Chapter 277

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Camille finished breakfast. Heading upstairs, she spotted Chloe engrossed in a video call with Damien.

"Mom!" Chloe waved excitedly from the bed.

Camille smiled softly before settling at her desk with her laptop.

Damien's voice came through the phone. "Any plans for today, sweetheart?"

"Mom's taking me to see the new animated movie!" Chloe bounced on the mattress, her pigtails swinging.

Camille focused on refining yesterday's project notes, fingers flying across the keyboard.

Suddenly Chloe appeared beside her, extending the phone. "Dad wants to talk to you."

Taking the device, Camille saw Damien's expectant face. She flipped the camera to face the ceiling. "Yes?"

"Thank you for looking after Chloe these past days." His voice held that familiar warmth.

Camille kept typing, barely glancing at the screen. "Was there something else?"

"No. Enjoy the Lumina Festival."

She ended the call with a noncommittal hum, returning the phone to her beaming daughter.

As they prepared to leave, Camille's phone buzzed. Gabriel's name flashed on the screen.

Her lips curved as she answered. Immediately, his voice dropped to an urgent whisper. "Damn it, they're here again!"

She froze. There was only one "they" he could mean.

Before she could respond, Gabriel hissed, "They spotted me. Gotta go."

The line went dead just as Damien and Selene approached Gabriel in the airport lounge.

"Mr. Ashcroft," Damien greeted coolly. "Traveling somewhere?"

Gabriel's smile didn't reach his eyes. "We're not acquaintances, Harrington. Let's pretend we didn't see each other."

Selene's laugh tinkled like broken glass. "Always so dramatic."

Gabriel adjusted his suitcase handle, drawing Selene's attention. "Business trip?"

"Not your concern." He strode past them without another word.

Once clear, Gabriel redialed Camille. "What's your plan for today?"

"Movie with Chloe," she answered, applying lipstick.

"Alone?"

"Obviously with my daughter."

His pause spoke volumes. "Thought she was with the Harringtons for the festival."

"They dropped her off last night." Camille's tone remained even as she checked her reflection.

Gabriel scoffed. "So Damien wants alone time with Selene, and your kid's in the way? Classy."

Camille didn't rise to the bait.

"Mommy! I'm ready!" Chloe tugged her hand, eyes sparkling.

"Coming, sweetheart." To Gabriel she said, "Don't waste energy on them. Enjoy your trip."

He sighed. "Fine. I'll be back before you miss me."

Camille chuckled. "Keep telling yourself that."