Chapter 49

Damien's prolonged absence infuriated Helena and left Chloe visibly upset.

Camille remained unbothered, calmly brewing tea for Helena. "Perhaps an emergency came up," she suggested smoothly. "These things happen."

Helena retired early that evening, her mood clearly soured.

Chloe tried calling Damien repeatedly, but each attempt went unanswered.

Morning light found Camille alone in bed - Chloe had vanished without a trace.

After freshening up, Camille searched the retreat grounds but found no sign of her stepdaughter.

Inquiries revealed Chloe had grown bored waiting for Damien and arranged an early morning departure to go shopping.

Meanwhile, Helena had caught a chill from the night air, suffering a migraine that prompted her pre-dawn return to Harrington Manor.

Not wishing to disturb Camille's rest, she'd left without notice.

Now only staff remained at the luxury hot springs with Camille.

The hasty departure struck Camille as odd - Chloe could have simply waited to ask her to accompany the shopping trip.

This silent disappearance suggested another motive entirely.

Camille suspected Chloe had received word about Damien's whereabouts and rushed to meet him - and Selene.

The morning rain didn't dampen Camille's spirits. The covered hot springs offered perfect conditions for reading while soaking.

Solitude suited her - uninterrupted time to focus on her own affairs.

Come Sunday afternoon, as Camille prepared for dinner before her return home, Helena called.

"Darling, I instructed Damien to collect you tonight. Has he contacted you?"

He hadn't.

Despite his promise, Damien remained absent without even a courtesy call.

Chloe hadn't checked in either since her abrupt departure.

Camille saw no benefit in sharing this with Helena. "Yes," she replied simply.

Helena sounded relieved. "Good."

After inquiring about Helena's health, Camille ended the call.

Evening fell with no sign of Damien.

By 9 PM, Camille grew tired of waiting. The retreat's remote location meant a ninety-minute drive home.

She arranged for a staff car instead.

Drowsiness overtook her during the ride until Elise's call startled her awake.

"You won't believe this!" Elise's voice crackled with outrage. "That scheming little-"

Camille blinked. "Elise?"

"Not you, obviously! I'm talking about someone else entirely."

"What happened?"

"I'm at the Children's Hospital gala tonight. Guess who just made an appearance? Your worthless father-in-law and Selene!"

Elise's anger vibrated through the phone. "Some society woman just called Selene out as a homewrecker and drenched her in cabernet! The scene was spectacular!"

The gala's celebrity performances created background chaos on the livestream Elise sent.

Though distant, the footage clearly showed the confrontation - the wine toss, the shouting match, and then...

Damien appeared.

The camera captured everything as he swept in to rescue Selene, escorting her away from the scandalous scene.