SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 43

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."

desperate eagerness of drowning people spotting a lifeboat. Rose's smile too bright, Stefan's handshake

been hoping to

herself closer than social etiquette allowed. "Your charity

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

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

mother mentioned Kane Industries might be looking for shipping partners

the air betweenus like cheap perfume. It took everything I had not to

always exploring new opportunities," replied, noncommittal. "Though we have very

reputation,"

same eyes that had once looked into mine with

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

as if I'd struck him. "The company

your fashion line, Ms. Lewis?" I turned to

fast in New York. Yes, we're in expansion talks

“Malicious rumors.” Her voice hardened even as her smile remained fixed. “Competitors trying to d "Competitors can be so... ruthless." I

"Ms. Kane, perhaps we could meet privately? Discuss how Kane Industries

sheer audacity nearly made me laugh. After everything they'd done to me, they expected me to help them?

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

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

word?" I raised an eyebrow. "From

influence with Victoria

pressed, stepping

same one she'd worn when comforting me after Stefan became distance during our marriage,

reduced to begging for scraps of attention. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine telling them everything. Removing But

warn you, my mother values loyalty

beneath my words? Did some part of

"We

Rose said quickly. "Loyalty is everything to us as well. Family values are the foundation of both our

systematically destroyed her sister's life? Who

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