Chapter 275

Camille had just taken her first bite at the new bistro when her phone vibrated twice.

Elise's name flashed on the screen.

She swiped open the message to find two photos attached.

Damien and Selene.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. Without lingering on the images, she exited the chat.

The moment she did, Elise's call came through.

Camille hesitated briefly before excusing herself and stepping outside. "Elise, hi."

"Cami, did you see the photos I sent?"

She had only glanced at one—no interest in the second.

Still, she replied, "Yes, I saw them."

Elise launched into a tirade. "My friend sent the first one last night. They were spotted at a hotel. On Lumina Festival, of all nights! Can you believe it? Booking a room together—disgusting."

Camille's expression didn’t flicker. Not a single frown. Just a quiet hum of acknowledgment.

"The second one’s worse," Elise continued. "She posted a bragging shot of the roses and gifts he gave her—right in the hotel room. Acting like it was some grand romantic gesture. Makes me sick."

Camille gave a noncommittal response before shifting the subject. "Have you eaten yet?"

"Not yet. Went out for the countdown last night, drank too much, and just woke up. Forgot to reply to your message."

"It’s fine."

She added, "Happy Lumina Festival."

"You too, Cami."

Elise hesitated, torn between venting further or letting it go. She chose the latter. "What are you up to now?"

"Lunch with Grandma and the others."

"Oh."

Elise winced. "Sorry, Cami. Probably ruined your appetite. Shouldn’t have brought it up."

"Don’t worry about it," Camille said gently. "Go freshen up and eat. Your stomach will protest otherwise."

"Yeah, yeah, I know."

They chatted a little longer before hanging up.

Since lunch ended early, Camille took a stroll with Marianne, wandering through the city streets, window-shopping.

This time, no unwelcome encounters. By the time they returned home, their moods had lifted. The Hartwells had few relatives in Lucerne, so Lumina Festival was always quiet for them.

By the second evening, Camille finally had time to herself.

She opened her laptop and resumed reviewing the research materials Graham had sent.

Just past ten, as she prepared to shower, her phone rang.

Damien’s name lit up the screen.

She stared at it for a beat before ignoring it and heading straight to the bathroom.

After her shower, she returned to her research. As she finished her notes, the sound of a car pulling up outside made her pause.

She thought of Damien’s earlier call.

Frowning, she set her mouse aside and moved to the window—just in time to see Chloe hopping out of the car, calling, "Grandma!"

Camille pressed her lips together, turned away, and picked up her phone. That’s when she noticed the message Damien had sent after she ignored his call.

Leaving overseas tomorrow. Please look after Chloe for the next few days.

She stared at the text, then pocketed her phone without reply.

Moments later, Chloe burst into her room, beaming. The second she saw Camille, she launched herself into her arms.

"Hi, Mommy!"