Chapter 370

Declan Vaughn never got the opportunity to go rafting with Camille Hartwell.

But fate had other plans.

During dinner at The Meridian, he unexpectedly crossed paths with Camille and her family again.

Owen and Talia Hartwell warmly invited him and his companion to join their table.

When Owen discovered Declan's connection to the Vaughn family, he leaned forward with genuine curiosity. "What brought you back to Lucerne to pursue your career here?"

Declan's fork hovered mid-air as he considered the real reason for his return.

After a brief pause, he answered carefully. "I've been fascinated by NovaSight Labs's programming language Nexa and their latest project, Horizon-CM. I returned specifically to join the company and learn from the best."

The Hartwell family exchanged knowing glances.

They were all aware of Camille's pivotal role at NovaSight Labs.

Marianne Hartwell's eyes twinkled as she nudged her granddaughter playfully. Camille simply lowered her gaze and continued eating her salmon.

Declan misinterpreted their reactions.

He knew Camille was brilliant at her job.

But according to his research, she'd only joined NovaSight Labs last year. Nexa had existed for nearly a decade. The tech world credited its creation to Graham Bellamy.

It made logical sense - a programming language of that caliber would naturally come from someone of Graham's stature.

As for Horizon-CM, Declan was certain Gabriel Ashcroft led the project.

Their brief interactions during meetings had shown Gabriel's undeniable expertise.

Without deeper collaboration, Declan couldn't compare their skills. But from what he observed, Camille often assisted Gabriel, leading him to assume Gabriel was the superior programmer.

The Hartwells proved to be gracious hosts. Their lively conversation and warmth left Declan with an excellent impression.

When dinner concluded, Camille's family departed for their estate. Seeing them leave, Declan and his friend soon followed suit.

The next morning, Camille's phone buzzed with an incoming call from Chloe.

Her daughter was returning from abroad.

"Mom, Dad won't be back for a few more days. Can I come see you and Grandma when I land?" Chloe's voice carried that particular blend of excitement and fatigue unique to long flights.

Camille recalled how Marianne had mentioned Chloe several times recently. After a brief silence, she replied, "Of course, sweetheart."

On the final day of the holiday, Chloe went straight to the Hartwell residence from the airport. Her luggage contained carefully selected gifts for each family member.

Marianne, Owen, and Talia were visibly touched by the thoughtful presents.

Camille noticed two remaining gifts in Chloe's suitcase - clearly intended for Damien and Selene.

She deliberately looked away.

After the gift-giving, travel exhaustion finally caught up with Chloe. Despite her fatigue, she clung to Camille, wrapping her arms tightly around her mother's waist before drifting off to sleep.

She hadn't even changed out of her travel clothes.

Seeing her daughter's peaceful expression, Camille couldn't bring herself to wake her. She gently carried Chloe to bed.

The next morning before work, Camille dropped Chloe off at school. She didn't ask when Damien would return.

Three days after the holiday ended, Damien came back to Lucerne. But he contacted Chloe first, not Camille.

After the phone call, Chloe turned to her mother. "Mom, Dad says he's coming to get me soon."

Camille simply nodded.

Chloe hesitated, torn between her reluctance to leave the Hartwells and her father's expressed longing to see her. Eventually, she packed her things.

Thirty minutes later, Damien's car pulled up the driveway.

Camille walked Chloe to the car, their hands clasped together.

Damien stepped out, his gaze meeting Camille's. "Thank you for looking after her these past few days."

Camille ignored his gratitude. Turning to Chloe, she said, "Sweetheart, I need to speak with your father privately. Get in the car first."

Chloe nodded obediently and climbed into the backseat.

Once the car door shut, Camille's demeanor shifted. "Chloe is six years old, Damien. You honestly felt comfortable letting her travel internationally with just bodyguards?"

Before he could respond, her voice turned icy. "I don't know why you trust those men so implicitly, but this can't happen again."

She expected an argument. Instead, Damien met her gaze steadily. "Understood."

His compliance caught her off guard.

"We should get going," he added quietly. "You should rest."

Camille turned without another word and walked back toward the house.