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."

drowning people spotting a lifeboat. Rose's smile too bright,

hoping to run into

closer than social etiquette allowed. "Your charity work is so

silence stretch uncomfortably, Victoria's first lesson in power dynamics: Make them work for your attention. Stefan cleared his throat. “Ms. Kane, I wanted to apologize

him with cool detachment. "I've heard Rodriguez Shipping is facing... challenges." His face tightened. "Temporary setbacks. Nothing we can't overcome with the

"Which is actually something we hoped to discuss. Your mother mentioned Kane Industries might

perfume. It took everything I had not to

Industries is always exploring new opportunities," replied, noncommittal.

impeccable reputation," Stefan insisted, leaning forward,

same eyes that had once looked into mine with false promises of

generations," I mused. "Such a shame to see that legacy

as if I'd struck him. "The company

Lewis?" I turned to Rose. "I understand you're also seeking

smile faltered slightly. "Word travels fast in New York. Yes, we're in expansion talks with

remained fixed. “Competitors trying to d "Competitors can be so... ruthless." I let

on Stefan's arm, her knuckles whitening. "Ms. Kane, perhaps we could meet privately? Discuss how

everything they'd done to me, they

tone cooling several degrees. "But you're welcome to submit proposals through our investment

Stefan's composure slipped, revealing the desperation beneath. "Your people won't return our calls. If

raised

influence with Victoria Kane is

Rose pressed, stepping closer.

her perfume, the same one she'd worn when comforting me after Stefan became

Stefan Rodriguez, reduced to begging for scraps of attention. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine telling them

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

accusation beneath my words? Did some part of him sense who was really

"We

is everything to us as well. Family values are the

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