Chapter 14

The anticipation of Selene's racing competition tonight and imagining her effortlessly cool demeanor instantly brightened Chloe's mood. She slipped into the outfit and immediately reached for her phone to check again.

Her smile faltered.

Selene always responded to her texts within minutes. Yet this time, there was complete radio silence - not even after Chloe had finished dressing.

Was Selene angry with her?

A wave of panic surged through Chloe as her fingers flew across the screen. Vic, pls don't be mad! U know I wanted YOU to take me to school, not Mom! Pls answer!

Still nothing.

Camille reappeared at her door. "Chloe? Breakfast is ready. We need to leave soon."

Irritation flashed across Chloe's face. "I KNOW! God, Mom, stop nagging! You're so annoying!" She snatched up her backpack and stomped downstairs.

Camille followed silently, though her gaze lingered on Chloe's unfamiliar outfit.

She'd always carefully selected Chloe's clothes, ensuring each piece met her daughter's approval. But ever since that Lucerne trip with Damien, Chloe's style had undergone a dramatic transformation.

All because of Selene's influence - introducing Chloe to rock climbing and skateboarding.

Selene wasn't just academically brilliant; she was this impossibly cool, adventurous woman with countless hobbies. Chloe worshipped her, emulating everything from her fashion to her interests.

It pained Camille to see her daughter growing so attached to Selene, but she never voiced it. She'd even started buying clothes she thought would appeal to Chloe's new tastes.

Yet Chloe barely glanced at Camille's selections, wearing only what Selene chose for her.

That camouflage outfit? Definitely Selene's doing. But Camille pretended not to notice, maintaining her usual composure as they descended.

The rest of the household still slept, except Helena.

"Good morning, you two."

Camille smiled. "Morning, Grandma."

Chloe mumbled a half-hearted greeting.

Helena caught her tone immediately. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Chloe remained silent, sulking.

Marcus chuckled from the doorway. "Teenage morning grumpiness, nothing more."

Helena smiled at his comment but turned to Camille. "Where's Damien? Still asleep?"

"He had business last night." Camille kept her voice neutral.

Helena's expression darkened. She could guess what kind of "business" that meant. But with Chloe present, she bit back any criticism.

As they prepared to leave after breakfast, Chloe dashed upstairs for something forgotten. Camille waited below.

Then Chloe's phone buzzed on the table. The screen lit up: Selene Lancaster with a heart emoji.

Camille froze.

She'd always respected Chloe's privacy, never snooped. But now, against her better judgment, she picked up the phone.

A quick scan of the messages revealed why Chloe had been so moody. Morning greetings to Selene, lengthy daily chats - their entire communication laid bare.

Hearing the elevator, Camille quickly replaced the phone.

Chloe's entire demeanor shifted when she saw Selene's reply - promises she'd never be angry, explanations about oversleeping. The radiant smile returned instantly.

Camille noticed but said nothing.

Oblivious, Chloe climbed into the car, immediately resuming her texting. She kept sneaking glances at Camille, who remained focused on driving.

After thirty minutes of nonstop messaging, Chloe finally set her phone down, her good mood restored. "Mom, are you free this afternoon?"

Camille kept her eyes on the road. "Why?"

"Just tell me!"

"I'm busy. What do you need?"

Chloe grinned. "Nothing."

Perfect, she thought. If Mom's busy, she can't pick me up. I can go straight to Selene after class.

At school, Camille accompanied Chloe to meet Claire Dale, her homeroom teacher, who led them toward the classroom.

Then a high-pitched voice called out, "Ms. Hartwell!"

Camille turned to see a small figure barreling toward her. She crouched just in time to catch the child.

"Maisie?"

The little girl beamed, her twin braids bouncing. It was the same child Camille had saved from that dog attack days before.

Before Camille could say more, Chloe roughly shoved Maisie aside.

"Chloe!" Camille caught Maisie before she fell. "Are you okay?"

Tears welled in Maisie's eyes. "Why... why did you push me?"

Chloe had been confused by Maisie's sudden appearance. But seeing Camille's obvious affection for the girl sparked instant jealousy.

As Maisie sniffled, Chloe's face twisted in contempt. "You're so pathetic. And pink is disgusting on you!"