Chapter 64

Camille instinctively refused. "Don't bother. I'll handle the car myself."

Her blunt response was met with silence on the other end.

"Mr. Rutherford?" she prompted.

"Fine. I'll text you the repair shop details."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

Tristan ended the call without another word.

With her injured ankle, retrieving the car alone was impossible. After consideration, Camille decided to ask Gabriel for help.

Gabriel agreed immediately. He promised to bring the car back after work.

That evening, Camille ordered takeout. Just as she finished eating, her phone rang. Chloe.

"When are you coming home?" Chloe asked.

"I sprained my ankle," Camille replied. "I'm staying elsewhere to recover. Don't wait up."

"What? Mom! Are you okay? Does it hurt badly?"

"It's manageable. Just needs rest."

Chloe sounded relieved but concerned. "Where are you staying? Dad's coming home soon. We'll visit tomorrow."

"No need. Focus on school."

"Okay..."

They chatted briefly before hanging up.

When Damien returned, Chloe rushed to him. "Dad! Mom hurt her ankle! She's staying somewhere else!"

Damien handed his tailored jacket to Marcus. "I know."

Chloe blinked. "How? Did Mom tell you?"

He accepted water from Marianne. "No. I saw it happen."

"You were there?"

A noncommittal hum.

"Right! Mom works at your company—"

"Not anymore."

Chloe frowned. "Where does she work now?"

"Where she wants to."

After finishing his water, Damien ruffled Chloe's hair. "Bedtime."

"Okay!"

At 8 PM, Gabriel returned with Camille's car.

She took the keys. "How much for repairs? I'll reimburse you."

Gabriel collapsed on the couch. "No idea."

"What? How?"

"They just handed it over when I mentioned your name."

Camille froze.

Tristan had paid?

She hadn't expected that.

"Problem?" Gabriel noticed her expression.

"Nothing." She shook her head.

"Let's start that assignment. I'm exhausted."

He meant the exhibit review Graham assigned that morning.

"Okay." Camille hesitated. "I need to make a call first."

"Go ahead."

She dialed Tristan immediately.

He answered on the first ring.

"Mr. Rutherford, it's Camille."

"I know. What is it?"

"About the car. Did you cover the repairs? I'll transfer the amount immediately."