SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 122

Chapter 122

The Metropolitan Museum sparkled under crystal chandeliers as New York's wealthiest gathered for the annual Children's Hospital Benefit Auction. Camille stood just outside the entrance, her heart

pounding against her ribs. Tonight marked their first public appearance as an acknowledged couple since the press conference three days ago.

"Nervous?" Alexander asked beside her, his hand warm against the small of her back

She smoothed her midnight blue gown. "A little. Everyone will be watching us."

"Let them watch," he replied. "We have nothing to hide anymore."

The double doors opened. A hundred heads turned as they entered together. Conversations paused. For one breathless moment, the entire room seemed frozen, assessing, judging.

Then applause broke out, scattered at first, then spreading until it filled the hall. People were actually clapping for them, smiling in approval. Camille felt Alexander's hand tighten slightly on her back, a silent signal of shared surprise.

"Well," she murmured, maintaining her smile as they moved forward, "that wasn't what I expected."

As they mingled through the crowd, Camille noticed the changed atmosphere. These

same people had viewed her primarily as Victoria Kane's protégée before. Now they approached with newfound interest, as if her relationship with Alexander had somehow made her more accessible, more hur "Everyone's staring," she whispered as they accepted champagne.

"Not staring," Alexander corrected. "Admiring."

They separated for a while, a deliberate choice to show their independence despite their connection. Camille spoke with hospital board members about the new pediatric wing Kane Industries had funded. Alexa "He can't take his eyes off you," remarked Eleanor Westfield, chairwoman of the hospital board. "It's refreshing to see genuine feeling in this room for once."

The auction began at nine. Guests moved toward the arrangement of chairs facing a small stage. Camille felt Alexander beside her again, his hand finding hers as they took their seats.

After several items were auctioned, the auctioneer lifted a black velvet box. "Our next

item, ladies and gentlemen, is truly exceptional. From the private collection of the Whitmore family, the 'Ocean's Heart' necklace."

An assistant opened the box, revealing a stunning creation that drew audible gasps. A massive sapphire, deep blue and flawless, hung suspended from

a cascade of diamonds that caught the light like captured stars.

"This historic piece features a twenty-

by fifteen carats of diamonds, set in platinum. Truly extraordinary." The

eyes

over Camille. "Bidding will start at ten

felt Alexander

million," called a voice

million," countered

the center of a bidding war between a Saudi prince and a hedge fund

hedge fund manager shook his head,

The auctioneer beamed. "Twenty-five

for the 'Ocean's Heart.' Do I

raised his hand. "Thirty

room went utterly silent. Camille turned to him, eyes wide with shock. He met her gaze

Pierce," the auctioneer repeated, barely containing

Successfully unlocked!

a moment, then hook his

million going once... going twice..." The auctioneer paused dramatically. "Sold to

this time with an undercurrent of excitement. Alexander stood, buttoning his jacket as

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Chapter 122

for the evening in detail, and nowhere had it included Alexander bidding thirty million dollars for a necklace.

like to present this necklace to the woman who has brought

a fluttering excitement

eyes held warmth only

me

held its breath as Camille rose from her seat. Her legs felt unsteady as she walked toward him,

move, of phones

turning so her

movements,

settled against Camille's collarbone as he fastened

face him again, something in his expression made her breath catch.

hands with unexpected tenderness. "Perfect, he murmured, quiet enough that only she could hear. "It matches

1

polite peck for their audience, but a real kiss, deep and unhurried. Carnille felt herself responding without thought, her hands finding his shoulders, her body leaning into his as if they w The audience erupted in applause

capturing the moment for tomorrow's

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