Chapter 364

Camille Hartwell? How could Naomi possibly approve of her?

If Arlo's words held truth, then when she'd spoken with Selene yesterday...

Remembering how abruptly the conversation had ended, Selene's heart sank.

Noticing her shift in mood, Damien turned with concern. "What's wrong? You look pale."

Selene forced a smile. "It's nothing."

That evening, she broke the news to her family.

The Lancaster and Dunmore families reacted with shock upon hearing Naomi Ashcroft's apparent acceptance of Camille - a married woman with a child from humble origins - for her distinguished son Gabriel.

"Impossible," Giselle scoffed. "The Ashcroft family would never allow such a match. Perhaps Mr. Calloway misunderstood? Or that woman lied about her past?"

Selene couldn't comprehend it either.

Maybe Camille had concealed her marital status. That would explain everything.

Originally, Selene had considered the lawsuit a manageable risk if private negotiations failed.

But if Naomi had recorded their conversation... the lawsuit would collapse.

Unless Camille had indeed hidden her marriage. Then there might still be hope.

Acting quickly, Selene dispatched someone to investigate Naomi's true stance.

Her connections through Damien made finding willing informants effortless.

By next afternoon, her agent approached Naomi directly. "Mrs. Ashcroft, I heard Ms. Hartwell - who's close to your son - is already married. Is this true?"

Naomi smiled serenely. "Quite correct. You're well-informed."

The confirmation reached Selene immediately. The Ashcroft family knew about Camille's marriage.

Which meant they likely knew her husband was Damien.

Sabrina's voice turned acidic. "Knowing she's married and still approving? The Ashcroft have gone mad."

Selene remained silent, her expression darkening.

Chloe's fencing competition spanned two days.

Mid-afternoon, while reading, Camille received another call from Chloe.

After brief hesitation, she answered.

Chloe, fresh from her tournament victory, bubbled with excitement. "Mom! Did I catch you at a good time?"

Camille replied neutrally, "Mm. What is it?"

"I took second place in the finals!"

"Impressive," Camille offered genuine praise.

Chloe's enthusiasm grew. "I've only trained briefly, so second place is amazing! Next time, I'll win gold!"

"Don't push yourself too hard," Camille cautioned, though pleased.

"Mom... are you busy? Could you come home for dinner tonight?"

Camille's tone cooled. "I have commitments."

"Oh. Of course." Chloe's disappointment was palpable, yet she'd grown accustomed to such responses. That Camille had answered at all was victory enough.

After brief chatter, they disconnected.

Moments later, photos arrived - competition shots, podium moments, Chloe radiant in her fencing gear, trophy held high.

"Dad took these," Chloe texted. "Do you like them?"

Camille replied, "Beautiful."

So Damien had attended the entire event.

His devotion to Chloe was undeniable.

As a father, he excelled.

This knowledge brought Camille some peace.

Come Monday, as Camille and Gabriel returned to work, their lawyer reported receiving notice from Selene's legal team that...