Chapter 247

Camille carefully placed the cake box inside the refrigerator.

Chloe had just stepped out of the shower when her phone buzzed.

Damien's name flashed on the screen.

She swiped to answer. "Dad?"

"Your grandfather just messaged me. He's returning tomorrow afternoon." His voice was brisk. "I'll arrange for someone to pick you up after school. We're having dinner at the manor. Inform your mother."

Marcus Harrington, Damien's father, held a high-ranking government position.

His demanding schedule left little room for family visits.

When Helena took her fall, Marcus had rushed home at midnight but departed before dawn.

Now, with her still hospitalized, he'd carved out two days to spend New Year's with her.

Chloe nodded. "Understood."

Then she caught the phrasing - "pick you up" not "pick you both up."

That meant Camille wasn't included.

Turning to her mother, Chloe asked, "Aren't you coming, Mom?"

Traditionally, Helena insisted both Camille and Chloe attend whenever Marcus visited - regardless of Damien's presence.

The routine had become so ingrained that Chloe automatically associated her grandfather's return with family dinners at Harrington Manor.

Before Camille could respond, Damien interjected, "Your mother has prior commitments tomorrow."

"Okay."

The call had been on speaker. Camille heard everything.

This marked her first awareness of Marcus's return.

With divorce proceedings underway, she had no business attending Harrington family gatherings.

Damien clearly agreed.

He'd preemptively fabricated an excuse before she could speak.

Without further discussion, he ended the call.

The following afternoon, Tristan arrived at NovaSight Labs with his core engineering team.

His recent cooperation had significantly eased Camille's workload.

In return, she treated him with newfound courtesy.

She personally greeted him upon arrival, setting aside her tasks.

An hour later, Tristan's phone vibrated.

Damien's name appeared.

Tristan excused himself to take the call outside.

After a brief silence, he simply said, "Understood."

As he moved to hang up, Damien added, "My father's returning tonight. I'll need your assistance."

"Mr. Harrington's back?"

After a beat, Tristan asked, "How long is he staying?"

"A few days, likely."

Returning to the conference room, Tristan studied Camille thoughtfully.

Engrossed in technical discussions, she didn't notice his gaze.

As the meeting concluded and she rose to escort them out, Tristan asked, "Working late again?"

"Yes, still some loose ends to tie up," she answered absently.

Tristan's expression darkened.

So she wasn't joining Damien at Harrington Manor tonight.

Something stirred within him. "Free for dinner?"

Camille shook her head. "Can't. Too much work."

He nearly offered to order takeout instead.