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

the auction area. Camille found herself positioned near the front, where a spotlight illuminated a glass display case. Inside,

perfectly matched blue -white diamonds surrounding

diamond centerpiece. This

been donated anonymously, with

Children's Heart Foundation. We'll start the bidding at twenty

Thirty million. Forty. Fifty. The room buzzed with excitement as Manhattan's wealthiest competed

The necklace was stunning, certainly, but her focus tonight was business, not jewelry. She noted which financial titans bid, tracking alliances and rivalries

called a tech mogul

recently

already wore enough diamonds to

price climbed, fewer paddles rising with

million, only three bidders remained. At ninety million,

"Ninety-

hedge fund manager, confidence evident in his posture. Few people

of silence stretched. The auctioneer raised his gavel.

five million going once..."

"One hundred million."

voice cut through the room like a blade, quiet yet perfectly 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

concealing his excitement. "Going

the gallery.

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