Chapter 156

Camille had explicitly stated in the divorce papers that she wouldn't claim a single penny.

With no property disputes or custody battles over Chloe involved, she assumed Damien would expedite the process without hesitation.

Yet three months had passed since she'd handed him the documents and left the country. Still, no response came.

Frowning, Camille lifted her gaze, about to question Damien directly.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. Hugo's voice carried through the door. "Heard you weren't feeling well, Camille. Better now?"

Damien answered before she could. "Come in."

The door had been left slightly ajar from earlier comings and goings.

Hugo stepped inside at Damien's invitation. "Hey Dane."

"Hugo."

His concerned eyes landed on Camille. They weren't particularly close, and his awkwardness showed. She broke the silence first. "Much improved, thank you."

Hugo scratched his neck. "Good. That's... good."

"Been a while since your last visit, hasn't it?" Camille offered a polite smile.

"Yeah. Missed home cooking, so I flew back. Grandma mentioned your fever right after I landed."

Helena appeared moments later, visibly relieved at Camille's improved color. "The broth's ready. Emmett says you can have some now. Would you prefer dining downstairs or shall I have Damien bring it up?"

Camille's appetite hadn't returned, but the room felt stifling. "I'll come down."

Descending the staircase, Hugo noticed Chloe's absence. "Where's Soph?"

"Prior engagement. She'll have hers later."

Camille settled at the dining table. Accepting the bowl from Marcus, she blew gently across the steaming surface before taking slow sips.

Damien took the adjacent seat. When his phone buzzed, he angled himself away subtly, fingers flying across the screen - clearly guarding his conversation.

Camille observed silently over the rim of her bowl.

Helena's patience snapped. "Must you do that during meals?"

"Just a minute," Damien muttered.

Camille finished her broth swiftly.

"More?" Helena offered.

She declined with a headshake and stood. "No thank you."

Though Damien shifted position, she'd already glimpsed Selene's name on his screen. Project consultation, apparently.

Noticing her attention, he edged further away.

Camille had already looked elsewhere. She retreated to the parlor, picking up the morning paper.

Hugo reappeared shortly with a bowl of freshly washed berries. "Want some?"

She glanced up. "No, you enjoy them."

Damien chose that moment to ascend the stairs, phone still glued to his hand.

She turned the page pointedly.

Hugo settled beside her, stealing furtive glances until Camille sighed. "What is it?"

"Look, I'm no genius like you and Dane. Got stuck on some physics problems." He rushed on before she could respond, "Asked my brother but he's busy. Told me to come to you instead."