SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Camille's penthouse glowed with warm light against the evening sky. Floor-to-

ceiling windows displayed the city below, where thousands of lights

now powered by the Phoenix Grid sparkled like earthbound stars. The dining table, set for twelve, gleamed with crystal and silver.

Hannah arrived first, bringing a bottle of champagne and a shy smile. She looked different outside the control room-

softer somehow in a simple blue dress, her usual ponytail replaced by loose waves.

"It's strange to celebrate," she said as Camille welcomed her. "Part of me is still waiting for another crisis."

Camille squeezed her hand. "Tonight, we just enjoy our success."

The others arrived in quick succession, Mike from Hannah's team, board members

who had supported the Grid from the beginning, Alexander's chief engineer who had helped design the power relays. Each brought congratulations, small gifts, happy exhaustion from the work finally completed

Camille moved among them easily, the perfect hostess, but her eyes kept drifting to the door. When the bell rang again, she hurried to answer it herself.

Her parents stood in the hallway, looking uncertain. Her mother clutched a small gift bag. Her father shifted from foot to foot like a schoolboy called to the principal's office.

"You came," Camille said, surprising herself with the relief in her voice.

"We wouldn't miss it," her mother replied. "Your moment of triumph.”

Camille stepped back to let them enter. Their relationship remained fragile, a delicate bridge being rebuilt one careful board at a time. But they had come. That mattered. The door opened once more, and Victoria swept in

with her usual regal presence. She wore deep blue tonight instead of her usual silver gray, perhaps her own small acknowledgment that this evening marked something new.

"The Grid is performing above all projections," she announced as her greeting. "The mayor called personally to congratulate

us."

Camille smiled. Even in celebration, Victoria remained focused on the work.

Alexander was the last to arrive, apologizing for his lateness, bringing a case of rare wine. His eyes found Camille immediately across the room, a private message passing between them. Tonight was the night Dinner began with light conversation about the Grid's successful launch, newspaper headlines, congratulatory calls from around the world. The food, prepared by Camille herself, drew appreciative comments. "I didn't know you could cook," her father said, surprise in his voice.

"There's a lot you don't know about me," Camille replied, not unkindly. Just a statement of fact.

Her mother looked down at her plate. "We're trying to learn."

Hannah, sensing tension, quickly changed the subject to the Grid's performance metrics, drawing the table into technical discussion that carried them through the main course.

As dessert was served, Alexander stood, tapping his glass gently. The room quieted, all eyes turning to him.

"I want to propose a toast," he began. "To the Phoenix Grid and its brilliant creator, Camille Kane."

Camille felt warmth

announcement to make." He looked at Camille,

her hand, drawing her to stand beside him. "A few days ago, I asked Camille a question. A very important question." His voice filled with emotion.

moment, confusion showed on some faces. Then understanding dawned as Camille raised her left hand, the phoenix ring catching the

she

and jumped up to hug Camille. Victoria showed

of course-but satisfaction played at the corners

Camille looked

with tears. Her father

Mike asked. "How long have you been keeping this

1/3

Chapter 134

"I proposed the day before

until after the activation to share our

were true, Hannah's assistant said. "The tabloids had it right for

were together. They didn't know about this.

1?"

it, allowing her mother to examine the

mother said softly. "The

thought," Alexander replied. "A symbol of who

when is the wedding?"

"We haven't set a date," she said. "We wanted to get through the Grid launch

Hannah said, raising her glass. "To

to their health, offering congratulations, questions about their

a big

secret.

with an expression she couldn't quite

"You're quiet," she said.

face. "I have only myself to blame."

in his

she answered honestly. "But it's not

that this was the most she could offer right now. He nodded

than Stefan? Yes. Very much so." Camille's voice held no

room, Victoria tapped her glass, bringing

turned to her, respect automatic in

usually so

moved to stand beside Camille,

with a softness in her eyes

woman who had lost everything. Her marriage. Her family. Her

still.

she and Camille

though it was great." Victoria's gaze swept the room before returning to Camille's face. "What struck me was her fire. Her

have won battles in boardrooms across the world," Victoria continued. "But nothing.... nothing.... has given me more pride than watching this woman transform h Victoria raised her glass. "The Phoenix Grid is a remarkable achievement. But it pales beside the achievement of its creator's transformation. I could not be prouder of the