Chapter 24

The guests exchanged knowing glances.

For years, rumors had circulated about Damien Harrington's marital status. Some claimed he'd been secretly married for ages, while others insisted he remained stubbornly single. The truth remained as elusive as the man himself.

Now that Damien had casually mentioned having a daughter during dinner, the room buzzed with unspoken questions. Yet no one dared press for details.

After the meal, Chloe continued waiting for Camille Hartwell's return.

By 9:00 pm, freshly showered and in pajamas, Chloe still hadn't heard her mother's arrival. She perched near the window, straining to hear any approaching vehicles. When headlights finally illuminated the driveway at 10:00 pm, she bolted downstairs.

"Mom—"

Her excited greeting died when Damien walked through the door instead.

"Dad?"

Damien handed his coat to Marcus and immediately noticed Chloe's fallen expression. "What's wrong?"

"I thought it was Mom..."

Unfazed by the typical parental preference, Damien paused. "She hasn't returned yet?"

Chloe shook her head.

He shrugged. "Must be tied up with that Ortega family matter. Didn't she promise to take you to school tomorrow? Get some sleep—you'll see her in the morning."

This reassurance brightened Chloe's mood slightly. "Okay."

Damien retreated to his study to handle paperwork. By midnight, he assumed Camille must have returned during his work session.

But their bedroom remained empty when he arrived.

Something was definitely happening with the Hartwell family.

The thought barely registered before Damien stepped into the shower.

Morning arrived with Camille waking early to fulfill her school run promise. She grabbed a quick breakfast before heading out.

As her car entered the familiar gated community, Camille experienced a strange disconnect.

Seven years of memories lived in these streets, yet twenty days away had created an inexplicable distance. The unchanged scenery somehow felt foreign.

Marcus spotted her immediately. "Mrs. Harrington, you're back."

Camille hesitated at the title but let it pass with a nod. "Where's Chloe?"

"Still asleep, ma'am."

Time was tight. If Chloe didn't appear soon, breakfast would be rushed. Rather than fetching her personally, Camille sent Marianne upstairs.

"Mrs. Harrington, would you care for breakfast?" Marcus offered. "Everything's prepared."

Camille offered a polite smile. "No thank you, I've eaten."

At that moment, Damien descended the staircase.

Their eyes met briefly before Camille offered the barest nod of acknowledgment.

Before Damien could speak, Chloe came barreling downstairs and launched herself into Camille's arms.

Camille smoothed her daughter's sleep-tousled hair. "We're running late—go eat your breakfast."

"Okay!"

Just as Damien predicted—morning had brought Mommy home.

Chloe buried her face in Camille's sweater, inhaling her familiar perfume. Satisfied, she tugged Camille toward the dining room. "Sit with me while I eat?"

"I already ate, sweetheart."

"Then just talk to me?"

As mother and daughter chatted, Damien took his seat at the table.

Unable to refuse, Camille sat opposite him.

Marcus brought her water as she listened to Chloe's animated retelling of yesterday's school events. She pointedly ignored Damien's presence.

The shift in Camille's demeanor didn't escape Damien's notice. She'd behaved identically during their last encounter at Harrington Manor.

Frowning, Damien set down his fork.