Chapter 481

Camille constantly claimed she was swamped with work.

No matter how packed her schedule was, she should still find time for a phone call.

Yet when Chloe tried reaching her, she seldom returned the calls.

And Camille almost never initiated contact herself.

It felt like everything else in her life took priority over her own daughter.

The more Chloe dwelled on it, the more her heart ached.

Silent tears traced paths down her cheeks.

Seeing her distress, Damien spoke before Camille could respond.

He gently wiped Chloe’s tears.

“Your mother truly is under immense pressure at work right now.”

“But after next year—things should ease up for her.”

Chloe, still so young, clung to his comforting words.

The heavy weight in her chest lightened slightly.

She rubbed her eyes with her small hands and looked at Camille, hope flickering in her gaze.

“Is it true, Mom? Will you have more time after next year?”

Chloe was her daughter.

Even though custody was no longer hers, Camille wanted her to be happy.

Seeing that hopeful look, she couldn’t bring herself to shatter it completely.

But she also couldn’t make a promise she might not keep.

Not with the uncertainties ahead.

“The major projects should wrap up by year’s end,” Camille said carefully.

“But new commitments might come up.”

“I can’t guarantee I’ll have more free time.”

It wasn’t the answer Chloe had hoped for.

But she noticed the hesitation in Camille’s eyes.

That tiny hesitation told her that her mother still cared.

That was enough to lift her spirits.

She slid down from Damien’s lap and rushed over to hug Camille.

“That’s okay.”

“But when you do have time, please answer my calls more often.”

Camille paused, glancing briefly at Damien.

He met her gaze calmly, his expression neutral.

It was as if he was telling her, “It’s your decision. I won’t interfere.”

After a brief silence, Camille nodded.

“I’ll try.”

Chloe’s mood shifted quickly.

Once reassured, she brightened up completely.

“Okay!”

Just then, a server knocked and entered with their food.

The three settled back at the table.

Chloe even scooted her chair closer to Camille’s.

She chattered happily throughout the meal, sharing amusing stories from her recent training match.

Midway, she pulled out her tablet from her little bag to show Camille photos from the event.

While Camille engaged with her, Damien remained quiet.

He focused on deboning her fish and serving her portions.

Chloe’s nonstop talking stretched the meal longer than usual.

It was only when exhaustion finally set in that she began to quiet down.

Knowing Camille couldn’t carry her, Chloe climbed willingly into Damien’s arms.

Within moments, she was fast asleep.

With Chloe asleep, only Damien and Camille remained.

A heavy silence hung between them.

Camille glanced at the sleeping child in his arms, picked up her purse, and stood.

“I should go.”

“Please… take good care of her.”

Damien nodded.

“I will.”

Without another word, Camille opened the door and stepped out of the private room.

Damien stayed seated, holding Chloe a little longer.

Eventually, he rose and carried her out into the quiet evening.