Ayan snorted lightly and then let go of her. He said, “If it weren’t for the inappropriate place, I would have made you beg me.”
His threatening words made Camille unable to help but laugh.
“Why are you acting like a child? Did Callum scold you?” It seemed that only Callum could make him upset. Even Fletcher couldn’t do anything to him.
Ayan didn’t say anything. He just rolled down the car window, letting the gentle breeze blow in and calm the atmosphere inside the car.
He spoke softly, “Should we go straight home or back to the Simpson’s mansion?”
“Let’s go straight back to the Simpson’s mansion. Otherwise, we’ll have to take a detour,” Camille said casually.
Ayan nodded and stepped on the gas pedal.
On their way back to the Simpson’s mansion, Ayan asked casually, “How is the collaboration going?”
“It’s going well. They need me to take charge personally, but I’m busy with the SynergyCon project now. I don’t have time. Maybe I’ll consider it after I finish my current project,” Camille said with some frustration. She continued, “I’m too excellent, aren’t I? I wish I could clone myself.”
Her rare self-confidence made Ayan couldn’t help but smile.
Ayan said, “I understand that you care about your career, but my only condition is to take care of your health and not push yourself too hard.”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Simpson. I’m a mother now. I will take care of myself,” Camille assured him.
“And don’t forget you’re someone’s wife.” His voice carried a hint of jealousy.
Camille immediately leaned over and kissed his cheek before saying, “Focus on driving!”
Mr. Simpson was an easy-to-please person, so it only took a few words to appease him effortlessly.
…
After a while, they arrived safely at the Simpson’s mansion.
Dinner was already prepared since they had informed in advance.
Dishes were served upon their return. Since Callum came back from the hospital, they could eat together every day.
At his age, Callum enjoyed this kind of atmosphere. Even though he ate less, he was happy to have everyone around.
Camille’s business trip was known by everyone in the family, so naturally, they were eager to show concern when they saw her.
Camille presented the gifts she had brought back, including a new haute couture dress for Talia. Although these items were usually sent to their home for Talia to choose from, Camille had been short on time and could only pick something appropriate.
As it turned out, Talia didn’t have this particular dress, and she held it in her hands with delight. “Thank you, Camille! You thought of us even while you were on a business trip. It really touches my heart. Daughters are the best, while sons… well, let’s not get into that.”
Talia cast a glance at Ayan before heading off to show it to Fletcher.
Watching this unfold, Camille couldn’t help but stifle a laugh, while Ayan wore an helpless smile.
He said, “So, all those pieces of jewelry I usually get for you don’t count as gifts, right?”
Talia didn’t respond at all, and her silence spoke volumes.
Ayan, feeling utterly defeated, replied with a hint of sarcasm, “Since that is the case, I guess I’ll just have to tell Kian to stop collecting those jewels.”
“Ayan, why are you being so childish? Don’t make your mother angry.” Fletcher’s calm voice chimed in.
Fletcher had always been unconditionally on Talia’s side, without the slightest hesitation or wavering.
Ayan looked at Camille, pouting as he said, “Are you just going to stand by and watch while others bully your man?”
Camille pursed her lips and replied, “Alright, stop messing around. Are you really acting like a kid? Even Timothy’s more sensible than you.”
Her words didn’t offer any comfort. If anything, they struck him hard.
Ayan shook his head and looked at Camille with a threatening expression.
Feigning ignorance, Camille turned to him and said, “Why don’t you go spend time with Timothy? Talia needs to try on some clothes. I’m worried Fletcher won’t manage on his own.”
Since Callum came back, Fletcher had been spending more time at home, indulging Timothy endlessly as a doting grandfather.
Timothy had grown clever, sometimes outsmarting Fletcher in their playful banter.
The boy was growing up day by day, reaching an age that was both delightful and exhausting.
With Ayan sent off to care for Timothy, the living room was left with just Camille and Callum.
“Callum, Why don’t we go for a walk outside?” Camille suggested.
It was a cloudy day, cool and refreshing.
The old man nodded in agreement, and Camille supported him as they stepped outside.
As they strolled through the garden, Camille gently asked, “Callum, how are you feeling these days?”
“It’s much more comfortable at home. The hospital was stifling. I didn’t want to worry you all, so I kept it to myself and just endured!” Callum couldn’t help but voice his complaints. Then he added, “Ayan mentioned that it was your idea to bring me home. You’re really considerate, knowing I didn’t want to stay in the hospital. If it were up to them, they wouldn’t even consider it.”
Camille couldn’t help but chuckle.
She whispered, “Actually, Ayan thinks the same way. He just hasn’t acted on it yet.”
He scoffed, grumbling about Ayan, “He forbids me from eating certain foods. Just thinking about him makes me angry.”
They both enjoyed their lighthearted conversation.
Callum then asked, “Was your business trip to Flento City for company matters or project-related?”
“For company matters.”
“How did it go?”
“It was fine, but I can only discuss collaboration after I finish my current project.”
“That’s because you’re doing a great job, and they can’t wait to work with you!” Callum praised her.
“Grandpa, please don’t flatter me too much. If outsiders hear this, they’ll think I’m so arrogant.”
“If they really think that way, that’s because they’re jealous of you. Trust me. If I think you’re great, then you are great.”
The old man’s unwavering support for Camille remained unchanged.
Moreover, he offered plenty of encouraging words, hoping she would be a confident person who could stick to her own ideas.
He had witnessed her struggles over the years.
“Go ahead and do your thing without any worries. If you’re concerned about balancing work and family, you could let Ayan take a break for a while. During Ayan’s absence from the company, his father will stand in for him. This way, Ayan can spend more time with you and the children. The most important thing is that the whole family stays together. If my health permits, I’d love to join you!”
Camille quickly replied, “Callum, I don’t want Ayan to sacrifice his time just to keep me company. I won’t devote all my time to work. I want to spend more time with family.”
She wanted to make sure Timothy had plenty of memories with both his parents.
The old man nodded in agreement with Camille’s words.
Their conversation flowed easily. Camille scanned the area, making sure no one was around, then she took a deep breath and spoke up.