SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 76

Chapter 76

The lobby of Kane Industries gleamed with

polished marble and sleek glass. Camille stepped out of the elevator on the top floor, her heels clicking against the floor as she walked toward her office. Three days had passed since the Phoenix Gala, and her

Now the world knew who she really was. The media couldn't get enough of the story: the supposedly dead wife who had returned as a powerful executive, the systematic destruction of her ex- husband's company and her sister's reputation. Some painted her as a victim-

turned-

hero, others as a manipulative schemer. Camille didn't care which version they believed.

She pushed open the glass door to

her office and stopped short. A massive arrangement of white roses sat on her desk, their scent filling the room. A knot formed in her stomach. She knew who they were from before she even read the card. "Ms. Kane," her assistant Rebecca said from behind her, "I'm sorry. He sent them before I arrived this morning. Security checked them thoroughly."

Camille nodded, finding her voice. "It's fine, Rebecca. Could you please take them away? Donate them to the hospital across the street."

Rebecca quickly removed the flowers while Camille settled at her desk, turning her attention to the documents awaiting her signature. She had just begun reviewing the first contract when Rebecca's voice came "Ms. Kane, Stefan Rodriguez is in the lobby requesting to see you. Security wants to know if they should turn him away."

Camille's pen stilled above the paper. She had expected this, of course. It was only a matter of time before he would try to reach out. Still, her heart hammered uncomfortably against her ribs.

"Tell them to send him up," she said after a moment. "And Rebecca, please stay close by. If I need you, I'll call." "Of course, Ms. Kane."

Five minutes later, Stefan stood in her doorway. He looked awful, shadows beneath his eyes, his normally perfect suit slightly rumpled, his face drawn with exhaustion. There was a time when seeing him like this would have torn at her heart, when she would have done anything to comfort him.

Now she just felt... nothing.

"Come in and close the door," she said, gesturing to the chair across from her desk. She remained standing, unwilling to cede even that small advantage.

Stefan stepped inside, his eyes never leaving her face. "Camille," he breathed, his

voice cracking on her name. "I still can't believe it's really you."

00

"Not the

at her tone, then moved closer, stopping when she held up a hand. "Please, Camille. I just want to talk. I've been going crazy since the gala. I can't sleep, I can't eat...." "What do you want, Stefan?" Camille cut him

here?"

Chapter 76

“I

He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it slightly

How you cheated on me with my sister? How you lied to my face for months? How you were willing to throw away our marriage for someone who never even truly cared about you?" The

with tears. "I was blind and stupid and selfish.

your choices. You weren't hypnotized. You weren't drugged. You looked me

himself, sinking into the chair. "You're right. I'm not

you are, seeking forgiveness." Camille finally sat down,

forward, his eyes suddenly burning with intensity. "A second chance. Camille, I never stopped loving you. Even with Rose, even after I thought you were gone... there was always

Get back together? Resume our marriage like none of this ever oc "Not right away, of course," Stefan rushed to say. "I know it would take time, years maybe. But we could start over. I could prove to you

I understand

matters. I'd give up everything just for the chance to make things righ Camille studied him, this man

our marriage, Stefan?" she asked quietly. "Not the happy moments. Not the trips or the gifts or the fancy dinners. I remember sitting alone on

admitted, his voice breaking.

tatters. Rose has shown her true colors. And suddenly, convéniently, you remember

me something, Stefan. If none of this had happened, if I hadn't 'died,' if your business was still thriving, if

she was, would you be here right now, begging for a second chance? Or would you

silence was answer

me, Stefan. You never did. Not really. You loved the idea of me, the supportive wife, the pretty accessory, the woman who never challeng Chapter

That

She died the night I found your divorce

selfish then. But these past months without you...

both of us," he insisted. "I may not have hired those men, but I created the situation that led to it. I share the blame. And I

Camille saw something genuine in his eyes, real remorse, real pain. But it wasn't enough.

"And I meant what I said at the gala, I

for your sake, but for mine. I refuse to carry the

isn't the same as forgetting," she continued. "And it certainly doesn't mean a second chance. There are some things that, once broken, can never be fixed." "Camille, please." Stefan moved around the desk, dropping to his

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