SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

The Metropolitan Museum glowed with old-world grandeur, transformed for

the annual Children's Heart Foundation gala. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over Manhattan's elite as they paraded in designer gowns and bespoke tuxedos, diamonds glittering like stars brought down to infested waters of high society alone. She wore a midnight

blue gown that whispered over marble floors as she moved, her surgical alterations and months of training giving her the confidence to meet curious stares with cool indifference.

"Ms. Kane," a silver-

haired museum trustee approached, hand extended. "How wonderful to see you without your mother for once. She's kept you quite close since your emergence."

Camille offered the practiced smile Victoria had taught her, warm enough to seem approachable, reserved enough to maintain distance. "Mother had prior commitments in Chicago. The Children's Heart Founda "Indeed, indeed. Your donation was most generous."

She nodded acknowledgment, already scanning the room for more strategic connections. The fundraiser's guest list included three potential Kane Industries partners, two board members from companies they Victoria had left detailed instructions on who to speak with, for how long, and what impressions to leave. Camille followed them methodically, moving from group to group with practiced grace. Yet beneath her p Justice, she reminded herself. Not revenge. Justice for years of manipulation and betrayal.

A subtle shift in the crowded room caught her attention, people turning, murmuring, parting like the sea before an approaching force. Alexander Pierce had arrived. Even among billionaires, Alexander cut a striking figure. Tall, broad-

shouldered, with the lean build of someone who maintained physical discipline despite wealth that could afford any indulgence. His

custom tuxedo fit like a second skin, emphasizing strength contained within civilization's boundaries. But it was his eyes that commanded attention, sharp gray that seemed to see through pretense, beyond soc Those eyes found her immediately, as if he'd been searching for her from the moment he entered. A slight smile curved his mouth when their gazes locked, not the practiced social expression others wore, but s Camille looked away first, unsettled by her reaction to him. She'd anticipated his presence tonight, of course. Alexander Pierce rarely missed major philanthropic events. But she hadn't prepared for the quickeni She moved deeper into the crowd, resuming her careful networking while maintaining awareness of his position in the room. He did the same, never approaching directly but remaining in her peripheral vision, th The museum director tapped a microphone, calling for attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, the highlight

of tonight's auction is about to begin. If you would kindly move to the east gallery..."

Chapter 50

spotlight illuminated a glass display case. Inside, a diamond necklace caught and fract "The

perfectly matched blue -white diamonds surrounding a

diamond

creation has been donated

start

Fifty. The room buzzed with excitement as Manhattan's wealthiest competed for the privilege of

business, not jewelry. She noted which financial titans bid, tracking alliances and

a tech

had recently

a hedge fund manager whose wife already wore enough diamonds to sink a small

price climbed, fewer paddles rising with each

only three bidders remained. At ninety million,

"Ninety-

his posture. Few people could surpass such an

moment of silence stretched. The auctioneer raised

five million going once..."

"One hundred million."

projected. Heads turned toward Alexander Pierce, who hadn't bothered raising a paddle. He simply stood with hands in his pockets, expression re Murmurs swept the room. Not because of the amount, such sums were discussed daily

repeated, poorly concealing his excitement. "Going once... going

the gallery.

event quickly sent alerts to their platforms. By morning, this would be headline news, the record- breaking donation,