Chapter 480

Damien seemed to sense Camille's reluctance to engage.

After she finished ordering, he brought up Chloe's upcoming event.

"Chloe has a major competition in Montreux next Thursday."

"Will your schedule allow you to attend?"

"Please, Mom? Can you come with me?"

Since it was in another country, the trip would require at least two days.

NovaSight Labs, Virelia, and Harrington Group all had pressing matters demanding her attention.

Camille hesitated, weighing her commitments.

Before she could respond, Chloe read her expression perfectly.

She'd lost count of how many times Camille had postponed their plans due to work obligations.

Even on weekends, and during visits to her great-grandmother, quality time with her mother remained scarce.

Chloe fiddled with her spoon, tracing the rim of her teacup.

She lowered her head before Camille could speak.

"During my last training match abroad, all the other children had their parents cheering them on."

"I was the only one..."

Initially, she hadn't minded Damien's absence.

She was accustomed to traveling with just the household staff.

But watching other families support their children together made her feel profoundly alone.

She had tried calling Camille during the competition, but her mother hadn't answered.

Fortunately, Damien had picked up.

Camille's lips parted slightly, but no words emerged.

Her silence spoke volumes, functioning as a rejection.

Chloe's nose tingled with unshed tears.

She pressed her lips together tightly, turning her face away.

There was a time when Camille would rearrange her entire schedule to attend Chloe's events.

But now...

She had resolved to create distance.

Yet seeing Chloe's distress made her resolve waver.

She took a deep breath and turned to Damien.

"You're unavailable that day as well?"

"After Grandmother's identification, I rescheduled numerous appointments."

"Tuesday is my absolute deadline—I must be in Calderwick."

Camille frowned, her hands clenching silently beneath the table.

Watching them negotiate her importance, Chloe's eyes instantly reddened.

She tossed her spoon onto the table with a clatter.

"Since you're both too busy, forget it."

"I'll go alone!"

She spun around and bolted toward the private room door.

In all her years, Camille had rarely seen her daughter this upset.

She froze momentarily, stunned by the outburst.

By the time she reacted, Damien was already moving.

He crossed the room in swift strides, intercepting Chloe before her hand could touch the doorknob.

He bent down and scooped her into his arms effortlessly.

Chloe struggled against him angrily.

"Let me go."

Damien remained perfectly calm.

He gently pinched her cheek.

"Have I ever missed an important moment when I had any choice in the matter?"

Her sobs hitched slightly at his words.

Nestled in his embrace, she clutched his shirt without responding.

Her sidelong glance, however, was directed at Camille—who had risen but then stopped upon seeing Damien's intervention.

Chloe knew exactly who truly caused her pain.

She was merely taking her frustration out on Damien.

The real source of her anger... was Camille.