The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 740

As long as Camila and Irene kept their stories straight and denied everything, there wasn't much Arthur could do even if he grew suspicious.

Still, Camila couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

"Mom, do you think he knows? You've been so good to him all these years, but he still keeps his distance. Sometimes, he doesn't come home for a week or two, and even when he does, he never stays overnight."

Irene's expression tightened.

"Your father is one of the base's top commanders. He's busy. Half the time, he practically lives at his office."

Camila still wasn't convinced. "The other senior officers are busy, too, but they still make time for their families. They don't just disappear for weeks at a time."

She had quietly asked around. Arthur really was busy, but before she and Irene came, he still returned to the officers' housing regularly.

At first, his distance made sense. They hadn't seen each other in years, and it took time to adjust. But even now, he was just as distant as ever.

He didn't push them away. He accepted both of them into his life and made sure they had everything they needed. But that was about it.

When Irene suggested changing Camila's last name to his, Arthur refused.

He said the Clarks were the ones who raised her, and she shouldn't forget that. There was no reason to change her name.

Irene had been widowed for years and was still beautiful. Arthur had never married, supposedly because she was the only woman he had ever loved.

After finally finding each other again, they should've picked up right where they left off. Instead, no matter how obvious Irene made her feelings, Arthur never seemed interested.

That was what bothered Camila most.

Arthur was quiet, observant, and hard to read. Sometimes, one look from him made Camila feel like he could see right through her.

He was never openly cold to them, but there was always a distance there.

Maybe that was just how he was after spending so many years in a position of authority. Whatever the reason, Camila never felt comfortable enough to let her guard down around him.

In some ways, it was easier when he stayed away. She had good food, nice clothes, and a comfortable life in military housing without having to stay on edge all the time.

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