SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Camille's point of view

"Ms. Kane." A deep voice interrupted my thoughts. "Andrew Hargrove, Meridian Investments. I've been hoping to speak with you about your approach to the TechVault integration."

I turned to find a middle-

aged executive with expensive dental work and even more expensive cufflinks. One of many who had dismissed me during my first attempt at the MicroLink negotiation, now eager to discuss strategy with Victo "Mr. Hargrove," I replied, extending my hand. "I believe we met briefly at the Barrett negotiations last year."

His expression flickered with confusion, then embarrassment as he failed to recall our

previous encounter. "Did we? I apologize for not remembering."

"No apology necessary," I assured him, satisfaction warming my chest. "I was observing rather than participating at that point in my training."

Training. As if I'd been Victoria's protégée all along, not a broken woman she'd rescued and transformed for mutual benefit.

"Of course." Hargrove recovered quickly, ego soothed by my gracious handling of his lapse. "I'd love to hear your thoughts on technology acquisition strategy

when you have a moment. My firm is considering several targets in the same sector."

"I'd be happy to share some general perspectives," I replied, maintaining the careful balance between

professional courtesy and strategic advantage. "Perhaps at the Kane Industries conference next month? I believe Meridian will be represented."

The conversation continued in this vein, him fishing for insights, me providing just enough to seem helpful while revealing nothing of value. A dance I'd rehearsed countless times with Victoria, now executed flaw When Hargrove eventually excused himself, I resumed my circuit of the room, pausing occasionally to exchange pleasantries with guests Victoria had identified as potentially valuable connections. Always movi top table. "You have her watchfulness."

I recognized her from my preparation materials, Margaret Whitmore, society doyenne and longtime acquaintance of Victoria's. Not quite a friend, Victoria didn't have friends, but a respected equal in New York's "High praise, Mrs. Whitmore," I replied. "Though I've much to learn still."

“Hmm.” She studied me over her martini glass, "You move differently than most new money. More... contained. Like someone used to taking up less space who's now allowing herself room to expand." The observation was uncomfortably perceptive. I maintained my pleasant expression, neither confirming nor denying her assessment,

"Victoria never does anything without multiple reasons," she continued. "I've known her thirty five years, since before

just Victoria Reynolds from nowhere Pennsylvania, determined to

Chapter 31

information. Victoria rarely discussed her background before her marriage to

a purpose," Mrs. Whitmore said, eyes

be." Before I could formulate a response that would neither reveal nor deny too much,

slightly. "Alexander has decided to

her gaze to the man now being greeted with particular

somehow looked

too intense, features too strong, but compelling in its intelligence and focus. Despite

eight or twenty-

carried himself with the unmistakable authority of enormous

mentioned him." The name sent a jolt through me. Alexander Pierce, the young trillionaire whose technological innovations "She's mentioned him," I said carefully, watching as he moved through the crowd with a peculiar economy of motion. Unlike the other guests who performed for each other, laughing too loudly,

being the source of information I hadn't anticipated. "Fierce competitors, those two. Though I always wondered if there wasn't more I kept my expression neutral despite my racing thoughts. Victoria had never suggested Pierce might attend tonight. Had never included him in our preparation discussions. An oversight unlike her usual thorough "Of course, dear. Do come find me again later. I have the most interesting gossip about that fashion

or-

sister's husband Stefan the

politely before moving away. Now wasn't the time to pursue that particular thread, not with Alexander Pierce's

assessment.

spoke little, listened intently, moved with purpose rather than social obligation. Several Victoria had also noticed his arrival. I caught her watching him with an expression I couldn't quite interpret, not quite hostility, not quite concern. Something more complex. When our eyes met across the

as I conversed with the CFO of a major technology corporation about

my daughter," she said smoothly.

Chapter 31

+25 BON

appropriate deference, and Victoria guided

didn't anticipate his attendance. He

I be concerned?" I asked, keeping

unpredictable. His companies have been aggressively moving

never told me much about him," I

to tell beyond what appears in business publications," Victoria replied. "He emerged from nowhere seven years ago with a revolutionary Al algorithm built an empire with remarkable

"How much does he