Chapter 79

Damien expected Camille to look after Chloe over the weekend.

For the past two years, Damien had been the primary caregiver for Chloe, regardless of circumstances. Whether due to personal commitments or professional obligations that made it difficult to bring Chloe along, the responsibility now fell to Camille when he wasn't available.

Camille returned to the villa.

At dinner, she asked Chloe, "Any special plans for this weekend?"

Chloe hesitated, then shook her head. "Not really."

Camille recognized the look in Chloe's eyes. It wasn't disinterest in going out, but rather disappointment that Damien and Selene wouldn't be joining them. Without them, nothing seemed appealing.

Rather than point it out, Camille suggested, "How about horseback riding?"

Chloe's face immediately brightened. It had been ages since she'd ridden, and the idea clearly excited her. "Yes!" she agreed enthusiastically.

The next morning, Camille took Chloe to the equestrian club.

While changing into her riding gear, Camille overheard Chloe chatting with instructor Levi Navarro. With her back turned, Chloe was saying, "My dad and one of my aunts are amazing riders. They're so cool! I wish they could be here today."

Camille paused by the doorway, choosing not to interrupt.

Levi noticed her first. "Ms. Hartwell."

Camille nodded. Levi asked, "Shall I arrange another instructor for you?"

"That would be perfect," Camille replied.

Though experienced, it had been nearly four years since she'd ridden properly. When Chloe was younger, Camille had brought her here frequently, but always focused on supervising Chloe rather than riding herself.

Levi led Chloe away while Camille headed to a separate arena.

Her assigned instructor initially assumed she was a beginner. Watching Camille mount the horse with effortless grace, he couldn't hide his surprise. "You're quite skilled, Ms. Hartwell?"

"I've had some experience," Camille admitted.

After a brief warm-up, she took full control. With a sharp crack of the whip, her white stallion let out a spirited neigh and surged forward.

After completing several laps, Camille dismounted to check on Chloe.

Approaching Chloe's training area, she froze about thirty feet away.

Damien and Selene had arrived.

They'd come to the equestrian center too.

Chloe was clinging to Selene's leg, her excitement palpable as the three conversed animatedly. Soon, Chloe and Selene mounted together, with Chloe in front and Selene behind her. Damien rode alongside them on another horse.

The two horses moved in perfect sync, their riders laughing and chatting. From this distance, they looked every inch the picture-perfect family.

Camille watched until their figures disappeared into the distance. Unnoticed, she finally turned away and left.

She changed out of her riding clothes, took a sip of water, and sat quietly.

Her phone rang shortly after. Damien.

Camille answered. "Hello."

"I'm at the equestrian center," Damien said. "I'll take Chloe from here."

"Alright," Camille replied.

The line went dead with Damien's characteristic abruptness.

Camille had been expecting this call. With Chloe's weekend plans now settled, she collected her bag and left the club.