SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 94

Rose stepped onto the balcony of Herod's penthouse, a glass of champagne catching the golden light of sunset. Below, Manhattan sprawled in all its glittering glory, oblivious to the small victory celebration taki

"To successful beginnings," Herod said, joining her with his own glass. The evening breeze ruffled his dark hair, softening his usually severe appearance.

"Six p ix percent," Rose replied, satisfaction warming her voice "Six

percent drop in a single day. Millions wiped from Kane Industries' value."

Their glasses clinked, crystal meeting crystal with a delicate ring. Rose sipped the expensive champagne, bubbles dancing on her tongue. The taste of revenge was even sweeter than the Dom Pérignon. "You should have seen Victoria's face during that press conference," she said, leaning against the railing "So controlled on the surface, but I know that look in her eyes. She's rattled." iling. "So"

Herod studied her, his expression curious. "You enjoy this, don't you? Not just the outcome, but the process. The game itself.”

Rose considered this. "I never thought of myself as someone who enjoyed causing pain. But watching Camille squirm, seeing her precious project questioned." She trailed off, surprised by the Intensity of her fe "Most people lie to themselves

about such things," Herod observed, moving closer. "They pretend their revenge is only about justice, not pleasure."

"I stopped lying to myself a long time ago," Rose replied. When you grow up unwanted, you learn to see things clearly."

Something flickered in Herod's eyes, recognition, perhaps Understanding. The setting sun cast half his face in shadow, half in golden light, emphasizing the sharp angles of his cheekbones. "Your honesty is refreshing," he said.

Rose felt a strange flutter in her chest. For weeks, they had worked together with cold precision, their partnership purely transactional. But tonight, celebrating their first victory, something subtle had shifted in th "Tell me something real about yourself," she said suddenly "Not about your family or Victoria Kane or

business. Something I don't know yet."

Herod seemed surprised by the request. He

turned to face the skyline, considering.

century, mostly. I find comfort in things that have survived their time, outlasted their

detail about a man who had revealed so little of himself beyond

you read them?" Rose

come, I read by the window

felt oddly vulnerable under

accustomed to crafting herself for othare

sister, the devoted girlfriend. Revealing anything

admitted.

system. I've never been able to put

words hung between them, more revealing than she'd intended. Not just a

or prying questions. He simply nodded, accepting her truth

we can't face," he

watching darkness claim the city. Lights flickered on across Manhattan, creating new constella Through the glass doors, she observed Herod taking the call. His posture shifted subtly, straightening, tensing. Business mode. She'd learned to read his body language during their weeks of planning. Whateve When he returned to the balcony, his expression had hardened back into

"Good news?" she asked.

two is ready," he replied. "Our contact at the engineering firm has implemented the modified specs in the Brooklyn site components. Everything appears

felt a familiar thrill of anticipation.

promised, but catastrophic for Kane Industries' reputation. Especially when the 'overlooked' safety

Camille watching helplessly as her precious Phoenix Grid collapsed, taking her

as they recover from this week's crisis, just as

finished. "Patience rewards

He

her drink. The brief contact sent an unexpected warmth up her arm. Rose found herself noticing details she'd previously ig "Why did you

slight tension at the corner of his mouth." Now

between them. Ruse felt her heartbeat quicken. For so long, her relationships had been calculated moves in a larger game, Stefan, the men before him, each one a

said, breaking the tension. "Not just champagne on

asked, gesturing