Chapter 450

Upstairs in the Hartwell mansion, Camille carefully unwrapped Damien's birthday gift for Chloe while chatting with her daughter. The little girl listened quietly until Camille's phone buzzed with an incoming message.

It was from Damien. "Emergency meeting in Lucerne tomorrow afternoon. The divorce proceedings will need to be postponed another week."

Camille's fingers hovered over the screen as she typed her reply. "Can't you reschedule for Monday morning?"

His response came instantly. "Already tried. Impossible. My apologies."

She pressed her lips into a thin line, choosing not to respond. Sensing her displeasure, Damien sent another message. "Even if I can't return by next Friday, I'll definitely be back before the following Monday. You have my word."

The concrete timeline eased some of Camille's tension. She set her phone aside without replying, knowing he'd see she'd read the messages. True to form, he didn't push further.

After tucking Chloe into bed when the girl grew drowsy, Camille retreated to the ensuite bathroom for a long, steaming shower. The day's events had drained her completely. Slipping between the cool sheets, she reached for the lamp switch.

In her sleep, Chloe instinctively curled against Camille's side, small fingers clutching her nightgown. "Mommy..." the child murmured.

Camille whispered soothing words before realizing Chloe remained asleep, her tiny grip surprisingly strong. The sight tugged at Camille's heart.

The next morning, Damien arrived precisely at nine. Chloe came bounding downstairs in her favorite sunflower dress, backpack bouncing. When she heard her father's car pull up, she grabbed Camille's hand insistently.

The Hartwell family - Marianne and Owen - pretended not to notice Damien's presence outside. They bid Chloe farewell without acknowledging him. Dragged along by her enthusiastic daughter, Camille had no choice but to step outside, though she stopped at the threshold.

Chloe launched herself into Damien's waiting arms. "Daddy!" He swung her up effortlessly, murmuring something that made her giggle before his gaze found Camille's.

"I'll have her back by seven. Thank you for watching her this coming week." His deep voice carried across the driveway.

Camille nodded curtly. "Understood."

After Chloe blew exaggerated kisses to her mother, Damien buckled her into the car and drove away from the Hartwell estate.

Between NovaSight Labs, Harrington Group, and Virelia's pressing technical issues, Camille's weekend promised little respite. After a brief hospital visit to check on Audrey, she retreated to her home office, drowning in paperwork.

Damien's flight to Lucerne departed at 5:15 PM. After returning Chloe promptly at three, he raced to the airport.

News of his abrupt overseas trip reached the Lancaster family swiftly. Nora Lancaster's displeasure was palpable. "He couldn't spare one more day to finalize the divorce?" she huffed.

Giselle nodded vigorously. "Exactly!"

Though Damien was divorcing Camille for Selene's sake, and Selene had his assurance he'd return by the promised date, their anxiety lingered. Until those papers were signed, anything could happen.

Selene remained silent, remembering how Damien had flown across continents just for Chloe's birthday celebration. Nora noticed her niece's expression and patted her hand. "Once you and Damien have children of your own, he'll undoubtedly cherish them just as much - if not more."

Selene offered a noncommittal hum, her thoughts elsewhere.