SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

INT OF VIEW

CAMILLE'S POINT OF VIEW

His words hung in the air between us, dangerous and sharp. "Welcome back to the land of the living, Ms. Kane. O should I use your previous name?"

I kept my face still, fighting the storm that raged inside my chest. Years of practice hiding emotions from Rose. Months of Victoria's merciless training. Everything in me focused on not revealing the bolt of fear th

"I'm afraid you've mistaken me for someone else," I said, withdrawing my hand from his grasp. My voice stayed perfectly steady, cool and distant. "I don't have a previous name."

Alexander Pierce studied me with those unnerving gray eyes, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Too knowing. Too certain.

"Is that so?" He tilted his head slightly, examining me as one might examine an interesting puzzle. "My mistake, then "

But his tone made it clear he believed no such thing. He wasn't backing down, merely shifting tactics.

"First public appearance?" he asked, smoothly changing subjects while maintaining uncomfortable

eye contact. Victoria has kept you well hidden until now."

"Mother believed I needed time to adjust before facing the social spotlight," I replied, using the bland explanation we'd crafted for curious questions. "European privacy has its advantages."

"European privacy," he repeated, the phrase clearly amusing him. "How... convenient."

The way he stressed that word, convenient* made my stomach tighten. This man knew something. Or thought he did. Either way, he presented a danger I hadn't prepared for

"If you'll excuse me," I began, seeking escape from this increasingly dangerous conversation. "I should..." "Should continue making the rounds?" he finished for me Of course, Victoria's careful choreography mu The way he emphasized my last name carried volumes of unspoken meaning.

"I look forward to it," I lied smoothly.

He smiled then, a genuine expression that transformed his severe features, making him appear younger, almost boyish despite his imposing presence.

he said quietly. "But

that somehow

youth compared to most titans of industry

One year of transformation. One year of becoming someone new. One year of building Camille Kane from the rains of Camille

exactly one minute to

Chapter 32

you

nothing, but I knew her well enough how to recognize the tension in her shoulders, the slightly to controlled quality

not what I expected," I said carefully, aware of listening cars

toward the silent auction displays, creating a bubble of privacy amid the

in this public

of her fingers on her

a measured pause. "The surgical alterations are too good. Your public presence as Camille Lewis was minimal. And Pierce has been in Asia for most of the past year." "Nevertheless," I replied quietly, "he said something

the living and asked if

my previous name."

narrowed slightly, the only indication of the calculations

a fishing expedition," she decided. "A guess based on limited information. Pierce has always enjoyed psychological

sense, yet didn't fully calm the unease growing inside

instructed. "The governor is waiting to meet you.

members, and the Japanese investors at

next two hours, I performed flawlessly. Charmed the governor. Discussed art acquisitions with the museum director, Impressed the foundation board with my knowledge of their programs, All while hyperaware of Pierce's presence in the room, feeling his gaze

weariness that comes from maintaining perfect control

said once the privacy screen was securely in

asked, finally giving voice to the question that had haunted me all evening. "The changes to my appearance are significant. Even Rose wouldn't recognize me if we passed on th Victoria gazed out the window at the city lights, her profile

Chapter 32

pressed, needing something more

back to me. "It's not. The truth is, I don't

late-night traffic, the

as we approached the gate to

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