Chapter 390

The golf game ended sooner than expected.

Camille and her group still had afternoon plans.

Damien and Selene had joined midway. Sensing they might be intruding on private arrangements, Damien gracefully bowed out. "We have another engagement. Don't let us interrupt your day."

Gabriel and Dorian exchanged glances before nodding. "Another time then."

Damien gave a polite smile before escorting Selene away.

Gabriel visibly relaxed once they left. He leaned toward Camille. "At least he knows social boundaries."

Camille simply hummed in agreement.

Once out of earshot, Damien studied Selene's expression. "Upset?"

Two embarrassing missteps today had indeed dampened Selene's mood. Seeing how effortlessly Camille charmed Gabriel's circle made her stomach churn.

She knew they were being deceived by Camille's carefully constructed facade. Yet the bitterness remained.

"I made quite the spectacle today," Selene forced a laugh. "Clearly I need more practice."

Damien's gaze softened. "You have qualities she'll never possess. Don't dwell on trivialities." The words lifted Selene's spirits slightly.

Today's events revealed Camille's sharp wit and strategic thinking - unexpected traits that clearly impressed Damien.

But only mildly.

Selene noticed his admiration held no romantic interest. And despite her poor performance, Damien's affection for her never wavered. In his eyes, she remained captivating.

Their departure wasn't truly about another engagement. Damien had sensed her discomfort and orchestrated their exit to spare her further distress.

This realization dissolved her remaining gloom.

That afternoon around three, after tea with Gabriel's group, Camille returned to the Harrington estate.

Chloe came running the moment she heard the door. "Mommy!"

Camille caught her in a hug. "I'm back."

Earlier that morning, Chloe had pouted when left behind. But she seemed perfectly content now, having enjoyed her day without Camille.

Just as Chloe began chattering, her phone rang.

Damien's name flashed on screen. "Daddy?"

Camille couldn't hear his words, but Chloe's response was enthusiastic. "Okay! I'll be ready!"

Hanging up, Chloe turned with mixed emotions. "Daddy's taking me to the new amusement park. His driver's coming soon."

Camille's expression remained neutral. "Have fun."

Chloe hesitated, torn between staying and the promised adventure. When the car arrived, excitement won out.

After her departure, Camille retreated to her office.

On Tuesday, Camille arrived at Harrington Technologies representing Gabriel.

Caleb personally greeted her and Selene in the lobby. "Ms. Hartwell, right this way."

Camille followed silently.

Instead of a conference room, Caleb led her directly to Damien's office - a space she knew intimately from her brief tenure as his secretary.

Less than a year had passed, yet it felt like another lifetime.

Damien looked up from his documents as they entered. "You're right on time." He gestured to the seating area. "Please."