Chapter 36

Camille didn't respond, simply ruffling Maisie's hair. "Promise me you won't tell Chloe I sent you here?"

Maisie nodded eagerly. "Cross my heart."

Ever since Chloe had snapped at her for hugging Camille, the little girl had been wary around her. Chloe still seemed upset too - every time they passed each other, she'd glare daggers.

Damien, Selene, and Chloe made such a perfect picture together. Camille watched them for a moment before turning away.

When Damien and Selene finally left, Camille stepped out of the car with Maisie.

Chloe's teacher recognized Camille immediately. She'd just witnessed Chloe being dropped off by her father and another woman, so seeing Camille now with Maisie confused her. "Ms. Hartwell, you and Maisie—"

"Mrs. Lancaster had an emergency," Camille explained smoothly. "She asked me to bring Maisie today."

The teacher exhaled in relief. "Oh, I see. Chloe just arrived too, but—"

"I know." Camille smiled knowingly.

Though puzzled, the teacher didn't press further. Camille clearly understood the situation and didn't seem bothered by it.

Back in the car after dropping off Maisie, Gabriel called. "What's your ETA?"

"Ten minutes out."

"Perfect."

When Camille arrived at Vertex Dynamics, Gabriel was already waiting at the entrance. He pulled her into an embrace the moment she appeared. "Welcome back, darling!"

Camille returned his hug with a smile.

Meanwhile, Felix Valen stood by a corridor window, phone to his ear. The commotion at the entrance caught his attention - especially when he spotted Camille.

He quickly looked away as Selene answered his call. "Morning, Selene! When are you getting to the office?"

By the end of their conversation, Felix's expression had darkened. When he returned to his desk, colleagues immediately noticed. "Everything alright? You look upset."

Felix just shook his head silently.

As more employees trickled in, whispers spread. "Mr. Ashcroft just arrived with some stunning woman."

"Really? Like celebrity-level gorgeous?"

"Even better. She's breathtaking!"

Felix's mind flashed to the beauty who'd embraced Gabriel moments ago.

Then came the bombshell: "Heard she's our new hire starting today."

Felix froze. Selene had been his junior at university. When she'd expressed interest in Vertex Dynamics, he'd personally recommended her to Gabriel.

Their initial meeting had gone well. Today was supposed to be Selene's first day. But when he'd called to confirm her arrival time, she'd said Gabriel had withdrawn the offer for "personal reasons."

As Felix wrestled with this revelation, Gabriel entered the office with Camille by his side.