Chapter 235

Camille turned to Damien with a composed expression. "My uncle mentioned someone from Harrington Group approached him about a potential collaboration."

Damien opened his mouth to respond, but Camille continued smoothly. "I understand you don't want to feel indebted to me or my grandmother. This is your way of showing gratitude."

She met his gaze steadily. "But when we visit your grandmother at the hospital, we do it for her sake - not yours. There's no need to offer us any business deals."

Her fingers tightened around her phone case. If her family accepted anything from Harrington Group, the Lancasters and their allies would undoubtedly create problems.

Even if Damien's intentions were genuine now, his heart belonged to Selene Lancaster. What if he changed his mind later? Today's favor could become tomorrow's liability. The Hartwells couldn't afford that risk.

Her voice turned cool. "You can rest assured - once the divorce is finalized, we'll go our separate ways completely. I won't interfere in your life again."

To her, this business offer was just another way for Damien to establish boundaries between them. Was he so eager to sever ties because he feared she'd cling to him?

That ship had sailed.

Damien remained silent for several heartbeats before responding. "Understood."

Camille didn't elaborate. She texted her decision to Owen before joining the others for skiing.

The outing proceeded without incident, though Camille spent most of her time with Noah, Isaac, and Chloe. Her interactions with Damien remained strictly necessary, and he didn't initiate conversation either.

At noon, Damien announced his early departure.

Camille nodded indifferently. "Fine."

Damien turned to Chloe. "Chloe, do you—"

"I'm watching a movie with Mom, Noah, and Isaac!" The children had planned this outing together before inviting Camille along.

Damien gave a curt nod. "Enjoy."

With a brief glance at Camille, he left.

Ten minutes later, Camille's phone rang. Lucas Vaughn, her divorce attorney, sounded slightly surprised. "Damien just contacted me. He's preparing a revised divorce agreement by tonight. The main change involves property division—he's adding two or three high-value estates to your settlement."

Camille's expression didn't flicker.

So this was how he interpreted her refusal? Did he think she'd been playing hard to get? That she still wanted something from him?

Her reply was measured. "I understand. I have no objections. Handle it as you see fit."

Meanwhile, Damien had already collected Selene Lancaster en route to an upscale restaurant.

The private dining room buzzed with activity when they arrived. Besides the Lancasters, several other influential guests filled the large table.

Malcolm Lancaster and Quentin Lancaster beamed when Damien entered with Selene.

Selene took her seat beside Sabrina Lancaster while Damien engaged Elliot Mercer and Nolan Hartwell in business discussion.

Sabrina leaned toward Selene, whispering urgently. "Your uncle and I just learned Damien offered a Harrington Group project to the Hartwell family!"

Selene's smile didn't waver. "I'm already aware."