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."

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

to

positioning herself closer than social etiquette allowed.

Stefan cleared his throat. “Ms. Kane, I wanted to apologize I seemed distracted when we met at the gallery opening

"I've heard Rodriguez Shipping is facing... challenges." His face tightened. "Temporary setbacks.

smoothly. "Which is actually something we hoped to discuss. Your mother mentioned Kane Industries might be looking for shipping partners in the Asian

the air betweenus like cheap perfume. It took everything I had not to smile at the beautiful irony. Here they stood, begging for hep from

replied, noncommittal.

Shipping has an impeccable reputation," Stefan insisted, leaning

looked into mine with false

mused. "Such a shame to see

struck him. "The

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

fast in New

Interesting” I took another sip of champagne. "Given the recent quality issues reported in fashion blogs.” “Malicious rumors.” Her voice hardened even as her smile remained

on Stefan's arm, her knuckles whitening. "Ms. Kane, perhaps we could meet privately? Discuss how Kane Industries and our businesses might benefit

made me laugh. After everything they'd done to

my tone cooling several degrees. "But you're welcome

won't

word?" I raised an

Victoria Kane is

pressed,

when comforting me after Stefan became distance during our

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

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

the accusation beneath my words? Did

"We

everything to us as well. Family values

had systematically destroyed her sister's life? Who had likely arranged her

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