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.

said quietly. "But

he stepped back, offering a small bow that somehow managed to be both respectful and mocking simultaneously. "Until

people unconsciously shifting to make space for him. Despite his youth compared to most titans of industry in the room, Alexander Pierce carried an authority that My heart raced beneath my

One year of building Camille Kane from

taken him exactly one

Chapter 32

see you met

I knew her well enough how to recognize the tension in her shoulders, the slightly to controlled

I expected," I said

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

this public setting. "He implied he knew me.

brief tightening of her fingers on her champagne glass, the only sign of her

too good. Your public presence as Camille Lewis was minimal. And Pierce has been

me back to the land of the living and asked if

my previous name."

of the calculations happening behind her carefully

on limited information.

didn't fully calm the unease growing inside me. Something in Pierce's

is waiting to meet you. Then

foundation board members, and

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

weariness that comes from

screen was securely in place between us and the

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 I

Chapter 32

pressed, needing something more concrete than vague descriptions of Pierce's

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

moved through the late-night traffic,

concerns. Finally, as we approached the gate to Victoria's estate,

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