Chapter 323

After dinner, Chloe mentioned something that made Camille realize Damien was away on a business trip.

At around 9:00 pm, while Camille was showering, her phone rang.

Chloe saw Tristan's name flashing on the screen and answered. "Mr. Rutherford."

Hearing her voice, Tristan paused briefly. "Chloe."

Before Chloe could continue, Camille stepped out of the bathroom. Seeing her, Chloe handed over the phone. "Mom, it's Mr. Rutherford."

"Okay." Camille took the phone, but Tristan spoke first. "I hope I'm not interrupting?"

"Not at all."

Tristan's voice was calm. "I'm currently out of town, so we'll need to postpone our dinner plans."

"That's fine."

After hanging up, Camille reached for her towel when she noticed Chloe's curious stare.

"What is it?" Camille asked.

"Mom, you know Mr. Rutherford too?"

"Yes."

"Oh."

The next morning, Camille went downstairs to prepare breakfast.

About thirty minutes later, as she returned upstairs, she found Chloe on the phone. The girl immediately rushed over. "Mom, it's Dad."

Camille took the receiver. "What is it?"

"My return got delayed until Wednesday. Chloe probably won't want to leave the Hartwell residence until then. Could you look after her these next few days?"

Camille pressed her lips together in silence before ending the call.

On Monday, after dropping Chloe at kindergarten, Camille headed to work.

A major project deadline loomed, making the entire week chaotic. She often worked past midnight, returning home exhausted.

Though Chloe stayed at the Hartwell residence, their only conversations happened during rushed morning routines.

On Thursday afternoon, Chloe called to announce Damien's return. That same day after school, she went straight back to the Harrington estate.

On Saturday, Camille met Tristan and Iris at Meadowlight Park.

Seeing her, Tristan remarked, "It's been a while."

"Has it?" Camille hadn't particularly noticed.

Tristan studied her face, hesitating before speaking. "You know Vertex Dynamics has multiple shareholders, correct?"

"Mhm."

"Damien wants to buy out my shares, along with Arlo's and others', to give to—" He didn't finish, but Camille immediately knew—Selene.

She'd witnessed Damien's indulgence toward Selene at Vertex Dynamics firsthand.

She'd once joked he might as well rename the company Lancaster Group. She never imagined he'd actually consider such a move.

Vertex Dynamics, though relatively new, was valued in the billions. His generosity knew no bounds.

Tristan added, "Arlo and I agreed."

"Mhm." She wasn't surprised.

Tristan, Arlo, and Damien had been inseparable since childhood. Their bond explained their compliance.

Tristan brought this up because Vertex Dynamics's ownership change would affect NovaSight Labs's business dealings.

He knew how deeply Camille had once loved Damien.

Before learning about Gabriel, he'd believed she'd moved on. Now, he wasn't so sure.