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.

you don't," he said quietly.

cryptic statement, he stepped back, offering a small bow that

Despite his youth compared to most titans of industry in the room, Alexander Pierce carried an

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

exactly one

Chapter 32

see you

materializing from the crowd with her usual perfect timing. Her expression revealed nothing, but I knew her well enough how

what I expected," I said carefully,

toward the silent auction displays, creating a bubble of privacy amid the busy ballroom. "What

much to reveal in this public setting. "He implied he knew

tightening of her fingers

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

to the land of the living and asked

my previous name."

slightly, the only indication of the calculations happening behind her carefully maintained

fishing expedition," she decided. "A guess based on limited information. Pierce has

calm the unease growing

as planned," Victoria instructed. "The governor is waiting

members, and the

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 weight. Not the tiredness of working muscles, which

weariness that comes from maintaining perfect

need to address the Pierce situation," Victoria said once the privacy screen was securely in place between us and the driver.

passed on th Victoria gazed

Chapter 32

an answer," I pressed, needing something

truth is, I don't know how he identified you. But I intend to

moved through the late-night traffic, the

we approached the gate to Victoria's

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