Chapter 17

Damien's words brightened Chloe's mood instantly. She excitedly listed all her favorite foods while he listened with genuine interest.

When she finished, Selene complimented her appearance.

"Chloe, that outfit looks absolutely stunning on you. The colors are perfect."

"Really?"

Selene smiled warmly. "Absolutely! How was school today? Did you make any new friends?"

The two engaged in lively conversation while Damien remained quiet, enjoying his meal at a relaxed pace.

A passing waitress who didn't know their relationship glanced at them and mistakenly assumed they were a family. She shot Selene an envious look.

Just then, Chloe noticed an incoming video call from Camille.

It was the call she'd requested that morning. But now, caught up in her animated discussion with Selene, she hesitated to answer.

Earlier that day, seeing Camille hug another child had upset her deeply.

However, during class, her teacher had explained that mothers always love their children most, and every child holds a special place in their mother's heart.

This reassurance had comforted Chloe.

When Camille noticed her unanswered call, concern grew. She decided to contact Claire instead.

Claire was in the children's rest area when she answered. "Chloe's fine. She's video chatting with her father and a woman right now. Should I go tell her-"

"No need," Camille interrupted.

She could guess Chloe was talking with Damien and Selene, probably having lunch together. "It's alright. Let them enjoy their time."

After hanging up, Camille sent Chloe a text instead, asking about her school day, new friends, and lunch choices.

She also reminded her to listen to her teacher and take her afternoon nap.

Nearly fifteen minutes later, Camille finally received a voice message from Chloe.

"Got it, Mom."

By late afternoon, after working closely with Phoebe all day, Camille realized her new secretary was outgoing, sociable, and remarkably competent.

Around 6:00 pm, as Camille prepared to leave, Phoebe approached with a dinner invitation to thank her for the guidance.

"That's part of my job. No need for formalities, Ms. Carver," Camille replied politely.

Phoebe persisted, but Camille's phone rang unexpectedly.

The caller ID showed Lydia Harrington - her mother-in-law.

Camille blinked in surprise.

Lydia had always looked down on her, rarely interacting unless absolutely necessary. In all these years, she could count their conversations on one hand.

Baffled, Camille answered. "Mother?"

"Hugo's been street racing behind our backs. I don't trust him. I'm sending you the address. Go bring him home."

Lydia hung up abruptly. Moments later, a text arrived with a racetrack location on the city outskirts. Turning to Phoebe, Camille said, "I'm sorry, an emergency came up. I have to go."

Over an hour later, Camille arrived at the racetrack. The massive venue buzzed with activity even at night, engines roaring and crowds cheering.

She called Hugo repeatedly, but he didn't pick up.

With no other choice, she began searching on foot.

After nearly twenty minutes of pushing through the crowd, she finally spotted him.

Hugo looked stunned when he saw her. "Camille? What are you doing here?" She explained that Lydia had sent her to bring him home.