Chapter 229

Camille wasn't startled to find Chloe waiting at the hospital entrance. She reached out, ruffling the child's hair. "Came straight from school?"

"Mm-hmm!" Chloe beamed up at her before turning to greet Helena. "Grandma!"

Just as Helena responded, Damien emerged from the hospital room.

His gaze swept over them before giving a curt nod in acknowledgment.

Marianne remained impassive, offering no verbal greeting.

Camille barely glanced his way before focusing on Chloe again. The girl was practically vibrating with unspoken words.

"Grandma and I will visit your grandmother first," Camille said gently.

Chloe's shoulders slumped slightly but she nodded.

Small fingers curled around Camille's as they entered the hospital suite together.

Damien silently collected the floral arrangement and fruit basket they'd brought, following behind.

Helena's face lit up when she saw them. "What a lovely surprise!"

As she tried sitting up despite obvious discomfort, Marianne intervened. "Nonsense. You should have told us immediately about something this serious."

Helena's smile dimmed. She glanced at Damien, who was pouring tea for the visitors. "I couldn't face you..."

Camille and Marianne accepted the cups he offered.

"This is between them," Marianne said firmly. "Why would we blame you?"

Helena hesitated, noticing Chloe listening intently. She changed tack. "I just..."

Marianne patted her hand. "We understand."

After exchanging pleasantries, attention shifted to Camille.

Chloe hadn't seen her since the school parent-child event weeks ago. Now the child clung like ivy, even attempting to climb into Camille's lap.

With a sigh, Camille set down her tea and lifted the girl up.

Marianne raised an eyebrow at the display.

"Grandmother," Camille murmured.

Marianne's stern expression softened instantly.

Conversation remained light with Chloe present, focusing mainly on Helena's upcoming procedure.

When Marianne learned the surgery was scheduled for morning, she declared, "I'll be here with you."

Helena squeezed her hand gratefully. "That would mean everything."

The promise of company clearly eased some tension.

Mid-conversation, Helena suddenly remembered. "You haven't eaten, have you? Damien, arrange—"

"No need," Marianne cut in. "We dined before coming."

She turned coolly to Damien. "If you and Chloe need supper, don't let us delay you."

Chloe hadn't shared a meal with Camille in weeks. She wrapped arms around Camille's neck pleadingly. "Mommy, please come? I've missed you so much."

Memories of last night's revelations flashed behind Camille's eyes. Her smile didn't reach them as she gently detached small hands.

"I'm exhausted from work today, sweetheart. You two go ahead."

Chloe's lower lip trembled but she didn't argue. Snuggling closer, she inhaled Camille's familiar perfume, unwilling to let go just yet.