Chapter 132

Damien gave a curt nod. "Fine."

Gabriel acknowledged him before turning to Camille. "Are you heading home tonight?"

Camille had been replaying the exchange between Gabriel and Damien in her mind. When addressed directly, she hesitated briefly before answering, "No."

Gabriel stood abruptly. "Understood. I'll collect Chloe myself then."

His departure was imminent.

Camille responded icily, "Very well."

Without another word to her, Damien approached Marianne. "Madam Hartwell, I must take my leave now."

Marianne remained seated, her tone equally frosty. "Don't trouble yourself."

The dismissal didn't faze him. He nodded slightly at Owen in silent farewell before exiting the banquet hall.

Outside the Meridian, Tristan had just stepped from his car when Damien emerged. His movements faltered momentarily.

Damien entered his vehicle without hesitation and drove off.

Tristan watched the taillights disappear but made no move to follow.

The event concluded with Graham and Gabriel departing together.

Meanwhile, Chloe had overindulged in sweets earlier. When dinner was served, she'd barely touched her meal before escaping upstairs to play video games.

After most guests had left, Camille finally went to retrieve her.

Seeing her mother enter, Chloe removed her headphones. "Finished already?"

"Yes." Remembering Damien's earlier words, Camille added, "Your father's coming to get you tonight. Call him to confirm the time."

Excited about tomorrow's playdate with Selene, Chloe eagerly agreed. "Okay!"

The call connected instantly. Moments later, she announced, "Dad says fifteen minutes."

"Pack your things then. We'll wait downstairs."

Chloe nearly asked for help packing - her mother usually assisted. But sensing Camille's mood, she thought better of it.

When the time came, Camille escorted her downstairs.

In the elevator, Chloe swung their clasped hands. "Mom?"

Camille glanced down. "Hmm?"

"You're quieter lately." She'd noticed the daily check-ins had stopped, along with her mother's usual stream of questions.

Strangely, she preferred this change. But now she realized the silence extended beyond phone calls - even in person, her mother spoke less.

Like she'd... withdrawn.

Camille knew her daughter wasn't oblivious. That it took this long for Chloe to notice only proved one thing - she'd grown accustomed to being ignored.

"Just tired," Camille deflected.

The night wind cut like knives.

Exiting the lobby, the icy gusts stung their faces.

Chloe shivered violently, digging her heels in. She buried her face against Camille's midsection. "Too cold, Mommy. Carry me."

At nearly six, Chloe was heavy.

Though it strained her, Camille bent and lifted her anyway.