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."

around the table. Camille felt warmth rise to

at Camille,

ago, I asked Camille a

faces. Then understanding dawned as

engaged," she said

squealed and jumped

known, of course-but satisfaction played at the corners of her

Camille looked

eyes shone with tears. Her father seemed frozen, processing this

long have

1/3

Chapter 134

smiled. "I proposed the day before the Grid launch.

after the activation

all those rumors about you two were true, Hannah's assistant said.

didn't know about this. She wiggled her

approached cautiously. "May 1?" she

it, allowing her mother

mother said softly.

thought," Alexander replied. "A symbol of

is the wedding?" someone

and Alexander exchanged glances. "We haven't set a date," she said. "We wanted to

something joyful," Hannah said, raising her glass. "To Camille and

offering congratulations, questions

a big

secret.

all, Camille noticed her father hanging back, watching her with an expression she couldn't quite read. When there was

"You're quiet," she said.

much of your life. Your career success. Meeting Alexander. Now your engagement." Pain flashed across his face. "I have only myself to blame." Camille felt the old hurt rise within her, but also something else, a tiny wish to heal. "You're here now," she

hope in his eyes.

know yet," she answered honestly. "But

offer right now. He nodded and raised his glass slightly. "He seems

so." Camille's

room, Victoria tapped her

heads turned to her, respect automatic in

usually so controlled and measured, held an

moved to stand beside

a softness

began, "I found a young woman who had

still. Victoria rarely spoke

and Camille

not her pain, though it was considerable. Not her loss, though it was great." Victoria's gaze swept the

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 woman Camille has become if she were my own daughter by blood." Tears