Chapter 421

Since Audrey's illness was still in its early stages with no severe organ damage yet, Helena and her medical team could make multiple adjustments based on her overall health status.

After careful consideration, they finally devised a treatment plan capable of stabilizing her condition.

When the news arrived, the suffocating tension gripping Camille and Marianne finally dissipated. The oppressive gloom that had shrouded the Hartwell family for two weeks finally lifted.

That evening, overwhelmed with relief, Marianne personally prepared a celebratory dinner for everyone.

As Camille settled on the living room sofa with Marianne after the meal, her phone suddenly rang - it was Chloe calling.

Mother and daughter hadn't spoken in nearly six weeks.

Truthfully, Camille should have answered when Chloe first called. But at that time, she'd just learned about Audrey's organ failure. Devastated, she couldn't bring herself to pick up.

Now...

Seeing the caller ID, Marianne gently urged, "Answer it."

Though unspoken, she deeply valued the bond between Chloe and Selene.

She'd noticed Camille hadn't allowed Chloe to visit recently and guessed the reason - Camille feared seeing Chloe might further destabilize her already fragile emotional state.

While she'd never truly resented Chloe's closeness with Selene, seeing her during those dark days likely would have stirred bitterness.

Now that Audrey's condition showed hope, Marianne naturally wanted Camille and Chloe to reconcile.

Camille stared at the name flashing on her screen. After a brief hesitation, she finally answered.

Chloe had planned to call again days after Camille missed her first attempt. But Damien, who usually encouraged her to call whenever she missed her mother, advised against disturbing Camille during her busy period.

So Chloe restrained herself.

This time though, she couldn't hold back any longer. It had been too long since she'd seen or even spoken to her mother.

When the call connected and she actually heard Camille's voice, Chloe immediately brightened. "Mom!"

But before Camille could respond, Chloe's pent-up emotions overflowed. Her voice turned plaintive, "Mom, you finally answered! You have no idea how much I've missed you lately..."

Hearing her tearful, aggrieved tone, Camille lowered her gaze, masking her emotions before replying calmly, "Have you eaten dinner?"

"Yes!" Chloe instantly perked up at her mother's voice. Then eagerly asked, "Mom, when are you free? I can come tomorrow - no, I can come right now!"

Camille said, "I have work tomorrow. But if you want to—"

After a pause, she added, "Check with your father first. If he agrees—"

"He will!" Chloe interrupted excitedly before she could finish. "I'm packing right now! Mom, wait for me!"

She immediately hung up, turned to the man reading beside her, and announced, "Mom said I can visit!"

Damien turned a page before looking up. "Understood. Need a ride?"

"Nope!" Chloe grabbed Marianne's hand and dashed upstairs to pack.

Minutes later, she bounded downstairs with her backpack, breezing past Damien still reading in the living room without a glance.

Waving as she sprinted out, she called, "Dad, I'm leaving now!"

Damien turned slightly, watching her small figure disappear through the doorway. "Alright. Be safe. Good night."

"Good night!" came the distant reply.