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

been hoping to run

than social etiquette allowed. "Your charity work

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

studied him with cool detachment. "I've heard Rodriguez Shipping is facing... challenges." His face tightened.

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

It took everything I had not

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

has an impeccable reputation,"

eyes that had once looked into mine with false promises of forever. "Three generations of

I mused. "Such a shame to see

flinched as if I'd struck him. "The company will recover With the right

line, Ms. Lewis?" I turned to Rose. "I understand you're

"Word travels fast in New York. Yes, we're in expansion talks with several interested

her smile remained fixed.

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

they'd done to me, they expected me to help them?

full," I said, my tone cooling several degrees.

won't return our calls. If you

I raised an eyebrow. "From

with Victoria Kane is

Rose pressed, stepping

when comforting me after Stefan became distance during our marriage, made my stomach turn.

both, savoring the moment. The great Rose Lewis and Stefan Rodriguez, reduced to begging for scraps of attention. For a moment,

I said finally. "Though I should warn you, my mother values loyalty above all else. She has little patience for those who... discard their commitments

he hear the accusation beneath my words? Did some part of him

"We

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

Family values? From the woman who had systematically destroyed her sister's life? Who had likely arranged her "accident"

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