Chapter 461

Chloe's hopeful expression faltered as Camille hesitated to respond.

Damien intervened smoothly, "Your mother has important meetings today. Let's not distract her."

The little girl's lower lip trembled as she gazed up at Camille with pleading eyes.

"I have back-to-back meetings at NovaSight Labs this morning," Camille explained gently, crouching to Chloe's level.

"Then I'm heading to Caldwell Heights for a client presentation. It wouldn't be appropriate to bring you along - how about we plan something special this weekend?"

Chloe's shoulders slumped, but she nodded reluctantly.

"Okay..."

With Helena still unconscious and the conversation stalled, Marianne took her leave when Camille departed.

The elevator doors slid shut behind them.

"He's not concerned about Chloe disrupting your work," Marianne observed dryly.

"He's worried someone might recognize her at NovaSight Labs and start asking questions."

Camille understood immediately.

If word got out that she and Damien remained legally married, Selene would be the first to suffer the consequences.

To protect Selene's reputation, Damien would naturally keep their marital status under wraps until the divorce was finalized.

The truth couldn't surface now.

Outside the hospital, Camille waited until Marianne's car disappeared around the corner before entering her own vehicle.

At that precise moment, Tristan Rutherford arrived at the entrance, immediately recognizing Camille's silhouette as she slid into the driver's seat.

His lips parted to call out, but her car had already merged into traffic.

Tristan swallowed his greeting.

Arlo Calloway rounded the car and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Earth to Tristan? Let's move."

Shaking himself from his thoughts, Tristan followed Arlo upstairs.

Chloe greeted them with renewed enthusiasm.

"Mr. Rutherford! Mr. Calloway!"

Tristan smiled warmly and ruffled Chloe's hair before setting his fruit basket beside the bedside table.

His gaze caught on the gift basket from Camille and Marianne, noticing the small card with Camille's distinctive handwriting - a get-well message for Helena signed simply "Cami."

Seeing her familiar script sent an unexpected warmth through Tristan's chest.

He stared at the card, momentarily transfixed.

"Tristan?"

Arlo's voice snapped him back to reality.

"Sit down already. What's so fascinating over there?"

Tristan turned to find both Arlo and Damien watching him.

When his eyes met Damien's piercing gaze, he quickly looked away.

"Right," he muttered, placing his fruit basket down.

But before taking his seat, he hesitated, then deliberately repositioned his gift to sit flush against Camille's.

The moment he settled into his chair, Damien's phone buzzed.

Selene's name flashed on the caller ID.

Damien answered smoothly.

"How's your grandmother? Any change?"

Selene's concerned voice came through.

"Not yet."

"And Chloe? Is she feeling better?"

"Much improved."

"Could I speak with her briefly?"

Damien handed the phone to Chloe.

"Is it Selene?" the girl asked excitedly.

"Yes."

Chloe practically snatched the phone.

"Selene!" she chirped.

Arlo scratched his nose awkwardly upon realizing who was calling.

Earlier, he'd asked Damien if Selene would be visiting Helena, only to learn Lydia had laid down strict rules the previous night - Selene was expressly forbidden from entering the hospital room.

Lydia's exact words had been razor-sharp: "I won't have outsiders disturbing your grandmother's recovery."