Chapter 154

Damien didn't glance at Camille. He gently tapped Chloe's nose. "I'm occupied, sweetheart. Be good and stay with Mommy, alright?"

"Fine," Chloe replied indifferently. She shot Camille a look before walking over. Then she extended her hand, waiting for Camille to take it.

This was her way of offering an olive branch.

Camille grasped her daughter's hand, exchanged brief pleasantries with Marcus, and left.

When they arrived at the Hartwell residence, Helena had already been waiting.

Noticing Damien's absence, Helena frowned. "Where's Damien? Too busy again?"

"Yes," Camille confirmed.

Helena angrily pulled out her phone to call him. Meanwhile, Marianne saw no reason for Damien to be present, knowing the divorce was imminent.

"Work keeps him tied up," Marianne intervened, stopping Helena. "No need to force him."

Chloe and Isaac went upstairs to play video games.

Camille settled into conversation with both Marianne and Helena.

Helena was thoroughly impressed by Marianne's two new art pieces. Learning they were created using the exquisite scholar's writing set Camille had gifted Marianne for her birthday, Helena's interest peaked.

Upon examining the writing set herself, Helena marveled, "And Damien? Surely he didn't forget your birthday present?"

"He did get me something."

Though Marianne's expression darkened at the mention of Damien, she admitted, "An exquisite emerald jewelry set. The embroidery painting he delivered on your behalf was equally remarkable."

Helena chuckled. "That's more like it. At least he listened to me."

Camille remained silent during their exchange.

After some time in the study, Helena and Marianne moved to the courtyard for tea.

Marianne gazed at the neighboring house. "Isn't it odd how the renovations suddenly stopped? They were working around the clock before. I assumed the owners were in a hurry to move in."

Helena smiled. "Perhaps circumstances changed."

"Perhaps."

Camille had considered selling the property but feared it might fall into Lancaster or Hartwell hands.

So she left it untouched.

With the Lancasters involved, she had no desire to inspect the house either.

It remained in limbo.

Suddenly, Camille sneezed, a chill running down her spine.

"Are you unwell?" both women asked simultaneously. "Coming down with something?"

Camille grabbed a tissue. "Possibly."

She'd likely caught the same bug as Iris, though her symptoms were milder.

Marianne and Helena had been friends for decades.

Yet Helena knew nothing about the birthday party incident or Damien's involvement with Selene.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly between various topics.

Moments later, Elise called, reporting she'd spotted Damien dining with the Lancasters - again.

"Why does this always happen to me? I don't want these discoveries!" Elise exclaimed.

She asked Camille's whereabouts.

"At Grandmother's."

"You went alone?"

"No, Mrs. Harrington Senior is with me."

Understanding dawned. "So instead of being with you, Damien is entertaining Selene's family?"