Chapter 504

The flooding intensified.

Harrington Manor remained relatively unaffected due to its elevated position.

But as darkness fell, cellular signals became increasingly unreliable.

Based on the severe weather alert Camille received that afternoon, returning to NovaSight Labs tomorrow seemed unlikely.

After dinner, she informed the Hartwell family of her safety.

She then contacted Gabriel to explain her situation at Harrington Manor.

Gabriel responded, "The conditions are quite severe. NovaSight Labs has authorized remote work for tomorrow. There's no need to rush back. I'll manage any urgent matters. We can reconnect tomorrow."

"Understood."

Camille settled on the floor with Chloe, engaging with puzzle toys.

Damien remained on the sofa, immersed in his reading.

Over an hour later, he approached them.

Camille kept her focus downward, but Chloe glanced up. "Daddy? What is it?"

Damien's attention remained fixed on Camille. "Care for a game of chess?"

She did enjoy chess. And he was undoubtedly a skilled opponent.

Normally, she would accept such a challenge.

But with him...

She gave a slight head shake. "Not interested."

Damien didn't press further. He simply changed topics. "If you're bored, perhaps you'd prefer reading upstairs?"

"Upstairs" clearly meant either his bedroom or study.

Camille's expression remained neutral. "No, thank you."

He showed no offense, merely offering a light chuckle. "Have you reviewed the latest journals?"

"No." She had purchased the physical copies but hadn't found time to read them.

Without another word, he turned and ascended the staircase.

He returned shortly with several books in his arms.

Placing them before her, he waited.

Camille hesitated momentarily before finally looking up. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

She opened one volume and began reading beside Chloe.

Damien didn't disturb her further.

That night, she stayed in Chloe's room, sleeping with the child.

Damien made no attempt to interrupt them.

The next morning, she found him on a phone call downstairs.

After breakfast, Gabriel called to discuss work matters.

Without her computer, Camille asked Marcus if she could borrow one.

Marcus explained he rarely used computers, and his had broken down last year without replacement.

Damien silently went upstairs and returned with a laptop.

He set it before her, entering the password while simultaneously telling it to her.

The device was clearly his work computer.

Her tasks involved confidential company information.

She could verify everything before and after usage to prevent leaks.

But Damien's technical expertise matched her own.

She didn't fully comprehend his capabilities.

His offer to lend his personal work computer might indicate trust.

But for her...

Camille pushed the laptop back toward him. "Thank you, but no. I'll use my phone."

Damien seemed to understand her hesitation.

When she refused the laptop, he simply smiled and nodded.

He didn't insist.

Closing the lid, he picked it up and quietly returned upstairs.