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.

you don't," he said quietly. "But

a small bow that somehow managed

to most titans of industry in the room, Alexander Pierce carried an authority that My heart

year of becoming someone new. One

exactly one

Chapter 32

you met

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

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

auction displays, creating a bubble of privacy amid the busy ballroom. "What did he say

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

I caught the brief tightening of her fingers on her champagne

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 living and asked if

my previous name."

slightly, the only indication of the calculations happening

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

unease growing

Victoria instructed. "The governor is waiting to meet you. Then the

and the Japanese investors at table

back to my debut as Victoria Kane's heir, back to pretending Alexander Pierce hadn't just threatened to unravel everything 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

comes from maintaining perfect control under

to address the Pierce situation," Victoria said once the privacy screen was securely in place between us and the driver. "He's more dangerous

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 sharp

Chapter 32

answer," I pressed, needing something more concrete than

agreed, turning back to me. "It's not. The truth is, I don't know how he identified you.

moved through the late-night

with unspoken concerns. Finally, as we approached