SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

CAMILLE'S POINT OF VIEW

"Five minutes until your entrance, Ms. Kane."

I nodded to James, Victoria's head of security who now shadowed me at all public events. My heartbeat quickened, but my face revealed nothing. One year of training had perfected my mask, the serene, confic

From my position in the private antechamber above the grand ballroom, I could observe without being seen. The Kane Industries Annual Charity Ball spread below me in a glittering panorama of wealth, influenc All of them waiting for their first real glimpse of

Victoria Kane's mysterious adopted daughter. The woman who had appeared seemingly from nowhere, who had closed the TechVault acquisition that business publications called "the deal of the year," who had The woman I had become.

"Are

you ready?” Victoria appeared beside me, elegant in midnight blue, silver hair swept into a sophisticated updo. Nothing

in her demeanor betrayed the significance of tonight, my official introduction to the social world that had once broken and discarded Camille Lewis.

"Bom ready," I replied, smoothing the skirt of my gown, a custom creation in deep emerald that hugged my transformed body

before flowing to the floor in liquid silk. The color had been Victoria's suggestion. "Green for rebirth," she'd said. "For growth emerging from destruction."

Victoria studied me with critical eyes, looking for flaws in my presentation. Finding none, she nodded once. Remember, this isn't merely a social event. It's reconnaissance. Intelligence gathering. Every conversa "Identify allies, locate weaknesses, establish presence," I recited our agreed strategy. "I know my role."

"Good." Victoria checked her diamond watch. "Three minutes. The announcement will come after my welcome. speech."

My fingers brushed the phoenix pendant at my throat, my talisman, my reminder of transformation through fire. Matching earrings caught the light as I turned to check my reflection

one final time in the antechamber's gilded

mirror.

no resemblance to the one who had signed divorce papers on her anniversary a year ago. Dr. Torres's skilled alterations had

once-

Designer clothes draped a body transformed by Jason's relentless combat training, leaner, stronger, carrying itself with

assessing, confident in ways Camille Lewis

an elevator. My own parents would look right through me, not connecting this polished executive

Victoria's voice carried through the sound system as

the annual Kane

Chapter 30

where Victoria addressed the assembled guests, the dance fl delicacies, the bar areas

benefits the Kane Foundation for Educational Excellence, which has provided over two billion dollars in scholarships and program funding since its inception." Polite applause rippled

The millions raised were merely a convenient byproduct

of you have been anticipating." Victoria's

ran through the crowd, speculation finally

now to allow her time to acclimate to her new role, many of you have already read about her business achievements." Victoria turned toward the staircase where I waited. "It

at the top of the staircase. Three hundred faces turned upward, scrutinizing every detail of my appearance, hungry for first impressions they

conversations.

before descending the stairs with practiced grace. The emerald gown

progress. Every conversation halted. Even the serving staff paused in their duties, caught

extended her hand as I reached the bottom step, a gesture both welcoming and possessive. I took it, allowing her to draw

my

The perfect blend of gratitude and self- assurance expected from someone worthy of the

read her body language, her facial cues, and adjusted their own reactions accor "Please, enjoy the evening," Victoria concluded, dismissing the crowd with a regal nod. "Remember, every dollar spent

an

Chapter 30

"Have you met

he replied, eyes

professional. "Your TechVault acquisition was impressively executed. Especially for

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255