Chapter 6

The morning sun cast long shadows across the corporate plaza when Camille Hartwell collided with Damien Harrington in the lobby. Her breath hitched. She hadn't expected him back from Lucerne so soon.

Damien's sharp gaze flickered with surprise before turning glacial. He strode past without acknowledgment, his tailored suit cutting an imposing silhouette against the marble floors.

Once, Camille would've chased after him with sparkling eyes. Once, she'd have woven entire fantasies around such accidental meetings. Now, she merely noted the sharp angle of his jaw before looking away.

By the time the elevator doors closed behind him, she'd already calculated how soon she could file divorce papers.

Her keyboard clacked with renewed focus when Caleb Doyle summoned her. "Two coffees for Mr. Harrington's office. Immediately."

The request stung like salt on a fresh wound. She'd perfected her coffee craft for Damien during those early, hopeful months of marriage. The way his shoulders relaxed after the first sip had been her private victory.

Now the silver carafe trembled in her grip as she approached his ajar office door.

Selene Lancaster's crimson nails were tangled in Damien's hair when Camille froze on the threshold. Their lips parted with audible wetness.

"Who permitted your entry?" Damien's voice could've flash-frozen the Atlantic.

Camille's knuckles whitened around the tray. "Your coffee, sir."

Colin Keaton materialized beside her, dripping condescension. "Pathetic, Ms. Hartwell. Using coffee as an excuse to spy?"

The scalding liquid sloshed over her fingers as she turned. Damien's final dagger followed her out: "Repeat this, and you're terminated."

Selene's simpering voice chased her down the hall. "Don't be cross, darling. She's clearly still obsessed with you."

In the staff kitchen, Camille watched her reflection distort in the swirling drain. The burn cream in her purse—originally packed for Chloe's scraped knees—now soothed her blistered skin.

Gossip slithered through cubicles like vipers:

"—Harrington's heiress girlfriend touring the executive floor—"

"—dressed in head-to-toe Bellavere—"

Camille silenced them by standing. The elevator doors parted to reveal Selene holding court with four fawning VPs.

"Your company's infrastructure is impressive," Selene purred, examining her manicure. The managers practically genuflected. "Naturally, Ms. Lancaster! Given your... special relationship with our CEO."

Their sycophantic grins curdled when Camille stepped forward. One VP actually shielded Selene. "Watch your step! You nearly bumped into the future Mrs. Harrington!"

Selene's smirk could've powered a frostbite epidemic. Camille walked past without breaking stride, her heels clicking like a countdown to freedom.