Chapter 246

"Alright then."

"I should go now. Work's waiting," Camille added.

"Bye, Mom!"

The call ended abruptly.

After a quick breakfast, she headed straight to the office.

Yesterday's chaos seemed to carry over into today's relentless schedule.

But by some miracle, she managed to slip out early to have lunch with Marianne at the Hartwell residence.

Something felt off the moment she arrived. Marianne's usual cheerful demeanor was missing.

Her eyes scanned the living room. No sign of Chloe.

Probably out dining with Damien again.

Camille kept her expression neutral, but Marianne noticed how attached Chloe had become to Damien.

With a concerned frown, Marianne said, "Cami, when things calm down at work, you really should spend more time with Chloe. Otherwise—"

Camille nodded absently. "I know. I will. Let's eat first."

Marianne sighed, letting the subject drop.

After dinner, they exchanged some small talk before Camille retreated upstairs.

At precisely 9:07 pm, the security intercom buzzed, announcing a visitor.

Camille glanced at the monitor. Damien's car.

Her phone rang before she could react.

Chloe's caller ID flashed on the screen.

Marianne emerged from her room just as the security guard granted Damien access.

Camille answered briefly before hanging up.

Moments later, Damien's sleek black car pulled up to the Hartwell estate.

"Mom! I'm home!" Chloe burst out of the car excitedly.

Camille forced a smile. Marianne's face lit up at the sight of her granddaughter.

The car door remained open. Damien stepped out carrying Chloe's forgotten backpack and a pastry box.

Camille remained silent.

"Oh! Thanks Dad!" Chloe beamed as she noticed her belongings.

Damien simply nodded, his gaze shifting between Camille and Marianne. "Good evening, Mrs. Hartwell."

Marianne gave a curt nod. Camille reluctantly took the pastry box from Damien's outstretched hand.

"Mom, you have to try this cake—" Chloe began enthusiastically.

"Chloe," Camille interrupted, "say goodbye to your father."

Chloe blinked. "Dad's leaving already?"

Damien smiled faintly. "Yes."

"Okay. Bye Dad!"

"Goodnight."

With a final nod to Marianne, he turned and disappeared into his car.

Camille ushered Chloe inside without a backward glance, the pastry box in one hand, Chloe's small hand in the other.

The car's engine faded into the night.

"Mom! Grandma! Dad got your favorite strawberry cake!" Chloe announced proudly as they entered.

The faintest trace of Selene's perfume lingered on Chloe's clothes.

Camille set the cake aside. "We just ate. We'll have it later."

Marianne nodded in agreement.

Chloe's shoulders slumped slightly.