Chapter 122

Damien had made it clear he wouldn't be attending the celebration.

Camille saw no reason to press further.

She ended the call without another word.

For years, she'd invited Damien to join them at the Hartwell estate for Marianne's birthday. Yet he hadn't even noticed she'd stopped extending the invitation this time.

After hanging up, Damien handed the phone back to Chloe. "Your mother will pick you up for Grandma's party tomorrow evening. Behave yourself on Saturday and don't wander off."

Chloe pouted. "But—"

Damien's impassive stare silenced her.

Realizing negotiation was futile, the girl mumbled, "Fine..."

"That's my girl." He gave a curt nod.

Chloe jutted her chin stubbornly. "I want to visit Selene on Sunday. And you're coming with me."

"Agreed." A faint smile touched his lips.

Friday evening found Camille arriving at Harrington Manor after work.

Damien's presence in the foyer surprised her—he rarely returned this early.

He was on a call when she entered. Noticing her arrival, he inclined his head briefly before turning away to continue his conversation.

Marcus had prepared dinner, expecting Camille and Chloe to eat before leaving for the Hartwells'.

But Camille insisted on dining at her family's estate.

Marcus hesitated, glancing at Damien for guidance.

Still on his call, Damien moved the phone slightly from his ear. "Do as Mrs. Harrington says," he instructed before resuming his conversation.

Camille turned to Chloe. "Let's go, sweetheart."

"Okay!" Chloe waved at Damien. "Bye, Daddy!"

He returned the gesture. "See you later."

Without exchanging a word with Damien, Camille led Chloe out.

He watched them leave, offering no further farewell.

This year's celebration for Marianne was particularly lavish. After arriving at the Hartwell estate and eating, Camille helped with final preparations.

By the time everything was ready, midnight approached.

She rose early the next morning.

Before breakfast, Camille, Owen, and several relatives gathered around Marianne to offer birthday wishes and present their gifts.

Chloe tugged Camille's sleeve anxiously when she saw the gifts. "Mom..."

Camille crouched to her level. "What is it?"

The girl's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I forgot to get Grandma a present," she whispered.

Then, with childish accusation, she added, "Why didn't you remind me?"

Camille smoothed her daughter's hair. "I brought gifts from myself, your father, and Nana. You're still young—it's understandable. But next time, remember to prepare something for Grandma."

Her tone was gentle, but her eyes held a chill.

True, she hadn't reminded Chloe.

Yet if the girl truly cared, she would have remembered on her own.

The gift didn't need to be extravagant—a simple drawing or asking Camille to take her shopping yesterday would have sufficed.

But Chloe hadn't mentioned it until now.

The contrast with how she treated Selene was stark.

For Selene's birthdays, Chloe would count down the days with palpable excitement.

Camille recognized the lack of sincerity.

That's precisely why she hadn't reminded her.