Chapter 85

Chloe bounded up the stairs with infectious energy, her laughter echoing through the grand hallway.

Camille had just powered down her laptop and organized her workspace when she stepped out of the master suite. Before she could react, Chloe launched herself into her mother's arms with an enthusiastic hug. "Mommy!"

Camille gently stroked her daughter's hair but didn't return the embrace.

Too excited to notice, Chloe began chattering animatedly about her day. The sound of approaching footsteps made Camille look up, her eyes meeting Damien's across the hallway.

His expression remained unreadable while hers stayed composed.

Looking down at Chloe, Camille said, "Go ask Marianne to help you with your bath. Mommy needs to speak with Daddy." Damien paused mid-step at her words.

After two delightful days outdoors, Chloe was in high spirits. Though reluctant, she didn't argue and obediently headed to her room where Marianne waited to assist her.

Camille turned to Damien, who leaned casually against the wall, scrolling through his phone. "Can we talk in private?"

"Fine."

She entered the study first. As Damien followed, she added, "Close the door."

She wanted to ensure their conversation wouldn't disturb Chloe, especially if it turned contentious.

It struck her that in all their years of marriage, they'd never had a proper argument.

Damien had never cared enough to fight with her.

As for Camille, every moment with him was precious - too precious to waste on quarrels.

Damien shut the door and turned to face her. "What's this about?"

Camille went straight to the point. "Selene's uncle Conrad purchased the villa across from Uncle Owen's. They've been renovating for weeks now. I expect they'll move in soon."

Selene's mother Helena bore the Lancaster name.

But the tangled history between the Hartwell, Harrington, and Lancaster families didn't begin with Helena and Audrey.

It stretched back to their grandmothers' generation.

Back then, Selene's grandmother Mabel and Camille's grandmother Marianne had been inseparable friends.

Mabel had married beneath her station and struggled financially. Marianne had frequently supported her family. Later, Helena and Audrey had become close friends as well.

The Harrington and Hartwell families were social equals.

Malcolm and Audrey had fallen in love naturally, and their relationship had been strong initially. Everything changed when Helena returned after university.

To elevate Helena's status, Mabel had coldly severed ties with Marianne.

Over the years, whenever the Lancasters encountered Owen or Marianne, their attitude dripped with condescension - a stark contrast to their former desperation when seeking help.

Camille didn't need to elaborate. She knew Damien understood this history.

Surely, with this context, he would...

Damien did understand. He also grasped what Camille was asking.

He withdrew a cigarette, pausing before lighting it. "Do you mind?"

Camille shook her head.

After taking a long drag, he asked, "You want me to make them leave?"

"Yes."

Damien exhaled slowly, the smoke curling between them as he considered.

This mattered deeply to Camille. She could overlook many things, but not this.

Her hands clenched into fists, her eyes glistening as she looked at him. "I'm begging you. If you agree, I'll—"

"Fine," he interrupted.

Camille froze. She hadn't expected such immediate agreement.