Chapter 145

Camille stepped out of the restroom, realizing ten minutes had slipped by unnoticed.

After sharing dinner with Elise, an unexpected longing to visit the nursing home tugged at her heart.

But the memory of Audrey's fragile state and the doctor's strict orders against familiar visitors made her pause.

She'd already pulled up to the nursing home's gates when she changed her mind, turning the car around toward home.

Locked in her home office, she buried herself in work until her phone's sharp ring shattered her focus.

Damien's name flashed on the screen.

Camille barely glanced at it, finishing her data entry before setting the phone aside.

The call ended on its own. Three minutes later, it rang again.

She let it go to voicemail.

A text appeared: Helena wants us at Harrington Manor for dinner tonight.

No reply.

Across town, Damien stared at his silent phone, jaw tightening.

"Daddy!" Chloe's voice echoed down the staircase as she barreled into his arms.

He steadied her with a distracted hum.

Noticing his phone, she tilted her head. "Who are you texting?"

"Your mother isn't answering."

Chloe's face scrunched up at the mention of Camille.

Damien pinched her cheek. "That pout every time I mention Mom. Did you upset her?"

"Me?" Chloe's eyes widened. "She promised to take me skiing today! Then she said she's too busy!"

"If Mom's busy, shouldn't you be understanding?" He ruffled her hair. "Grab your jacket."

"Where?"

"Great-grandma's dinner."

Chloe huffed but followed him out.

Meanwhile, Camille was unpacking takeout when Helena's call came at 7:02 PM.

She couldn't ignore this one. "Hello, Grandmother."

"Camille dear, Damien said you're swamped. When will you finish?"

The manor was the last place she wanted to be tonight.

Since Damien had provided the excuse, she ran with it. "It'll take days. My apologies."

"No matter, child." Helena's voice warmed. "Just don't work yourself to exhaustion."

"I won't."

"Damien returns tomorrow. I'll send treats with him. Eat properly."

"Of course."

As the call ended, Helena turned to her grandson lounging with a newspaper. "Next time she refuses to come, don't bother showing your face either."

Damien arched a brow. "Should I camp on her doorstep then?"

Helena threw up her hands.