Chapter 78

Marianne Hartwell would turn seventy next month.

Camille Hartwell sat with Owen Hartwell, discussing plans for the birthday celebration.

Marianne had no interest in elaborate festivities. A simple family dinner would suffice.

Talia Hartwell interjected, "It's her seventieth! We should make it special."

Camille and Owen agreed.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Marianne reluctantly gave in to their suggestions.

Chloe Harrington had school the next day. After dinner, Camille left the Hartwell residence with her daughter.

Upon arriving at Harrington Manor, Chloe bounded out of the car, her face lit with excitement.

Camille remained seated. "Take your bath and go to bed early," she instructed. "I have some errands to run."

Chloe's smile faltered. "What?"

She leaned against the car window, brows knitting together. "Are you busy, Mom?"

Camille kept her expression neutral. "Yes. Focus on your studies. Call me if you need anything."

Chloe's lips pursed in disappointment. "Okay."

With Damien frequently absent due to work, Chloe assumed her mother's absence was work-related and didn't question further.

Marcus Maddox came out to greet them. "Is Dad home?" Chloe asked.

"Yes, he's in his study," Marcus replied.

Camille's voice remained even. "I'm leaving now, Chloe."

"Alright..." Chloe stepped back, confused.

Marcus frowned. "Going out again at this hour, Mrs. Harrington?"

"Just some things to attend to." Camille turned to Chloe. "It's cold. Go inside."

Chloe waved goodbye and entered the house with Marcus.

After watching them go, Camille reversed the car and drove away.

Inside, Chloe asked, "Where's Dad?"

"Study," Marcus answered.

Upstairs, Chloe found the study door ajar. Damien stood by the window, cigarette in hand, gazing outside.

"Dad?"

He turned. "Hello, sweetheart."

"Mom had to leave again."

Damien stubbed out his cigarette. "I saw."

Chloe wrinkled her nose. "She's been as busy as you lately."

Damien chuckled. "True."

Yawning, Chloe announced, "I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Dad."

"Sweet dreams."

Camille went straight to bed after returning home.

The next day, she arrived at work early.

That afternoon, she and Everett Ortiz visited Vertex Dynamics for system maintenance with their team.

Neither Damien nor Selene Lancaster appeared during their visit.

In the following days, including Thursday when she cooked for Chloe, Damien remained conspicuously absent.

She heard he wasn't traveling—just occupied with unspecified errands that kept him from dinner.

Camille didn't inquire whether these errands involved Selene or other obligations. On Friday evening, as she considered dinner options, Chloe called. "Mom, Dad won't be home this weekend. When are you coming back?"