SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

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.

said

cryptic statement, he stepped back, offering a small bow that somehow managed to be both respectful and mocking

him. Despite his youth compared to most

new. One

taken him exactly one minute to

Chapter 32

see you

usual perfect timing. Her expression revealed nothing, but I knew her well enough how to recognize the tension in her shoulders,

what I expected," I said carefully, aware of listening

is." Victoria guided me toward the silent auction displays, creating a bubble of privacy amid the

how much to reveal in this public setting. "He

face remained impassive, but I caught the brief tightening of her fingers

presence as Camille Lewis was minimal. And Pierce has been in Asia for most of the past year." "Nevertheless," I replied

the living and asked if he should

my previous name."

of the calculations happening behind her carefully

limited information.

logical sense, yet didn't fully calm the unease growing inside me. Something in Pierce's certainty had felt

"The governor is waiting to meet you.

and the

with a few well chosen words. For the 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 on me at unexpected moments, catching glimpses of that knowing smile whenever our eyes accidentally met across the crowded ballroom By the time the event concluded and we were in Victoria's private car heading home, exhaustion pressed down on me like a physical

comes from maintaining

screen was securely in place between us and the driver.

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 sharp against the darkness. "Pierce has resources

Chapter 32

pressed, needing something more concrete than vague

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

through the late-night traffic, the

as we approached the gate to Victoria's estate, she