Chapter 397

Camille Hartwell and Selene Lancaster attended the same symposium at Westbridge University that day, yet they never exchanged a single word.

By mid-afternoon, Camille and Gabriel Ashcroft were preparing to leave campus.

As Dorian Hartwell and the university chancellor escorted them out, Dorian extended another invitation. "There's another seminar this Saturday. Would you both—"

Camille froze mid-step when her gaze accidentally landed on Helena Lancaster standing nearby.

She quickly averted her eyes, pressed her lips together, and replied, "I'm afraid I have prior commitments this Saturday. I won't be able to attend."

After bidding farewell to Dorian and the chancellor, Gabriel finally spoke once their car pulled away. "You seemed troubled back there. What happened?"

He'd noticed her subtle shift in demeanor when Saturday's event was mentioned, particularly when she'd spotted Helena.

Camille lowered her gaze. "Saturday is my mother's birthday."

Gabriel fell silent.

The Lancaster and Hartwell family feud had confined Audrey Hartwell to a nursing home for years. No wonder Camille reacted that way when facing Helena and Selene earlier.

After a long pause, he asked carefully, "How do you feel about the Lancasters now?"

Camille's hands clenched into fists. "I won't let them get away with what they did. But—"

But with Damien Harrington protecting them now, even with NovaSight Labs's success, taking them down would be nearly impossible.

Gabriel understood without her saying it. "Justice finds its way eventually. The opportunity will come. Don't lose hope."

Camille nodded silently.

On Saturday, after baking a birthday cake with Owen Hartwell, Camille drove to the nursing home.

Though it hadn't been long since their last visit, Audrey looked noticeably thinner.

Audrey remained detached, oblivious to her daughter's presence or the birthday celebration around her.

Watching the staff cheerfully sing happy birthday while Audrey sat unresponsive made Camille and Marianne feel like their hearts were being ripped apart.

The nursing home director approached them.

Seeing their distress, her expression softened. After hesitating, she said, "We ran tests this morning... Audrey's health has deteriorated significantly. Multiple organ failure is beginning—"

Everyone paled.

"What? How?"

The director explained, "Years of emotional trauma and poor appetite have taken their toll. Her immune system is dangerously weak now. If this continues—"

The unspoken prognosis hung heavy in the air.

Marianne nearly collapsed.

Back home, Marianne locked herself in her room, devastated. But life, however painful, had to continue.

As evening fell, though no one had an appetite, they needed to eat.

Camille grabbed her phone and drove to the supermarket.

She mechanically selected groceries. At checkout, someone called her name.

Turning, she saw Chloe Harrington.

Camille gave a faint nod.

Chloe smiled at first, then frowned at Camille's expression. "Are you alright?"

Camille shook her head, unwilling to speak.

After paying, she picked up her bags to leave when Chloe hesitantly added, "Mr. Harrington is dining at the Lancaster residence tonight..."

Meaning Damien was having dinner with Selene's family.

Camille's grip tightened on the bags, but her expression remained neutral. She simply nodded and left without another word.

That evening, the Hartwell household was shrouded in gloom.

Later, Camille retreated to her room with a book.

It wasn't until nearly 11 PM that she checked her dead phone.

After plugging it in, she showered.

Returning, she saw multiple missed calls—including one from Lucas Vaughn.

She called him back first.

Lucas answered immediately.

"Ms. Hartwell, Mr. Harrington's lawyer just called. All asset paperwork is complete. You can officially file for divorce now."