Chapter 249

Camille Hartwell froze momentarily. Processing his words, she responded gently, "Don't worry about it. Your family comes first."

Tristan Rutherford gave a brief nod.

Once Camille drove away, he slid into his own car.

Instead of starting the engine immediately, he pulled out his phone. His thumb hovered over Iris Rutherford's contact before he finally dialed.

Camille was still at the office when the call came through.

Seeing Tristan's name flash on her screen, she answered casually, "Mr. Rutherford?"

Tristan had words ready, but the background noise made him pause. Instead, he asked, "Working this late?"

"Yeah."

Given the hour, Camille assumed this wasn't work-related. "I'm free tomorrow. What does Iris want to do?"

Silence.

When he didn't respond, she prompted, "Mr. Rutherford?"

Tristan knew how packed her schedule had been this week.

It was past nine, and she was still at her desk.

He didn't need to ask—she had to be exhausted.

Her own daughter had returned to the Harrington estate, and she wouldn't see her tomorrow. Yet here he was, asking her to entertain someone else's child.

It felt unfair.

"Let's reschedule if you're tired," he said.

But Camille wasn't particularly drained.

"Tomorrow works."

After a brief hesitation, Tristan relented. "Alright then."

Meanwhile—

As the Harringtons exited the restaurant after dinner, they ran into the Mercers.

Marcus Harrington, familiar with Everett Mercer, greeted him warmly.

Damien and Elliot exchanged pleasantries.

Chloe Harrington, holding Damien's hand, looked up with a bright smile. "Mr. Mercer, hello!"

Everett nodded. "Hello there."

His gaze swept over the Harrington family as they stood together.

He recognized everyone present.

But there was no unfamiliar woman who could be Chloe's mother.

Had Damien truly ended his marriage?

After some small talk, the Harringtons headed to the hospital to visit Helena Harrington.

That night, Marcus stayed behind to keep Helena company.

Damien and the others returned to the Harrington estate.

As soon as they arrived, Hugo Harrington turned to Damien. "Dane, you didn't forget my idol's autograph, did you?"

Damien tossed him the car keys. "It's in the glove compartment. Get it yourself."

"Thanks, Dane!"

Hugo caught the keys eagerly.

Lydia Harrington raised an eyebrow. "What's that about?"

Hugo froze.

"Nothing important," Damien said smoothly.

Relieved, Hugo dashed outside to retrieve Selene Lancaster's autograph.

Lydia shrugged and didn't press further.

Moments later, Hugo returned with a stack of notebooks.

Though they bore Selene's initials, they weren't the signed poster he'd hoped for.

"Dane, I wanted something I could frame—something to admire every day," he complained.

Damien smirked. "Not happening."

"Why not?"

It wasn't like he'd do anything weird—just hang it on his wall and glance at it occasionally.

Damien's amused look said everything.

Hugo knew better than to argue.

Still, having his idol's autograph at all was enough to thrill him.

Grinning, he quickly texted Selene to thank her.

Later, Chloe approached Damien with her tablet. "Dad, there's a new animated movie tomorrow! The trailer looks amazing. Can we go?"

"Busy tomorrow," Damien said.

With Marcus back, the estate would likely be swamped with guests.

Chloe pouted. "Then can I ask—"

"You can ask your mother."

Lately, she'd been seeing Camille more often, so she wasn't as clingy as before.

"What about Selene? Can I—"

"She has a prior engagement. Don't disturb her," Damien cut in.

Chloe sighed. "Fine. I'll call Mom."

She pulled out her phone and dialed Camille.

Camille had just gotten home.

She saw the caller ID but didn't answer.

Setting her phone aside, she headed for the shower.

When Camille didn't pick up, Chloe assumed she was busy. "Mom's working too..."

Damien glanced at Hugo, who was lounging nearby. "Take your niece tomorrow."

Hugo blinked.

He had plans with friends!

But remembering how Damien had just gotten him Selene's autograph—and how incredibly kind she'd been—he couldn't refuse.

"Fine," he agreed, though his tone was more amused than annoyed.