Chapter 309

Camille was still at her office when Tristan's call came through. She answered, "Mr. Rutherford?"

His voice immediately softened upon hearing her. "Iris misses you. Are you free this weekend? Perhaps we could go out?"

Her eyes remained fixed on the financial projections displayed across three monitors. "I'm swamped for the next two days. Next week?"

When she mentioned being busy, Tristan's gaze dropped. "Of course. Next week then."

"Perfect."

Already mentally returning to her spreadsheets, Camille added, "Let's talk later?"

There was a brief pause. "Alright."

The call ended, and Camille worked until nearly midnight before leaving the office.

The following morning found her at the Rutherford estate.

When Owen had gone abroad for treatment years ago, Chloe had just turned three.

Back then, the little girl had been utterly charming and completely attached to Owen. He'd adored her.

Even when leaving for overseas treatment, he'd been reluctant to part with her - something even Damien, who'd barely noticed Chloe at the time, must have remembered.

After waiting so long to return, Owen had clearly wanted to see Chloe during his first invitation. Yet Damien had brought Selene instead, leaving Chloe behind.

This time, Owen had specifically mentioned Chloe would be coming. But when Camille arrived, the child was nowhere to be seen.

Spotting her, Owen beamed. "I've had the kitchen prepare all your favorites. You must eat well today."

Camille smiled. "I will."

After some conversation, Owen suddenly said, "I heard that rascal Damien planned to bring Selene to Helena's birthday gala. Naturally, she refused - threatened that if he dared bring that woman to ruin her celebration, she wouldn't attend her own party."

Camille's coffee cup froze halfway to her lips.

Owen continued, "That fool Damien might be infuriating, but this is Helena's first birthday celebration in years. He seems to have backed down. Still, it's put her in a terrible mood lately. If you have time, call her. She could use your company."

Camille nodded slowly. "I will."

Last week, Damien had called, texted, even waited outside her office building. Then suddenly - nothing. She hadn't thought much of it.

Now Owen's words made her realize - Damien must have already made his choice. With no need to convince her further, he'd stopped reaching out.

Owen added, "The others - Marcus and Lydia - won't accept her either."

Damien backing down about the gala made sense. But regarding his marriage to Selene? If he insisted, no one could truly stop him. Owen clearly understood that too.

He frowned, clicking his tongue in displeasure before abruptly changing the subject.

They'd been talking for about fifteen minutes when a car pulled up outside.

Last time Damien visited, Owen hadn't bothered greeting him. But guessing this arrival might be Chloe, Owen's eyes lit up as he stood. "That must be Chloe!"

He hurried toward the entrance. Moments later, Camille followed.

As Owen predicted, it was Chloe.

The moment the girl stepped from the car and saw Camille, she came running. "Mommy!"

Before Camille could respond, Owen was already smiling at Chloe, about to speak.

But when Damien emerged from the vehicle, that smile vanished.

He snorted, giving Damien an icy glare. "I believe I said to have someone drop Chloe off. Did I not make it clear you weren't welcome here? What are you doing?"

Damien's gaze flickered to Camille beside Owen before he replied calmly, "I thought you were being sarcastic."

Another derisive snort. Damien said, "Don't be angry. I'm just dropping Chloe off. I'll leave shortly." Ignoring him, Owen turned back to Chloe with warmth. "Chloe, I'm Grandpa Owen. We used to have such fun together. Do you remember me?"

Chloe clung to Camille's hand, studying Owen before shaking her head.

While Owen interacted with Chloe, Damien's eyes lingered on Camille without speaking. After a moment, he simply told Owen, "I'll be going now," before returning to his car and driving away.