Chapter 89

The worst part? It wasn't just any ordinary sedative.

Damien had recognized its effects immediately. He must not have touched the soup at all last night. Camille never expected Helena to resort to such measures.

She opened her mouth to protest, but Helena sighed dramatically before she could speak. "Sometimes having a grandson who's too clever is troublesome. I was hoping for another great-grandchild. Camille dear, do try harder with Damien, won't you?"

Camille's words died in her throat.

Even though Damien had agreed to help her yesterday, she knew their relationship had no future.

Last night could have been disastrous. Another child? Absolutely impossible.

Just then, Chloe came bounding down the stairs.

Camille's expression cooled slightly at the sight of her daughter, reminded of Chloe's obvious admiration for Selene.

During breakfast, Damien casually took the seat beside Camille again.

Neither initiated conversation.

Yesterday, Camille had taken Chloe to school. Today, the girl requested her father's company.

"Alright," Damien agreed.

Helena immediately suggested, "Why don't you take Camille along? You both work at—"

"No need," Camille interrupted. "He's always in meetings. I don't have a car anyway."

Helena waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense! Just call the driver when you finish work."

Before Camille could protest further, Helena declared, "It's settled."

Camille glanced at Damien, who remained silent—his tacit agreement.

After breakfast, Camille found herself in Damien's car with Chloe.

Chloe climbed in eagerly, thrilled to have both parents taking her today.

Camille couldn't remember the last time she'd ridden in Damien's vehicle.

As she moved to enter after Chloe, Damien suddenly spoke. "Other side."

Camille froze mid-step, then wordlessly circled the car as the driver opened the opposite door.

Now Chloe sat between them.

Damien was engrossed in his phone, typing rapidly.

Chloe peeked over his shoulder. "Oh! It's Selene!"

Damien merely hummed in response.

Perhaps remembering Camille's presence, Chloe shot her several quick glances before falling silent about the messages.

Bored, Chloe soon climbed out of Damien's lap and opened the car's storage compartment. Camille didn't mean to look, but her peripheral vision caught the contents.

A tube of lipstick. A designer clutch. Chloe's tiny backpack from last summer. The first two items clearly belonged to Selene.

Suddenly, Camille understood why Damien had redirected her seating. That spot was reserved for Selene—she wasn't permitted to take the other woman's place.