Chapter 109

Camille Hartwell knew Damien Harrington's study was off-limits. She settled in their bedroom with a book, waiting patiently.

The clock struck nearly 1:00 am when Damien finally appeared.

Seeing him, Camille closed her novel. His indifferent gaze met hers. "Problem?"

She didn't mince words. "There's a charity auction at The Meridian in two days—"

Damien loosened his tie with practiced elegance. Nodding, he cut in, "You need an invitation?"

Her eyebrows lifted slightly. "Yes."

"Consider it done." He turned toward the walk-in closet.

Minutes later, the shower turned on.

His easy agreement surprised her. But with his promise secured, she relaxed.

It was late. She marked her page and slipped under the covers. Sleep claimed her before the water stopped running.

With the auction approaching, Camille left NovaSight Labs early the next day. The Harrington estate stood empty when she arrived—except for Chloe.

Her stepdaughter clung to her immediately. "Make your famous lasagna tonight?"

Camille agreed.

After dinner, Marcus Maddox approached. "Mrs. Harrington, this arrived for you." The envelope contained two invitations to tomorrow's event.

Damien had come through. Two tickets, no less.

But sending them via staff? That meant he wouldn't be home tonight.

As she prepared for bed, her phone buzzed.

Elise Ellis's messages appeared. The attached PicShare screenshot froze Camille's fingers.

Fireworks painted the sky in the photo. Selene Lancaster's profile glowed with a radiant smile. Damien's broad back faced the camera.

Caption: "Magic under the stars."

Other couples blurred in the background. Clearly a popular romantic spot.

Selene called the fireworks magical. But her blissful expression revealed the truth—the real magic was Damien's presence.

So this explained his absence. A date with Selene. Without Chloe.

Camille studied the image, emotions curiously flat. Only one question surfaced. She texted Elise:

"You follow Selene now?"

How else would she get this?

"A mutual friend showed me. I asked for the screenshot." Elise omitted how envious that friend was.

Their entire circle knew Selene had captured Damien's heart. And not just captured—he treated her like rare porcelain.

Remembering the extra ticket, Camille typed: "Auction tomorrow. Want to come?"

Elise replied instantly: "Try stopping me!"

Damien never returned that night. Exactly as Camille predicted.

After fireworks came intimate dinners. Then undoubtedly, more private celebrations.

His absence didn't bother her. In fact, she relished having the king-sized bed to herself.