Chapter 266

Given the circumstances, Chloe would most likely be celebrating the Lumina Festival at Harrington Manor this year.

Marianne felt a pang of sadness at the thought of being separated from Chloe, and her heart ached for Camille. But Camille remained composed, gently reassuring her grandmother, "Don't worry about me, Grandma. Chloe's happiness is all that matters."

Marianne suspected Camille was merely putting on a brave face to avoid causing concern. With a quiet sigh, she let the matter drop.

After breakfast, Camille and Talia headed out to complete their festival shopping.

The streets were alive with vibrant decorations. Traditional holiday melodies filled the air, creating an infectious celebratory atmosphere.

Truth be told, Talia and the others had already done most of their shopping.

The essentials were all prepared at home. Today's outing was simply to pick up any remaining items they might have overlooked.

Groups of children dressed in festive attire skipped down the sidewalks, waving glowing wands that sparkled in the sunlight.

Camille froze when she spotted a little girl bouncing past in a red velvet dress.

Every year before Chloe left with Damien, Camille would buy her several sets of these special holiday outfits.

Chloe had adored them. The light wands had been her particular favorite.

During previous festivals, those glowing toys had kept her entertained for hours. She'd spend evenings carefully placing candles inside, then dancing around the garden with her illuminated treasure.

But that was two years ago.

The first year after Chloe left, she'd celebrated abroad with Damien.

Last year when she returned, she'd suddenly declared these traditions childish and refused to participate.

Camille never forced the issue.

She tried selecting alternative gifts, but Chloe rejected those too.

At first, Camille blamed herself for losing touch with her daughter's tastes. Eventually, she realized Chloe simply didn't want anything from her.

Shaking off the memory, Camille hurried to catch up with Marianne and Talia.

Meanwhile, Isaac and Noah secretly texted Camille, begging her to buy extra fireworks for a garden display that evening.

Camille smiled at their message and typed a quick reply: "Consider it done."

In all her years married to Damien, he'd rarely been in Lucerne for holidays. Even during festival seasons, he was usually jetting off somewhere for business.

Yet despite his absence, Camille had always brought Chloe back to Harrington Manor for the Lumina Festival celebrations.

Come to think of it, seven years had passed since she'd last celebrated with the Hartwell family. Tucking her phone away, she was about to head to the fireworks stall when her device buzzed again.

Gabriel was calling.

He informed her he'd purchased an extravagant amount of premium fireworks and wanted to send some over.

Camille didn't hesitate. "Thank you, Gabriel."

From his tone, it sounded like a substantial shipment. Probably enough that she wouldn't need to buy any herself.

No sooner had she ended that call than her phone rang again.

Tristan Rutherford this time.

Camille hesitated briefly before answering. "Mr. Rutherford."

"I ordered a selection of fireworks earlier. Iris insisted I send some to you. Just give me your address, and I'll arrange delivery."

Camille blinked in surprise. "That's very kind, but—"

"Then perhaps you should tell Iris that yourself?"

A brief pause. Then quietly: "Please thank Iris for me."