Chapter 288

Camille's phone buzzed as she approached Vertex Dynamics's headquarters. Helena Harrington's name flashed on the screen. "Hello, Grandmother," she answered.

"Darling," Helena's voice carried warmth through the receiver. "Chloe mentioned you've been working late nights again. I worry about your health."

A sigh escaped Camille's lips. "It's just a busy period."

"I've sent over some vitamins from Switzerland. Make sure you take them daily."

Camille knew refusal was pointless. Helena always found ways to care for her. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

Helena's chuckle was light. "Oh, I spoke with Damien about being more considerate. He promised to try harder."

"You didn't need to do that."

"Nonsense. You're both Chloe's parents. Tension between you affects her." The unspoken command in Helena's tone was clear - play nice.

Ah. That explained Damien's sudden concern at the conference. Camille's grip tightened on her phone. "Understood."

After exchanging pleasantries, she ended the call. The elevator doors opened to an empty reception area - no sign of Selene Lancaster today.

Wesley Caldwell spotted her first. "Happy Valentine's Day, Ms. Hartwell! Did your secret admirer send flowers?"

Before she could respond, Miranda Dunmore chimed in. "Oh, the roses were enormous! We're all green with envy over here."

Wesley's laughter died when Giselle Lancaster materialized beside them. "Flowers? How... quaint." Her smirk was razor-sharp. "Is that all you received?"

Miranda faltered. "Well, I--"

"Pathetic." Giselle's nails tapped against her designer handbag. "Selene's office is overflowing with bouquets. But the real gift? Damien transferred controlling shares of Vertex Dynamics to her name. Now that's worth celebrating."

Wesley's mouth snapped shut. His gaze darted to Camille, who maintained perfect composure despite the bombshell.

He leaned closer, voice dropping. "Rumor has it every eligible bachelor in the city sends Selene gifts anonymously. But Damien Harrington outplayed them all." Awe colored his whisper. "No one's ever gifted company shares before. The entire finance department's buzzing."

Camille's lips curved without warmth. None of this surprised her. Selene already had unrestricted access to confidential files. Tristan and Helena Lancaster waltzed through security checkpoints unchallenged. At this rate, they might as well rename the building Lancaster Tower.

Still, she had to admire Damien's theatricality. Choosing Valentine's Day for the transfer wasn't coincidence - it was a calculated romantic gesture. Every detail meticulously planned to showcase his devotion.

"Discussing me?" Selene's voice sliced through the tension as she emerged from the boardroom.

Wesley recovered first. "Ms. Lancaster! How was the shareholders' meeting?"

"Productive." Selene's smile didn't reach her eyes. The quarterly executive briefing had run longer than expected.