Chapter 69

Gabriel froze. What an unexpected coincidence.

Damien responded with equal calmness. "Indeed."

Gabriel glanced at their group. "Mr. Harrington, why don't you take this elevator first? We'll catch the next one."

"Of course. Until next time."

"Until next time."

The doors slid shut, leaving Camille, Gabriel, and the others waiting in silence.

When the next elevator arrived, Camille's phone buzzed the moment they stepped inside. Chloe's name flashed on the screen. Excusing herself, she answered. "Hello, sweetheart?"

"Mom, are you done with work? When are you coming home?"

Ever since Camille had twisted her ankle, Chloe had made it a habit to check in daily. Yesterday, upon hearing her mother had recovered, she'd immediately asked when she'd return.

Work had been too hectic for promises then. Now, hearing the same hopeful question, Camille softened. "Just finished. I'll be home soon."

By the time she hung up, the elevator had reached the lobby.

Wesley, unable to contain his curiosity, blurted, "Ms. Hartwell, you have a child?"

Camille nodded. "Yes."

"Really? I had no idea."

He'd assumed she and Gabriel were together. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Gabriel's attentiveness toward her was impossible to miss.

Roland mirrored his surprise. Camille looked far too young to be a mother. Casually, he asked, "Is your husband in tech like us?"

Camille paused briefly. "In a way."

Wesley, having debated coding frameworks with her before, knew her expertise rivaled the best. He'd naturally assumed her partner was industry elite too. He nearly asked for a name but stopped when he noticed her closed-off expression. Clearly, she wasn't interested in elaborating.

Gabriel bit his tongue. The truth—that Camille's husband was Damien, their CEO—would've dropped jaws.

But with divorce papers looming, and future collaborations with Wesley and Roland inevitable, revealing it now could backfire. Someone might target Camille to curry favor with Selene.

Better to stay silent.

After leaving Vertex Dynamics, Camille and Gabriel parted ways at the parking lot.

When Camille pulled into the villa's driveway, Chloe was already waiting on the front steps. The moment she spotted her mother, she sprinted forward and threw her arms around her. "Mom, will you stay with me tonight?"