SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 78

Camille stared at the presentation on her tablet, numbers and projections swimming before her eyes. Three weeks had passed since the Phoenix Gala, since her confrontations with Stefan and her parents. The executive. She swiped through the slides once more, trying to focus on the upcoming meeting. Kane Industries was launching its most ambitious project yet, a revolutionary clean energy system that could trans entire operation, calling it her "graduation project."

Her office door opened, and Rebecca appeared with a concerned expression. "Ms. Kane, Mr. Pierce is here. He's early."

Camille checked her watch. Twenty minutes early, to be exact. Typical Alexander, always operating on his own schedule.

"Send him in," she said, smoothing her skirt as she stood.

Alexander Pierce entered with his usual quiet confidence, dressed in a simple black suit that somehow looked more expensive than anything Stefan had ever worn. His dark eyes found hers immediately, that pi walls.

"You're early," she said, gesturing to the chair across from her desk.

"I wanted to see your reaction to the proposal before the formal meeting." He remained standing, hands in his pockets. "Have you read it?"

"Every word. Three times." She tapped her tablet. “It's ambitious."

"It's revolutionary," he corrected, moving closer. "This isn't just another tech project, Camille. This could change everything, how cities function, how we approach climate change, how people live."

The passion in his voice

caught her off guard. Alexander usually maintained a cool exterior, much like she did, a protective shield against a world that had taught them both harsh lessons about vulnerability. "Victoria thinks we should proceed cautiously," Camille said, watching his reaction. "Test the technology in smaller markets first."

Something flashed in his eyes, frustration, perhaps, or disappointment. "And what do you think?"

The question hung between them. Alexander wasn't asking about her business opinion. He

was asking if she could still think for herself, if she was just Victoria's puppet or her own woman.

"I think," Camille said slowly, "that caution is what keeps you alive, but boldness is what makes you feel alive."

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "And which would you prefer?"

"Both have their merits." She moved to the

window, looking out at the city below. "Victoria saved my life. Her caution, her planning, her strategies, they gave me a second chance when I had nothing. I owe her everything."

"You owe her respect and gratitude," Alexander said, joining her at the window. "You don't owe her your independence."

Their reflections stared back at them in the glass, two figures standing close but not touching, both shaped by pain, both transformed by their own private fires.

"Why this project?" Camille asked, turning to face him. "You have dozens of successful businesses. Why partner with Kane Industries now?"

"Because it matters," he said simply. "Because it's bigger than both of us. And because I think you need something to build, not just something to destroy."

His words struck a chord deep within her. The revenge that had fueled her for so long was complete. Rose was ruined. Stefan was broken. Her parents had been sent away. But the emptiness that followed vict "The board meeting starts in fifteen minutes," she said, stepping away from him. "Victoria will expect solid numbers, not just inspiring visions."

"I have those too." Alexander moved back to the center of the room, maintaining a respectful distance. "But I wanted to speak with you privately first. This partnership isn't just between our companies. It's betwe "A true collaboration. Equal partners. My resources and your vision. We've both proven we can tear things down when necessary. Now let's see what we can build together."

The air between them seemed to vibrate with possibility. In another life, Camille might have dismissed his offer immediately, retreated to the safety of Victoria's guidance. But the woman she had become, Camil "Why me?" she asked, the question simpler and more vulnerable than she intended. "You could partner with anyone. Why choose someone still learning the business?"

Alexander's expression softened slightly. "Because I've watched you transform from victim to victor. Because you understand what it means to lose everything and rebuild. And because you're the only person I' Before she could respond, Rebecca appeared at the door. "Ms. Kane, the board is assembling in the main conference room."

right there," Camille replied,

that room, remember this is your project now. Your future. Not Victoria's, not mine.

Victoria waited with the full board of directors. The older woman's eyes

seats.

calling the Phoenix Grid." Alexander stood, activating the display wall with a flick of his wrist. "Thank you for this

combines all existing renewable technologies into one

optimizing energy

the presentation with practiced ease. "Initial investments are high, but projected returns exceed anything currently

interrupted. "The financial risk is significant. My advisors suggest a phased approach, beginning with

concern. However, limited implementation will limit results. The system works because it's comprehensive,

board members exchanged glances, clearly divided. Victoria turned to Camille. "As head of our tech division and project lead,

eye in the room turned to her. Camille felt the weight of the moment, her first major decision as Victoria's heir, her first chance

her mentor or chart her own

to the front of the room beside Alexander. Their shoulders nearly touched as

she began, her voice steady. "The technology is solid. The financial models are sound. Yes, there are risks, significant ones. But there's something more importa

to value, innovation that improves lives." Camille met Victoria's gaze directly. "We can proceed

more company making incremental improvements.

can be bold

beside her, neither

own.

are you proposing?" Victoria asked,

"A full-

a test, not a pilot, the

for increased initial costs and slower adoption rates. Even with these conservative

risk?" one

And shared equally with Pierce

his agreement. "We're prepared to match Kane

remained unreadable

understanding, perhaps, or a shift in their relationship. Mentor and protégé, but also two women

board will need time to consider," Victoria said finally

surrounded Alexander, asking technical questions about the proposal. Victoria motioned for Camille to follow her into a private office adjacent to the conference room. "That was quite a presentation," Victoria said once they were alone. "Not

gaze steadily. "You asked for

contradicted me in

a different perspective,"

that why you put me in charge of

To bring new ideas?"

missing nothing. "Alexander Pierce is dangerous. Brilliant, but dangerous. He

Camille replied. "So do

smile touched Victoria's lips. "Yes, you

"You don't trust him."

completely." Victoria moved to the window, looking out at the city below. "That's how I've survived this long. But this isn't about trust,

"What about me?"

turned back to face her. "You've

is destroyed. Stefan is

been cast out. The fire that drove you has burned its fuel. Now you

Victoria had read her most private thoughts. "And you think this project with Alexander is

saw, tremendous potential. But his motivations may not be as