SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

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-

surrounded by fifteen carats of

eyes

Camille. "Bidding will start at ten million

Camille felt Alexander shift

a voice from

million," countered

a bidding war between a Saudi prince and a hedge fund manager. "Twenty-five million," the prince offered, voice bored

manager shook his head, withdrawing from

The auctioneer beamed. "Twenty-five

the 'Ocean's Heart.'

his hand. "Thirty

utterly silent. Camille turned to him, eyes wide with shock. He met her gaze with a small smile, private despite their public

Mr. Alexander Pierce," the auctioneer repeated, barely

Successfully unlocked!

moment, then

going twice..." The auctioneer paused dramatically. "Sold

of excitement. Alexander stood, buttoning his jacket as he moved toward the stage to claim his

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Chapter 122

They had discussed their strategy for the evening in detail, and nowhere had it included Alexander bidding thirty million dollars for a necklace. He

worn, not kept in a box. With your permission, I'd like to present this necklace to the woman who has brought unexpected joy to my life."

fluttering

formally, though his eyes held

me the

her seat. Her legs felt unsteady as she walked toward him,

following her every move, of

reached Alexander's side, turning so her

With careful movements,

from its velvet nest. The weight of it settled against Camille's collarbone as he fastened the clasp,

expression made her breath catch. This wasn't just for show, not just another

"Perfect, he

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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

them, capturing the moment