Chapter 352

The moment Camille stepped back into her office, her phone lit up.

Chloe was calling.

Remembering Damien's words in the meeting about dinner plans that would include Chloe, she stared at the screen without answering.

Three consecutive calls went unanswered before a text popped up.

Mom, I have a fencing competition next month. Can you come to my practice session tomorrow morning?

Camille's grip on the phone tightened.

Since Damien took Chloe to Lucerne two years ago, she'd missed countless milestones.

She didn't know what classes Chloe was taking. Had no idea about her extracurricular activities.

Before filing for divorce, she'd tried asking Chloe about these things. But her daughter had shut her out.

If not for this text, she wouldn't have known Chloe was learning fencing at all.

And a competition? That was completely new information.

She'd missed so much of her daughter's life already.

The phone screen blurred as she lost herself in thought.

A knock at the door snapped her back. "Come in."

Declan Vaughn entered with work documents. When it came to business, he was all professionalism.

Tomorrow was Saturday.

After finalizing their discussion, he hesitated. "I saw an incredible ballet performance last month."

"There's another show this weekend. Would you like to join me?"

Chloe's text flashed in her mind. "I have plans tomorrow," she declined. "Rain check?"

Disappointment flickered in his eyes. "Of course."

Another message arrived. Mom, please answer me.

Camille typed quickly: I'll be there tomorrow. Send me the time and location.

Declan took the hint and excused himself.

Chloe's call came through immediately. "Mom! You're really coming tomorrow?"

Camille hummed in confirmation.

"So when are you coming home tonight?" Chloe's voice bubbled with excitement.

"Not tonight." Camille focused on her computer screen. "Just text me the practice details. I'll meet you there."

Chloe stood in the grand foyer of the Harrington estate, watching the staff bustle about.

She couldn't remember the last time her mother had walked through these doors.

The realization stung. But tomorrow's plans lifted her spirits. "Okay! Dad will send you the info!"

Camille paused. "Alright."

"You're home now?"

"Just got back."

"Good." Another pause. "I need to get back to work. Take care, sweetheart."

"You too, Mom!"

The line went dead.