Chapter 463

To maintain appearances, Selene forced herself to behave normally, engaging in lively conversation with Damien, Tristan, and Arlo throughout the evening.

When she returned home, Nora and Sabrina were chatting on the sofa.

"Selene," Sabrina called out between bites of watermelon, "has Mrs. Harrington regained consciousness yet?"

Selene shook her head.

"Not yet."

"Really?" Sabrina frowned.

"Do the doctors have any estimate?"

Another shake of Selene's head made both Sabrina and Rosalie exchange worried glances.

They'd learned about Helena's sudden hospitalization shortly after the ambulance arrived.

This development had prompted Damien to postpone his divorce from Camille - news he'd immediately shared with Selene.

Divorce proceedings during a family medical crisis would appear unseemly to outsiders.

While they understood Damien's reasoning, it didn't make the delay any less frustrating.

If Helena hadn't collapsed, Damien and Camille could have finalized their divorce within days.

Now, with Helena still unconscious, the timeline became uncertain.

Nora remained optimistic.

She patted her daughter's shoulder with a reassuring smile.

"Whether Mrs. Harrington wakes tomorrow or next month, it changes nothing. You and Damien will marry regardless. This is merely a temporary delay - like fine wine needing more time to mature. Why are you more anxious than the bride-to-be?"

Sabrina blinked, then chuckled.

"You're right."

Her expression darkened.

"I just hate that Camille still gets to call herself Damien's wife."

Normally, Selene would remain composed when such topics arose, projecting serene confidence about her relationship with Damien.

But tonight...

As Sabrina and Nora continued talking, Selene kept her eyes downcast, remaining silent.

When the conversation lulled, she murmured, "I'm exhausted. I'll retire early."

Sabrina, oblivious to her distress, cheerfully replied, "Sleep well, Selene!"

Helena, however, noticed the tension in her daughter's posture.

Days earlier, Selene had overheard disturbing truths about Camille in the parking garage.

Though Helena had sensed something amiss then, Selene's silence and Helena's urgent trip out of town had prevented further discussion.

Now, attributing Selene's odd behavior to fatigue, Helena simply nodded.

"Rest well, dear."

Meanwhile, as Camille finished organizing her desk, Gabriel entered her office with a stack of embossed invitations.

"The anniversary preparations are complete," he announced, placing them before her.

"These are for your personal distribution."

Camille accepted them with a grateful smile.

"Thank you."

Gabriel waved off her gratitude.

"No thanks necessary between us."

He hesitated before adding, "We've sent invitations to NovaSight Labs as well. Given the circumstances..."

Camille nodded calmly.

"It's perfectly appropriate. I understand completely."