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.

marriage, Camille never displayed any signs of mental instability. She

Rose is

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

about

"Rose lied about

flatly. "The woman I thought I loved never

don't know is that Rose and I had a

breakup, then manipulated me into dating and eventually marrying

continued. "When Camille disappeared, Rose showed no real

the office, Alexander squeezed Camille's shoulder.

"Two nights before the articles of Camille mental instability

who Camille really is." Now I realize she was already

orchestrated this media

drive. "We've gathered emails and financial records showing Rose's direct involvement in fabricating these

never

you respond to claims that this is just damage control for Kane Industries?" Richard's 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 someone told the truth about

again as

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 you can never forgive us, but know

are proud of the woman you've become, with or

Camille covered her mouth to stifle a

silently offered a handkerchief, her

it off," Camille said

running. This changes everything. The narrative

"Why? After everything,

anything," Victoria replied. "Because they realized what they stood to lose." Camille

that some things matter more

buzzing incessantly. Victoria switched channels to the business

Industries stock surges following

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

The assistant nodded

to Camille, whose attention remained fixed on

you thinking?" Victoria

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

agreed. "But it does complicate your neat

phone. "The market's already

did my parents get all that evidence against

had my team compile some files," Alexander admitted.

rang, her

screen. She