Chapter 276

Camille instinctively reached out, catching Chloe before she could stumble.

The moment Chloe collided with her, that familiar floral scent filled Camille's nostrils again.

She took the child's backpack and placed it on the sofa. Just as Chloe tried darting toward the bed, Camille gently held her back. "Did you bathe?"

"I did!"

Yet Selene's perfume still clung to her. Only one explanation existed - either Selene had been living with Damien, or they'd just dropped Chloe off together.

They simply couldn't be bothered to come inside.

"You're all sweaty," Camille observed quietly. "Change into something clean."

Chloe remembered running around after her shower, probably working up a sweat.

She nodded obediently and disappeared into the bathroom.

Camille returned to organizing her research materials.

Chloe emerged moments later, freshly changed. She dug through her backpack excitedly. "Mommy, look!" She produced a glowing bunny-shaped wand. "It lights up!"

Camille glanced at it, then froze momentarily. "This..."

"Daddy bought it for me! Isn't it adorable?"

Camille nodded silently.

Chloe dashed to the light switch, plunging the room into darkness before activating the wand. Her face glowed with excitement. "See how much prettier it is in the dark?"

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Do you love it too?"

"Of course!" Chloe dug out another identical wand. "Daddy got two! This one's for you! Will you take a nighttime walk with me?"

"I've already showered, darling. Maybe tomorrow. And you're in clean clothes now - we shouldn't get them dirty."

Chloe's enthusiasm dimmed visibly. "Oh..."

It had been over a month since she'd seen Camille.

Noticing her mother's lack of interest, Chloe quietly put the wand away. She rushed over for a hug instead. "Mommy..."

Camille set aside her book. "What is it?"

Chloe didn't answer. She kicked off her shoes and burrowed into Camille's lap.

"I missed you so much, Mommy."

She wrapped her small arms around Camille's neck, planting several wet kisses on her cheeks.

"You smell so nice," Chloe giggled.

Camille tightened her embrace. "My precious girl," she murmured, gently stroking Chloe's face.

She noticed subtle changes - Chloe's features were beginning to resemble Damien's more each day.

Noticing Chloe's bare feet, Camille tucked them under the blanket. "How long are you staying this time?"

Chloe shrugged. "Daddy didn't say. Just told me to wait here for him."

Camille nodded silently.

Suddenly Chloe remembered something. She scrambled off the bed to rummage through her backpack again. "Mommy! I brought you a present from my trip!"

She produced a delicate crystal sphere, offering it eagerly.

It had been ages since Chloe brought Camille gifts - not since growing closer to Selene.

Camille accepted it with practiced grace. "Thank you, darling. I love it."