SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

The private dining room at Per Se glowed with amber light, Manhattan's skyline twinkling beyond floor-

to-

ceiling windows. Camille swirled her wine, watching the deep red liquid catch the light. The remnants of their nine -

course meal and two bottles of Bordeaux scattered across the table.

"To resurrection," Victoria said, raising her glass, platinum hair shimmering in the candlelight.

"To truth," Alexander added from beside Camille.

"To unexpected allies," Camille said, joining the toast with a delicate clink of crystal, thinking of her parents and Stefan defending her when she least expected it.

After days of crisis management, simply sitting and breathing felt like luxury.

"The board has officially reversed their position," Victoria said. "The emergency meeting lasted ten minutes. Gordon couldn't backpedal fast enough."

Alexander smiled. "Amazing how quickly principles dissolve when stock prices recover."

"They never had principles," Victoria replied. "Just fear. And fear is always temporary."

Camille observed them, two business titans who had circled each other warily for years, their usual tension softened by their common goal of protecting her.

"I still can't believe my parents did that," Camille said. "After everything, they actually stood up for me." Victoria studied her. "Have you decided whether to return your mother's call?"

Camille shook her head. The voicemail remained unanswered.

"They took a significant risk," Alexander noted. "Publicly admitting they failed you. Exposing Rose."

"Why now, though?" Camille asked. "After years of choosing Rose, why stand with me when it might cost them everything?"

Victoria sipped

thoughtfully. "People rarely change unless the cost of staying the same becomes unbearable."

"Or unless they finally see the truth," Alexander added, his eyes meeting Camille's. "Sometimes we don't recognize what matters until we nearly lose it."

The weight of his gaze made Camille look away; suddenly conscious of the current between them, unspoken but growing stronger. She focused instead on the skyline.

"Either way," she said finally, "it changes nothing about our plans. The Phoenix Grid launches in ten days. We move forward."

Victoria smiled slightly, approval evident. "Spoken like a tree Kane."

"The permits came through for the Brooklyn site," Alexander said. "Construction crews begin tomorrow."

"And the Chicago location?" Victoria asked.

"Ready for phase one. The mayor wants to be present for the groundbreaking."

Camille felt excitement flutter beneath her ribs. The Phoenix Grid, her project, her vision, her chance to build something lasting, Clean, sustainable energy flowing through revitalized Infrastructure.

"The testing results exceeded expectations," she said proudly. "Efficiency ratings fifteen percent higher than projected. We'll revolutionize urban power distribution."

Alexander's hand found hers under the table, a brief squeeze of understanding. He knew what this meant to her, not just business

success,

transformation. For so long, her focus had been destruction. The Phoenix Grid represented

different Creation Legary.

has authorized the full funding

three cities, with

committed to the partnership." Alexander added, "Solar generation, offshore

felt gratitude toward them both, Victoria who had saved her and

doing this,"

you doubt it?" Victoria raised

tually win."

this week? Maybe. For a moment there, it

your mental stability

where is Rose now?" Camille asked. "She's gone completely silent since

say she hasn't left that building on Park Avenue. The one owned by

"A

That doesn't sound like Rose. She

retreare i

Victoria said with certainty. "She's been exposed,

else,"

squeezed her hand. "If she is, she'll

Snow!

her expression serious. "Speaking of Stefan," she began, eyeing Alexander. "That press conference

gaze steadily. "One might think

if someone had coordinated it,”

looked between them.

wondering if Alexander has been making moves without consulting us," Victoria said

have approved if

"That's not the point

*

the point. Sometimes action must

felt the tension returning "You went to see

- Chapter

once. "I

"Why not tell me?"

wouldn't have

no reason to defend

needed him. His testimony carried

expression remained neutral, but Camille sensed her disapproval. "Unilateral decisions are

15

thinking during a

a hand, stopping their brewing argument. "It worked. That's what matters. But next time, I want to know. Even if you think I'll disapprove." Something flickered in his eyes, a mixture of apology and deeper

has been neutralized, we should discuss. security

arranged," Alexander said. "Maximum coverage,

a sip of coffee, letting the normalcy of project planning wash over

defined by what she built, not

from her.

Grid changes everything," she said. "Cities that can't be blacked out.

with Kane Industries in the first place." "And now?"

"Now t

are equally compelling," he replied, not looking away from Camille. The air between them thickened. Camille felt heat rise

technical achievements will establish Kane Industries as the leader

to safer ground. "The

wasn't fooled "Indeed. Which is why