Chapter 47

Damien Harrington controlled multiple business empires, his schedule perpetually packed.

For the next forty-eight hours, he remained absent on corporate affairs, leaving Camille Hartwell alone in their penthouse. Restless, she found herself dialing Phoebe Carver's number again.

Having buried herself in work for two days, Phoebe had moved past their recent confrontation. She answered on the second ring.

"Mommy, when are you coming home?"

Learning Damien wasn't present, Phoebe arrived at the Harrington residence straight after her shift.

Chloe Harrington practically vibrated with excitement when Camille walked through the door. The child clung to her mother's waist, chattering about schoolyard antics and demonstrating her latest mobile game obsession, demanding Camille learn the controls.

Camille indulged her daughter's whims - as long as homework was completed first. They spent ninety minutes battling cartoon monsters together, Chloe's laughter echoing through the penthouse.

That evening, Chloe refused to sleep alone. "Stay with me, Mommy!"

Camille had no desire to occupy the master suite anyway. She tucked them both into Chloe's canopy bed.

Thursday evening, Camille was transferring dinner plates when Chloe's squeal cut through the penthouse. "Daddy! You're home early!"

A baritone response vibrated through the marble foyer. "Finished negotiations ahead of schedule. Have you eaten?"

"Not yet! Mommy's just finished cooking."

"Is that so?"

Camille froze mid-step, then deliberately exited the kitchen balancing three serving dishes. Damien and Chloe entered the dining area simultaneously.

"Look, Daddy! Mommy made your favorite salmon!"

Camille's gaze flickered across Damien's tailored suit before fixing on the centerpiece. "Welcome back."

She handed her apron to Marcus Maddox without making eye contact, then took her usual seat flanked by husband and daughter.

Between bites of roasted vegetables, Chloe tilted her head. "Daddy, your calendar said tomorrow?"

"Closed the Singapore deal early." Damien's fork hovered over his plate. "Your mother's cooking improved."

Chloe beamed while Camille concentrated on cutting Chloe's chicken into precise cubes.

The Harringtons maintained relaxed mealtime traditions. Chloe dominated conversation while Damien provided terse but attentive responses. Tonight, the girl noticed the imbalance.

"Mommy, you're being quiet!"

"Just enjoying your stories, sweetheart." Camille's smile didn't reach her eyes.

Marcus observed the unusual dynamic. Normally, Camille would inquire about Damien's travels - polite if distant. Tonight, she avoided both speech and eye contact.

Damien appeared unaffected, his expression impassive as ever.

The silence shattered when Helena Harrington's caller ID flashed across Damien's phone screen.

"Another overseas trip completed?"

"Just landed." Damien activated speakerphone while slicing his salmon. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Grandmother?"

Helena's chuckle crackled through the line. "I haven't spoiled my great-granddaughter in weeks. The forecast predicts chilly weather - bring the family to the mineral springs tomorrow. My treat."

"Consider it done."

Chloe's cheer rattled the crystal stemware. "Hot springs! Can we get the private grotto again?"

Damien's gaze pinned Camille to her chair. "The car will collect you at seven."

Camille finally met his eyes. "I'll drive separately after my board meeting."

Her salad fork clinked against the porcelain with finality.