Chapter 464

Camille left the corporate headquarters and returned to the Harrington estate, but Chloe was nowhere to be found.

She'd apparently gone to accompany Damien at NovaSight Labs.

Helena's deteriorating health weighed heavily on Camille's mind, leaving her restless.

For several consecutive days, she made dawn visits to the medical center to monitor Helena's condition.

Sometimes Damien would be present, other times it would be Lydia and Selene.

While Lydia didn't approve of Camille as her daughter-in-law, she maintained polite gratitude whenever Camille came to check on Helena.

Selene had never warmed to Camille either, but with divorce proceedings imminent between Camille and Damien, she saw no purpose in further criticism.

Their recent interactions had been notably free of her usual biting remarks.

That particular morning when Camille arrived at the medical center, the Harrington siblings - Selene, Damien, and Hugo - were all present with Lydia.

After examining Helena's charts, Camille turned to leave when Damien rose abruptly.

"Let me walk you out."

"No need."

Her refusal came crisp and final as she exited without so much as a backward glance.

Damien didn't press the matter.

Selene had been traveling extensively and realized this marked their first encounter in weeks prior to Helena's hospitalization.

Watching Camille's retreating figure show none of her former affection for Damien, Selene remarked dryly, "She's clearly moved on."

Damien offered a faint smile in response when his phone interrupted with an insistent ring.

Meanwhile, Camille proceeded directly to Caldwell Heights after leaving the medical center.

Around midday, she and several associates prepared to venture out for lunch.

As the elevator doors parted on the ground level, they nearly collided with Selene Lancaster approaching from the lobby.

Though not a regular visitor to Caldwell Heights, Selene's frequent enough appearances meant most staff recognized her - and everyone knew she was Damien's current romantic interest.

The employees offered respectful greetings appropriate to her status.

"Ms. Lancaster."

Selene hadn't anticipated encountering Camille.

Their eyes met briefly before Selene averted her gaze, fingers tightening around her designer handbag.

Responding to the warm welcomes with practiced grace, Selene offered polite smiles and nods before brushing past Camille into the waiting elevator.

Moments later, she arrived at the executive floor where Caleb and Colin greeted her courteously.

"Ms. Lancaster."

She reciprocated with a professional smile before knocking and entering Damien's office.

Finding him still immersed in paperwork despite the hour, her expression softened genuinely.

"Still working through lunch?"

Damien glanced up.

"Almost finished."

Though he'd returned to Lakeview days earlier, this marked his first full day back at Caldwell Heights - other obligations had consumed his schedule until now.

Selene approached, noticing the embossed invitation in his hand.

She leaned closer, curiosity piqued.

"What's this?"

Damien turned the card toward her.

"NovaSight Labs's decade anniversary gala invitation. It arrived days ago but I'm only now reviewing it."

Selene's smile faltered momentarily.

Noticing her reaction, Damien studied her face.

"Something wrong?"

Selene quickly composed herself with a strained smile.

"NovaSight Labs... Has it really been ten years already?"

Damien nodded.

"Time flies."

Selene watched him intently, her grip on her purse turning white-knuckled.

After a measured pause, she ventured, "Will you be attending?"

"Of course," Damien replied without hesitation.

"Given our current partnership with NovaSight Labs, I'd make time even if my schedule were packed."

Selene offered a tight-lipped smile.

"I see..."