SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 90

Camille sat frozen in Victoria's private office, eyes fixed on the television. Alexander paced behind her chair while Victoria stood near the window. The screen showed the Plazh Hotel ballroom converted into a p "Are you sure you want to watch this?" Alexander asked, touching Camille's shoulder.

Camille nodded, unable to speak, her throat tight and hands cold.

"They might still side with Rose," Victoria warned. "Be prepared."

The camera shifted to show Margaret and Richard Lewis entering. Camille sucked in a breath. Her parents looked older than she remembered, her father's shoulders stooped her mother's face drawn. Behind th "What is he doing there?" Camille whispered.

"Alexander's handiwork, I suspect," Victoria replied.

Richard adjusted the microphone, his hand trembling slightly. "Thank you all for coming. My wife and I have called this press conference to address the disturbing, allegations made against our daughter, Camille."

Margaret stepped closer. "Two days ago,, false stories began circulating about Camille's mental health. Fabricated medical records. Invented episodes. Lies designed to destroy not just her reputation, but her v Camille gripped her chair as her mother continued with unusual fierceness.

"These lies did not come from strangers. They came from someone we once trusted. Someone we welcomed into our family and loved as our own" Her voice broke. "Our adopted daughter, Rose." Murmurs rippled through the press. Richard placed a hand on Margaret's shoulder before speaking.

"For too long, we were blind to Rose's manipulation. We failed to see how she systematically undermined Camille, turned us against her, and eventually stole her husband." He glanced at Stefan. "We failed as p Margaret dabbed her eyes but continued. "Camille never had mental health issues. There were no hospitalizations, no treatments. The medical records being quoted don't exist."

A reporter called out, "Then why would Rose make these claims?"

Richard's face hardened. "Because Camille exposed Rose's lies at the Kane Foundation gala. Because Camille survived Rose's attempt to have her killed."

The room erupted with questions. Victoria increased the volume to hear over the clamor.

"Mrs. Lewis! Yesterday you were scheduled to appear on National Morning to confirm Rose's claims. What changed?"

Margaret's face showed raw pain. "Last night, I found Rose altering Camille's childhood journals, adding false entries about paranoia and violence. When confronted, Rose threatened us." She pulled a small leather-

bound book from her purse. "This is Camille's actual journal from when Rose first came to live with us."

Camille felt her heart stop as Margaret opened to a marked page.

August 17. Rose 'accidentally' spilled bleach on my science project today. Mom blamed me for leaving it where it could be damaged. This is the third time something important to me has been destroyed since R Margaret looked up, tears flowing. "There are dozens of entries like this. Small cruelties. Calculated sabotage. And we didn't listen."

In Victoria's office, Camille wiped her own tears, overwhelmed by this public acknowledgment of

her suffering

Richard gestured toward Stefan, who stepped forward reluctantly.

"My name is Stefan Rodriguez. I was married to Camille Levis for three years before betraying her with her sister.

The blunt admission caused another stir.

our marriage, Camille never displayed any

everything Rose

squared his shoulders. "Rose pursued me relentlessly. She told me Camille didn't love

saying Rose lied about Camille's mental health?" a

"Rose lied about

woman I thought I loved never

that Rose

me into

Rose who introduced me to Camille," Stefan continued. "When Camille disappeared, Rose showed no real grief. Within

Alexander squeezed Camille's shoulder. "He's actually doing it. He's telling

Stefan's face darkened. "Two nights before the articles of Camille mental instability came out

Camille really is." Now I realize she was already

Rose orchestrated this media attack. Records of payments to journalists. Communications with media

flash drive. "We've gathered emails and financial records showing Rose's direct involvement in fabricating these stories. Copies have been provided

daughter Camille is not mentally ill. She never was. The only person in our family with

expression hardened "Our daughter nearly died because of Rose's actions. This isn't about bu Stefan moved to the microphone again. "I've lost everything because of my mistakes. I'm not asking for sympathy. I'm here because it's time

erupted again as reporters

quiet. "We have one final statement. To our daughter, Camille." She looked directly into the camera. "We failed you. We chose Rose over you. We didn't believe you when you need Richard joined her. "We love you, Camille. We understand if

woman you've become, with

office, Camille covered her mouth to stifle

a handkerchief, her expression uncharacteristically

off," Camille

but left the images running. This changes everything.

footage. "Why? After everything, why would

Victoria replied. "Because they realized what they stood to lose."

Or perhaps they finally understand that some things matter more

to the business network where an

as Kane Industries stock surges

open as Victoria's assistant rushed in. The Phoenix Grid partners are calling to reaffirm their commitment! And the board members who voted against Camille are requesting an emergency r Victoria smiled. “Tell them I'll consider their request after our stock

The assistant nodded

to Camille, whose attention remained

you thinking?"

know what to feel," Camille admitted. "Grateful? Angry? It doesn't erase what

does complicate your neat categories of ally

"The market's already responding

get all that evidence against Rose?"

have had my team compile some files," Alexander

phone rang,

screen. She stared at