SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 43

Camille's point of view

The Metropolitan Museum sparkled like a jewel box, transformed for the annual Children's Hospital Benefit. Diamonds caught light from a thousand candles, champagne flowed in crystal flutes, and the wealthy

I moved through the crowd in a midnight blue gown, Victoria's careful training evident in every step. My hair swept up in an elegant twist, my makeup flawless, my smile measured and controlled. Camille Kane, How different from the last charity gala I'd attended as Camille Lewis. Then, I'd stood in Rose's shadow, wearing a dress she'd "allowed" me to borrow, watching society ladies air- kiss her cheeks while barely glancing my way.

"Ms. Kane." The hospital director approached, practically glowing with anticipation. "Your mother's donationl will fund our new pediatric wing. We're beyond grateful."

I nodded, accepting her gratitude with the perfect blend

of humility and confidence Victoria had taught me. Industries believes in investing in the future. These children deserve our best efforts."

"Kane"

Absolutely! Would you say a few words during the presentation? Having the Kane heir speak would mean so

much"

"Of course." I scanned the room, noting potential business connections, rivals, useful allies.

Victoria's voice whispering in my head: Always map the battlefield before engaging

Then I saw them.

Stefan and Rose stood near the bar, him uncomfortable in his tuxedo, her resplendent in red silk that probably cost more than most people's monthly salary. They hadn't noticed me yet, too busy arguing in fierc whispers behind plastic smiles.

The sight of them still hit like a physical blow. After everything I'd done to destroy their businesses, after the chaos I'd engineered in their lives, they still looked... intact. Together. Rose's hand still possessively g Something ugly twisted in my chest. Not jealousy, I'd moved beyond wanting Stefan back. Something darker. More primitive. The need to see them truly suffer. To watch them crumble completely. My opportunity arrived sooner than expected

"Ms. Kane!" Rose's voice, pitched to carry just the right distance. "What a pleasure to see you again!"

I turned slowly, slipping on the mask of polite interest I'd perfected for such moments. "Ms. Lewis. Mr. Rodriguez. Good evening."

eagerness of drowning people spotting a lifeboat. Rose's smile

hoping to run

social etiquette allowed. "Your charity

dynamics: Make them work for your attention. Stefan cleared his throat. “Ms. Kane, I wanted to apologize I seemed distracted

I studied him with cool detachment. "I've heard Rodriguez Shipping is facing... challenges." His face tightened. "Temporary setbacks. Nothing we

actually something we hoped to discuss. Your mother mentioned Kane Industries might be looking

was palpable, hanging in the air betweenus like cheap perfume. It took everything I had not to smile

opportunities," replied, noncommittal. "Though

reputation," Stefan insisted, leaning forward,

that had once looked into mine with false promises

generations," I mused. "Such a shame to

him. "The company will recover With

line, Ms. Lewis?" I turned to Rose.

in New York. Yes, we're in expansion talks with several interested

recent quality issues reported in fashion blogs.” “Malicious rumors.” Her voice hardened even as her smile remained fixed. “Competitors trying to d "Competitors can be so... ruthless." I let my gaze drift over her shoulder, dismissive.

"Ms. Kane, perhaps we could meet privately? Discuss how Kane Industries and our businesses might benefit

laugh. After everything they'd done to

my schedule is quite full," I said, my tone cooling several degrees. "But you're welcome to submit

slipped, revealing the desperation beneath. "Your people won't return our calls. If you could just put in a

raised an eyebrow. "From

influence with Victoria Kane is

pressed,

same one she'd worn when comforting me after Stefan became distance during our marriage, made my stomach turn. "Just a

them both, savoring the moment. The great Rose Lewis and Stefan Rodriguez, reduced to begging for scraps of attention. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine telling them everything. Removing But the time wasn't

said finally. "Though I should warn you, my mother values loyalty above all

words?

"We

everything to us as well. Family values are

the woman who had systematically destroyed her sister's life? Who