Chapter 453

The past weeks had been a whirlwind for Camille since joining forces with Virelia. Each day blurred into the next, filled with endless meetings and negotiations. As another Monday dawned, her schedule became even more packed, leaving no room for personal matters. When she finally surfaced from her work haze, seven days had vanished without notice.

Exhausted, Camille dragged herself home late that night to find Chloe already asleep. Though the child had been staying at the Hartwell residence recently, their interactions had been minimal. Watching her daughter curled up alone in the oversized bed, Camille lingered by the bedside before quietly retreating to shower.

Morning light filtered through the curtains when Camille awoke. Chloe stood by the door, dressed and ready with her backpack. "Did I wake you, Mommy?" the girl asked, leaning against the bed.

Camille sat up, shaking her head. "No, sweetheart." She studied Chloe's outfit. "Going somewhere?"

"Papa's back! He's coming to get me soon." The words jolted Camille - Saturday. Damien's scheduled return day.

After freshening up, Camille descended to breakfast. The doorbell chimed as Damien arrived. Leading Chloe to the entrance, Camille noted how impeccably put together he looked - no trace of travel fatigue.

As if reading her thoughts, Damien scooped Chloe up and said, "I returned last night." When Camille remained silent, he continued, "Thank you for watching her. Are you free for lunch today?"

"No need," Camille declined coolly.

Damien simply nodded. "Then I'll see you Monday."

"Fine."

Chloe piped up, "Mommy, I'll visit again when you're less busy!"

"Of course," Camille replied automatically. The next time they met would likely be for divorce proceedings. The realization made her pause. "Take care of yourself."

Misinterpreting the sentiment, Chloe beamed. "I will! Bye, Mommy!"

"Goodbye."

As Damien's car disappeared down the driveway, Camille turned back toward the empty house.

That evening found Damien and Selene dining with Owen Rutherford, recently returned from abroad. "When Milo came back last year," Owen remarked between courses, "he kept raving about how much Estoria had changed."

Damien nodded. "You should visit more often."

"Absolutely," Owen agreed. "Actually, I've been fascinated by NovaSight Labs lately. Since Harrington Group partners with them, perhaps you could introduce me to Mr. Ashcroft and the renowned Ms. Hartwell?"

Selene, who had been quietly observing, stiffened slightly at the mention.

Before Damien could respond, Owen continued, "When you first described NovaSight Labs's programming capabilities years ago, I didn't grasp their significance. But after studying NEXA these past two years, I understand why you were so taken with their technology..."

The conversation flowed around Selene as she maintained her composed facade, though her fingers tightened imperceptibly around her wineglass. Across the table, Damien's expression remained unreadable as he fielded Owen's enthusiastic questions about the tech company and its brilliant co-founder.