Chapter 369

Damien couldn't make time for Chloe, yet he could spare moments for Selene?

Before Camille could respond, Chloe chimed in excitedly, "Dad, I wish you'd called sooner! I could've shown you the helicopter footage from earlier!"

Camille could tell her daughter was thrilled with Damien's arrangements this time.

A heavy knot of frustration twisted in her chest, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Chloe continued gushing about her plans for tomorrow and mentioned she'd be flying back home that evening.

As Camille listened, Chloe suddenly asked eagerly, "Mom, are you free tomorrow? I want to video call you again!"

Camille snapped back to reality. After a brief pause, she replied, "I'll make time."

"Yay!"

Knowing Chloe was already en route to her hotel eased Camille's worries. After a few more minutes of chatting, she ended the call.

It was time to meet Noah and the others for their rafting excursion. She pocketed her phone with a sigh.

She'd been looking forward to this holiday outing. Now, she just felt drained.

Still, she didn't want to ruin everyone else's fun, so she joined them.

While waiting in line at the rafting site, someone tapped her shoulder.

Camille turned.

Declan Vaughn stood there, grinning.

He'd asked earlier if she was spending the holiday with family. When she mentioned rafting, his eyes had lit up—clearly enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Seeing him here wasn't surprising. "When did you arrive?" she asked.

"Just this morning."

Since joining NovaSight Labs's R&D team, Declan had been trying—and failing—to ask her out.

Their interactions had been strictly professional, save for that one gala.

At work, Camille dressed impeccably. Today, she wore no makeup, a simple tank top, casual pants, and flip-flops.

The golden sunlight kissed her skin, making her glow.

Gone was the polished executive. In her place stood a radiant, approachable woman who turned heads effortlessly.

Declan couldn't look away.

He looked younger in his T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops—more like a grad student than a tech professional.

Talia Hartwell, Camille's aunt, spotted him and raised a brow. "Who's this handsome young man?"

Camille replied, "A colleague from NovaSight Labs."

Talia noticed Declan's lingering gaze but didn't press.

Camille wasn't divorced yet. Now wasn't the time for entanglements.

Seeing Camille's disinterest, Talia changed the subject.

Their turn came quickly. As Camille waved goodbye, Declan called out, "Let's grab coffee sometime!"

She nodded. "Sure."

Once she was out of earshot, Declan's friend whistled. "Ms. Hartwell is stunning. Even more breathtaking than at the gala."

Declan's expression darkened. "Shut it."

His friend mimed zipping his lips. Message received.