting that Camille wasn't attending Helena's celebration.

That evening, he returned home and accompanied his parents to the banquet venue.

They arrived early, finding the hall still sparsely populated.

The Harringtons took Helena's milestone birthday seriously. Nearly all family members, including Chloe, were already present.

Gabriel hadn't seen Chloe in nearly three years.

When they first met, he'd noticed her resemblance to Damien. Now, the similarity was even more striking.

When the Ashcroft family arrived, the Harringtons greeted them warmly. "Mr. Ashcroft, Mrs. Ashcroft, Mr. Gabriel."

After exchanging pleasantries, Naomi Ashcroft studied Chloe.

Gabriel and Camille had met after she became Graham's student.

Naomi had always admired Camille - her brilliance and closeness in age to Gabriel made her wish they could be together.

But when she hinted at this, Gabriel immediately shut it down, explaining Camille already loved someone.

Before Naomi could process this, Camille had married. She knew about Camille and Damien's relationship.

She also knew Chloe was their daughter.

Noticing Naomi's gaze, Helena smiled. "This is my great-granddaughter, Chloe."

Naomi gently ruffled Chloe's hair. "Absolutely precious."

Chloe greeted politely, "Mrs. Ashcroft."

Then her eyes lingered on Gabriel a moment too long.

Helena chuckled. "Chloe, why are you staring at Gabriel like that?"

Chloe tilted her head. "Mr. Ashcroft looks very familiar."