Chapter 32

Damien's voice cut through the silence. "Well?"

Gabriel responded thoughtfully. "Considering her background, it's astonishing she's even allowed in our social circles, much less the Harrington family's inner circle. Yet Ms. Lancaster has effortlessly infiltrated their core group and established powerful connections. She's truly exceptional."

"I was initially confused by Tristan's sudden appearance at my dinner party," Gabriel continued. "But I later learned he came specifically to introduce guests to Ms. Lancaster."

"Tristan's efforts to network for Ms. Lancaster and bring Arlo and others along proves his serious intentions. If she were just a fling, he wouldn't bother. With Tristan backing her, the Lancaster family will flourish."

Gabriel and Camille listened intently, both remaining silent.

Finally, Gabriel sighed deeply. "The Lancasters are truly blessed to have a daughter like her. It's genuinely impressive."

As Gabriel finished speaking, Camille glanced around and realized Damien and his group had already left the banquet hall early. Despite knowing she was present, Damien hadn't so much as glanced her way all evening.

Thirty minutes later, Camille and Gabriel departed as well. When she arrived home, her phone buzzed with a call from Damien.

Camille hesitated, wondering if he was calling to reprimand her for what might have appeared as bullying Selene alongside Gabriel. After all, Arlo had just warned her at the banquet - likely because Damien had put him up to it.

Two seconds later, she answered calmly. "Hello."

Damien's icy command came through. "Come home."

She saw no reason to comply. "If you have something to say-"

"Chloe has a fever and wants to see you." The line went dead.

Camille froze.

She grabbed her keys, slipped on shoes, and rushed out. Arriving at the estate, she exited her car.

Noticing Damien's absence when she entered didn't concern her. She went straight to Chloe's second-floor bedroom.

Chloe lay battling a high fever with an IV drip. In discomfort, she reached out weakly. "Mommy," she whispered, seeking comfort in Camille's embrace.

Careful of the IV needle, Camille held her close and asked Marianne, "Has she eaten?"

"She threw up everything shortly after eating."

Camille frowned and consulted the doctor for details. Turning to Chloe, who clung to her unwilling to let go, she asked, "Hungry? I'll make your favorite chicken noodle soup. You can have some after the IV."

Chloe nodded weakly.

Back when they were together, Camille always nursed Chloe through illnesses. The child never tolerated others' cooking during sickness, always preferring Camille's meals.

Chloe frowned. "Where's Daddy? Is he back yet?"

Camille stiffened. She'd assumed Damien had returned when he called. Not seeing him in the room, she thought he might be in the study. Chloe's question revealed he hadn't come home at all.

The party venue was actually closer to the estate than Camille's current home. Moreover, Damien had left at least thirty minutes before her.

Even if he'd taken Selene home first, he should have returned by now. Unless... he hadn't left immediately after dropping Selene off. Or perhaps he had no intention of coming home tonight at all.