Chapter 142

Camille stopped mid-step and turned to Chloe. "When were you thinking of going?"

Chloe bit her lip, hesitating.

Camille understood immediately. The girl was waiting for a time when Damien and Selene wouldn't be available, so she'd have no choice but to ask her instead. But predicting their schedules was impossible, hence the hesitation.

Looking away, Camille said, "It's fine. Just tell me when you want to go. If I'm free, I'll take you."

Chloe's face lit up. "Promise?"

Work kept Camille busy all week.

Friday evening came early. She'd just arrived home and was contemplating dinner when her phone buzzed - Chloe calling. Camille hesitated before answering.

"Mom! I'm free tomorrow! Let's hit the slopes!"

Camille had indeed promised. But tomorrow wasn't convenient.

Her schedule was packed with obligatory social engagements. She couldn't afford distractions.

"Not tomorrow," she said firmly. "Pick another day."

Chloe's voice turned whiny. "But I really want to go Saturday! Please, Mom?"

"This Saturday won't work. Next week, if you still want to go."

Chloe tried another tactic, voice dripping with sweetness. "Mommy..."

Camille remained unmoved. "Next week. And eat properly - no picking at your food." She ended the call.

Chloe didn't call back.

Knowing the girl, she was probably sulking. Camille shrugged and headed to the kitchen.

The next morning, Tristan called as she was getting ready. "Should I send a car?"

"No need."

After breakfast, she drove to the resort. Tristan and Iris were already waiting.

Tristan nodded in greeting while Iris broke into a run. "Ms. Hartwell!"

Camille caught the girl in a gentle hug.

She studied Iris's beaming face. "You've grown. And those cheeks!" She pinched them lightly. "Even prettier now."

Iris nodded eagerly. "I've been eating all my veggies!"

Camille smiled. Before she could respond, Iris produced a small object from her pocket. "This is for you!"

A delicate crystal keychain - a miniature pink purse with a white kitten inside.

It looked strikingly similar to the one Chloe had on her backpack recently, just a different color.

Given Tristan's frequent outings with Damien's group, matching accessories between the girls weren't surprising.

Camille didn't comment.

"It's lovely," she said instead. "Thank you, Iris."

Pleased, Iris grabbed her hand. "Let's go skiing!"

"Alright."

As they walked inside, Tristan asked, "Did you eat? We brought breakfast."

"I'm fine, thanks."

"Suit yourself."

Gear on, goggles adjusted, they headed for the slopes.

Iris was still learning, but Camille - an experienced skier - guided her patiently.

The resort was packed that weekend.