Chapter 285

Camille's expression flickered. She pressed a hand against Damien's chest to create distance. "Let me—"

"Hold this," he cut her off abruptly.

Before she could protest, he swept her off her feet and carried her down the steps. The businessmen nearby exchanged shocked glances as Damien turned with her still in his arms. "We'll reconvene another time."

The executives who knew him well looked stunned. Everyone in their circle knew about Camille's connection to Gabriel Ashcroft.

If Gabriel had authorized her to represent NovaSight Labs at this government forum, it signaled their relationship remained intact...

Damien had his own partner. Even if he harbored feelings for Camille, this public display with another man's girlfriend showed blatant disrespect toward Gabriel.

And Gabriel Ashcroft wasn't someone to cross lightly.

The businessmen forced polite smiles. "Of course. Another time."

With so many witnesses, Camille had no choice but to say through gritted teeth, "Thank you, Mr. Harrington. You can put me down now—"

Damien carried her straight to his waiting car. His driver's eyes widened upon recognizing Camille in his arms. "Mrs. Harrington?"

The door opened before Camille could protest. "My car is right there," she said coldly.

Damien took her umbrella and deposited her in the backseat. "With that ankle? You can't possibly drive."

"I'll call for a ride," she countered.

Everett Mercer appeared suddenly. "Mr. Harrington."

Damien shut the car door and accepted the umbrella from his driver. "Still here, Mr. Mercer?"

Though Everett knew Camille was inside, the tinted windows hid her completely. "Is Ms. Hartwell in there?"

"She twisted her ankle," Damien said smoothly. "I'm taking her to get it checked."

"I'm free," Everett insisted. "And I have matters to discuss with Ms. Hartwell. I'd be happy to escort her."

Damien's lips curved. "What a coincidence. We also have unfinished business. Perhaps next time."

Everett's expression darkened.

"You're soaked through," Damien observed. "Shouldn't you get out of this rain?"

Knowing he had no standing to interfere, Everett cast one last look at the car before walking away.

Inside the soundproofed vehicle, Camille missed their exchange but recognized Everett's expression. She knew about his feelings for Selene. The reason for his appearance required no explanation.

Ignoring them, she called for her own driver while examining her ankle. Finding it bearable, she opened the door abruptly.

Damien turned at the sound. Camille stepped out, snatched her umbrella back, and walked past him without a word.

"Can you walk?" he asked, eyeing her injury.

It ached, but she refused to acknowledge it—or why he'd carried her in the first place. "Call me when the divorce is finalized," she said flatly, making her position clear.

Without waiting for a response, she walked away.

Damien watched her go, making no move to stop her. Only when her car pulled away did he leave. Everett departed soon after.

Reporters had covered the forum extensively. Camille went for a medical check before returning home at eight. She'd just finished dinner when the news broke.

Meanwhile, Selene and Helena pored over the same reports, frowning at Camille's high-profile representation of NovaSight Labs.

"I thought they were having problems?" Selene muttered.

Helena accepted a bowl of soup from their maid. "Patience. These things take time."

She understood the ebb and flow of relationships. Even if they'd reconciled temporarily, the cracks remained. Their reunion wouldn't last.

Selene nodded. She still had opportunities at NovaSight Labs—and with Gabriel.

The photo of Camille sitting beside Damien at the forum didn't faze her. She trusted herself. She trusted him.

Tristan descended the stairs. "You're back."

"How was school?" Selene asked.

Her brother, now a senior at Westbridge thanks to Damien's connections, shrugged. "Fine."