Chapter 194

Camille waved casually. "See you around." Without another word, she drove off, tires crunching on the gravel.

Back at the Hartwell estate, Camille headed upstairs while Silas excitedly recounted the day's events to Marianne.

When the elderly woman learned Tristan Rutherford had been Camille's companion all day, her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Tristan and Damien had been childhood friends, yet Camille had never shown particular interest in him before. What changed so suddenly?

Owen stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Now I understand why the Rutherford Group suddenly proposed that joint venture last week. Tristan's been unusually courteous too."

Talia gasped. "You think it's serious then?"

But Marianne knew her granddaughter better. "Camille isn't officially divorced yet. She wouldn't cross that line. Let's not meddle."

"Understood."

The next morning, Camille woke in her childhood bedroom. She'd just finished breakfast when her phone buzzed.

Damien.

She stared at the screen, letting it ring out.

A text appeared moments later: Chloe's school has a parent event tomorrow. Be there.

Camille typed back: Can't make it.

The phone rang again.

She powered it off completely.

After finishing her work, she turned the phone back on to find another message: Are you at the Hartwell residence?

Four simple words laced with threat - if she didn't respond, he'd come find her.

Her fingers tightened around the device as she replied: What time?

Thirty agonizing minutes passed before his response: 9 AM.

She didn't acknowledge it.

That evening, Chloe called.

"Mommy, why aren't you home yet?" The little girl's voice trembled.

Damien had promised Chloe her mother would return for tomorrow's event, but it was already past nine and no sign of Camille.

"I'm staying here tonight. I'll meet you at school tomorrow."

"Oh." Chloe's disappointment cut deep.

"Go to sleep now, sweetheart."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Camille texted Gabriel she'd be late to the office.

Monday morning found her pulling into the school parking lot right on time.

"Mommy!" Chloe jumped up and down beside Damien, waving frantically.

Camille approached. Damien nodded. "You came."

Remembering his veiled threat, she ignored him, instead opening Chloe's tablet to review the event schedule.

Soon, they took their seats.

Claire Dale spotted Camille and brightened noticeably. "Ms. Hartwell! You made it."

Camille offered a warm smile. "Wouldn't miss it."

Chloe returned with the floral wreath meant for mothers, handing it to Damien with expectant eyes.

Camille intercepted it. "I've got this."

Damien relinquished the flowers without argument.

Their striking looks made them stand out among the other parents, drawing curious glances.

Freya Finch had heard from Maisie about Camille's marriage and daughter. Now seeing them in person, she approached. "Is this... your husband?"