Chapter 424

The evening air was crisp when Camille's phone buzzed on the vanity. Chloe had been staying at the Hartwell estate for three days now, and this was the first call she'd received.

"Mom!" Chloe's face lit up as she glanced at the caller ID. "It's Dad!"

Camille barely had time to acknowledge with a soft hum before Chloe answered, immediately putting the call on speaker. "Daddy!"

Damien's deep voice filled the room. "Have you eaten dinner yet, sweetheart?"

"I have!" Chloe chirped, swinging her legs where she sat on the edge of Camille's bed.

After exchanging pleasantries, Damien got to the point. "I'm sending someone to pick you up tomorrow morning. Remember we have plans with Selene."

Though Camille had been occupied with work commitments, these past days with Chloe had been unexpectedly joyful. The child's reluctance to leave was palpable in the way her fingers tightened around the phone.

"Daddy, I don't want to—" Chloe began, then abruptly stopped. A thoughtful expression crossed her face before she continued in a hushed tone, "Okay. But you have to come get me yourself."

Damien's chuckle was warm with indulgence. "Of course, princess. I'll be there personally."

When the call ended, Chloe launched herself at Camille, clinging to her arm like a limpet. "Mommy, I don't want to go..."

Camille understood the unspoken conflict - Chloe's desire to stay warring with her commitment to Selene. The child had chosen honor over her own wishes, a maturity that squeezed Camille's heart.

"Start gathering your things," Camille murmured, stroking Chloe's hair. "Your father will be here soon."

Chloe pouted. "Mommy! I told you I brought extra clothes so I wouldn't have to pack again for summer break. Don't you remember?"

Camille remembered. She also remembered not agreeing to those summer plans, knowing the divorce would be finalized by then. But she simply said, "I remember," and redirected Chloe to collect her schoolwork.

The headlights of Damien's car illuminated the driveway sooner than expected. Though the Hartwells held no affection for Damien, Marianne and Owen still came out to bid Chloe farewell, their fondness for the child overriding old grievances.

Damien emerged from the car, his greeting to the elders polite but met with only curt nods. When his gaze found Camille, she looked away, focusing on straightening Chloe's collar. "Time to go."

Chloe doled out hugs to each family member before climbing into the car. As the taillights disappeared down the drive, Marianne squeezed Camille's hand. "The divorce proceedings will be finalized soon, yes?"

Camille nodded silently.

Marianne sighed, her smile bittersweet. "Perhaps it's for the best."

Later, as Camille settled at her desk, she typed out a message to Damien: "You should tell Chloe about the divorce soon."

Most children would struggle with such news, but Chloe was resilient. She'd understand.

Damien's reply came swiftly: "I'll choose the right moment."

Then, before she could set her phone down, another message appeared: "If there are additional terms you'd like included in the agreement, have your attorney contact mine. Within reason, I'll accommodate them."