Chapter 87

Helena's tone was sharp, but her eyes softened when they landed on Damien.

He remained impassive, already reaching for a serving dish to place food on Camille's plate.

"Thank you," Camille murmured.

Helena announced she'd brought various health supplements. After dinner, she insisted on personally preparing medicinal soups for both of them.

Camille had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Having spent her youth in Lucerne, Helena had mastered the art of slow-simmered broths.

When dinner concluded, she marched into the kitchen to supervise. Camille tried to assist, only to be gently but firmly shooed away.

Left with no alternatives, Camille settled onto the living room sofa.

Chloe and Damien occupied the same space—one engrossed in her puzzle, the other scrolling through work emails. Silence blanketed the room.

Gabriel's message pinged Camille's phone about a work matter. She immediately dove into the discussion, fingers flying across the screen.

Her concentration was so complete that she missed Helena's return from the kitchen.

Damien, however, had already set his phone aside.

When Camille finally noticed, she quickly locked her screen. "Grandmother."

Helena surveyed the trio and sighed. "You all—"

She shook her head before sitting beside Camille. "What has you so preoccupied?"

"Just work matters."

Helena snorted, gesturing toward Damien. "Can't you discuss work with him? Or is he just decorative furniture?"

Camille froze. She hadn't mentioned resigning from Harrington Group.

Her eyes flicked to Damien.

He seemed oddly pleased, making no move to correct Helena or reveal Camille's employment status.

Perhaps he feared Helena would insist on her returning to the company.

Helena swiftly changed topics, then dragged both Camille and Damien into the garden for a walk.

After their stroll, Helena yawned. "I'll bathe and rest now. Don't forget to drink the soup when it's ready."

Camille opened her mouth to respond, then froze as the implication hit her. She turned wide eyes toward Damien.

Anticipating her reaction, he said, "Grandmother plans to stay with us for a while."

"What?" Camille gasped.

Damien offered no further explanation. "I'm going to the study."

With that, he disappeared upstairs.

Chloe bounded down moments later, tugging Camille upstairs to help with her puzzle.

An hour later, Marianne entered with a tray. "Mrs. Harrington, the tonic is ready."

She placed a bowl before Camille.

"Thank you."

"Mrs. Harrington Senior said to drink it hot."

"Of course."

Marianne departed to deliver Damien's portion.

After finishing her soup, Camille reminded Chloe about bath time.

With Helena staying over, sleeping in Chloe's room wasn't an option tonight.

Once Chloe was settled, Camille returned to the master suite.

Damien's absence suggested he remained in the study.

Gabriel had sent additional documents requiring review.

She addressed several straightforward items, but complex issues demanded deeper consideration. Pondering them, she stepped into the bathroom.

Post-shower, she realized she'd forgotten pajama bottoms.

Her earlier clothes were damp from splashed water.

Assuming Damien hadn't returned, she hesitated before pushing the door open.

And collided with his piercing gaze the moment she stepped out.