Chapter 90

The memory made Camille's throat constrict painfully. The car suddenly felt suffocating. She reached to roll down the window, then hesitated. Her hand hovered over the button before dropping away. Instead, she turned to stare blankly at the passing scenery.

Soon they arrived at Chloe's school. Camille exited the car to escort her inside while Damien remained seated.

"Daddy—" Chloe began.

"Your father's busy."

Chloe's shoulders slumped. Camille knew how differently Damien behaved when bringing Chloe to school with Selene. He'd always walk them both to the classroom door.

Today, with Camille present, she couldn't tell if he was genuinely occupied or simply avoiding public appearances with her.

Deciding not to press the issue, Camille turned to Damien. "You can go ahead. I'll take a cab to Vertex Dynamics."

Damien glanced sideways at her. "It's fine. The office is on my way."

But Camille no longer wanted the ride. She opened her mouth to insist, then stopped herself. If he didn't mind, why should she make it awkward?

She waited until Chloe disappeared inside with her teacher before returning to the car.

Silence filled the Bentley during the drive. Ten minutes from Vertex Dynamics, Gabriel's documents pinged on her phone.

Camille became engrossed in reviewing them, barely noticing when they arrived.

Damien's voice startled her. "We're here."

The luxury Bentley drew stares outside the office building. Since she and Damien would have minimal future interactions, Camille wanted to avoid unnecessary attention.

She grabbed her bag hastily. "Thanks for the ride."

Damien studied her briefly. "Mm."

Then to the driver: "Drive."

Camille hurried inside.

By noon, Gabriel had arranged a business lunch. As their car entered the restaurant lot, Camille spotted Damien exiting his vehicle—followed immediately by Selene.

Gabriel rubbed his temple. "Perfect timing."

Camille nodded. Then she noticed Malcolm, Helena, and others waiting nearby. They rushed over upon seeing the couple.

"Should we wait until they're inside?" Gabriel asked.

"No." Camille squared her shoulders. "I've done nothing wrong."

As they exited, Damien and Selene faced their direction. The two couples locked eyes.

Damien remained impassive, his gaze sliding over them dismissively. Selene's expression turned icy at the sight of Camille.

Camille guessed Selene's reaction stemmed from her request to Damien—to stop Selene's uncle from moving near Owen.

For Damien, it was a simple favor. But Selene clearly resented any interaction between them.

Malcolm noticed Selene's tension and followed her glare to Camille. His frown deepened.

Helena observed the scene with visible satisfaction, pride gleaming in her eyes at how thoroughly Damien prioritized Selene.