Chapter 405

Camille adjusted her coat with a sigh. "I need to head to the office now. Your grandmother Audrey hasn't been well lately and needs her rest. We'll arrange a visit when she's stronger."

Chloe's shoulders slumped. Though she'd never openly resented Selene for cozying up to Damien, the news of Marianne Hartwell's declining health had left her feeling hollow.

Seeing Selene now would only remind her of how the woman had ingratiated herself with Damien, worsening her already fragile emotional state.

"Grandmother is ill?" Chloe's eyes widened with genuine concern. "How serious is it? Mother, why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Camille hesitated briefly before responding, "I wanted to spare you unnecessary worry."

Gently disentangling Chloe's clinging hands, she added, "It's getting late. I have meetings to attend. Promise me you'll take care of yourself."

Chloe resisted letting go, but recognizing her mother's packed schedule, reluctantly released her grip. The moment their hands separated, fresh tears threatened to spill.

"Mother, why are you always so busy now? Even more than Father. When will we have proper time together?"

"I wish I knew."

The unspoken truth of the impending divorce hung between them. Camille considered broaching the subject, then reconsidered.

If Damien planned to marry Selene post-divorce, that revelation should come from him directly.

Chloe's gaze dropped to the polished hospital floor. "Fine. That's all you ever say lately."

Camille recognized the weak excuse for what it was. "I really must go now."

"Alright."

As Camille gave her daughter one last lingering look and turned to leave, Selene emerged from the restroom area.

Chloe and Damien stood conspicuously in the lobby - clearly awaiting someone.

That someone being Selene.

Selene's steps faltered upon spotting Camille. Their eyes met briefly before Selene offered a frosty nod.

Camille maintained an impassive expression, deliberately looking away without acknowledgment as she strode toward the exit.

Unaware of Selene's approach, Chloe caught her mother's hand again, her wide eyes shimmering with unspoken pleas.

Camille felt the desperate cling of her daughter's fingers but gently extracted her hand. "Goodbye, darling."

Seeing her mother's resolve, Chloe finally released her grip, wilting like a flower deprived of sunlight. "Goodbye, Mother."

Damien observed their exchange silently, making no move to intervene as Camille departed.

Chloe's gaze followed her mother's retreating form until it disappeared around a corner.

Only then did Selene approach, running manicured fingers through Chloe's hair in a patronizing gesture before addressing Damien. "Shall we get dinner?"

Damien nodded. "Of course."

Chloe finally turned away from where her mother had vanished. "Father, I'd rather eat at home tonight."

"Very well," Damien agreed. "Home it is."

The trio exited the hospital together, their footsteps echoing hollowly through the sterile corridors.