SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 195

Chapter 195

The Lewis mansion rose before them like a palace from another century, its stone walls glowing golden under the evening lights. Alexander gripped the steering wheel tighter as they approached the circular drive, knowing that behind those walls lay wealth and power beyond most people's imagination.

Camille touched up her lipstick in the passenger mirror, her face bright with happiness. "I can't remember the last time I felt this excited about seeing Mom and Dad," she said, closing the compact with a satisfied snap.

Alexander forced a smile. "It's wonderful that you've rebuilt your relationship with them."

"It really is." Camille turned to study his profile. "Are you nervous? You seem tense."

Tense didn't begin to cover what Alexander felt. Here he was, about to dine with the very people who had destroyed his plans for revenge. The couple whose wealth and connections had saved Kane Industries from his carefully orchestrated attack.

"Just want to make a good impression," he lied smoothly.

The front door opened before they could knock. Margaret Lewis stood there in an elegant navy dress, her silver hair perfectly styled, diamonds sparkling at her throat and ears. She looked every inch the society matriarch, but her face transformed when she saw Camille.

"Darling!" Margaret embraced her daughter warmly, holding her close for several heartbeats. "You look absolutely radiant."

"Thanks, Mom." Camille's voice was soft with emotion. "You look beautiful too."

Margaret turned to Alexander, her smile genuine but measuring. "Alexander. Thank you for coming. I know this week has been difficult for everyone."

"Mrs. Lewis." Alexander took her offered hand, noting the firm handshake, the direct gaze that seemed to see straight through him. "Thank you for having us. And for everything you did for Kane Industries."

"Please, call me Mom. We're family now." She stepped aside to let them enter. "Richard is in the library. He's been looking forward to this all day."

The interior of the mansion spoke of money so old it had forgotten its origins. Persian rugs covered polished floors, oil paintings in heavy frames lined the walls, and crystal chandeliers cast warm light over furniture that belonged in museums. Alexander had grown up wealthy, but this was wealth on a different scale entirely.

Richard Lewis appeared in the doorway of what must be the library, and Alexander immediately saw where Camille got her strong jawline and determined eyes. He was tall, silver-haired, wearing a perfectly tailored suit that probably cost more than most people's cars.

"There's my girl," Richard said, opening his arms.

Camille practically ran to him, wrapping her arms around his waist like she was twelve years old again. "Hi, Dad."

"Hello, sweetheart." Richard's voice was thick with emotion as he held his daughter. Over her head, his eyes met Alexander's. "And you must be the man who stole my daughter's heart."

Alexander stepped forward, extending his hand. "Mr. Lewis. It's an honor to finally spend time with you properly."

Richard's handshake was firm, his gaze direct and calculating. This was a man who had built fortunes and destroyed competitors, who moved in circles where billion-dollar decisions were made over dinner. "Call me Dad. Margaret's right - we're family now."

They moved into a dining room that could have hosted a state dinner. The table was set with china so fine it seemed to glow, crystal glasses that caught the light from another massive chandelier, and silver that had probably been in the family for generations.

and Margaret to his left. The arrangement felt intentional,

the first course arrived, "tell me about Pierce

billions of dollars to save Kane Industries. They socialized with the most powerful families in America. They could destroy his life

solar panel

replied. "Though it's been challenging to scale production to meet

help with that,"

could be interested in partnership

arm. "Richard, let the man

laughed. "Dad's always networking. Even at family

charged," Richard admitted with a grin. "But that's how we were able to help Kane Industries so quickly. When you've spent decades

These people lived in a world where money

you did," Camille said, reaching across the table to squeeze her father's hand. "If you hadn't stepped in when

daughter. Of course we were going to

and her parents. They had hurt her deeply in

quite sophisticated," Richard observed, cutting into his steak. "Someone put a lot of thought into

fork froze halfway to

specific rumors that were spread." Richard's eyes never left Alexander's face. "It wasn't random

think they'll try again?" Camille asked, worry creeping into

Richard said. "But it will be much harder now. The institutional support we arranged sends a clear message - Kane Industries has powerful friends. Anyone thinking about another attack will have to consider the consequences." The threat was politely worded but unmistakable. Alexander felt sweat form between his shoulder blades despite the mansion's perfect climate control. "Well, whoever it was picked the wrong target," Margaret said firmly. "Nobody attacks our

him in that protection, treating him as one of their own. Even as he planned to

vern

gave way to dessert, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Camille told stories about their honeymoon. Italy, her face glowing as she described the villa and the food and the perfect weather. Alexander smiled and nodded

herself

"A little gift

looked antique and valuable. "This has been in our family for four generations. I've been waiting

box. Inside lay a necklace that took Alexander's breath away. Diamonds and sapphires formed an intricate pattern around what

Camille whispered. "It must

with the Astors. Your grandmother wore it to her wedding." "And now it's yours," Richard added, his voice

the necklace around her neck. The diamonds caught the chandelier light, sending rainbow sparkles across her skin. She looked like royalty, like she belonged in this world of old money

wealth and love and acceptance. The necklace alone was worth more than most people made in a lifetime. It represented power, status, a place in society that

beautiful," he managed to say, his voice rough with

name.

stepping back to admire her daughter.

to a mirror hanging

fingers. "I can't believe it's really mine." "Believe it," Richard said. "You're

people could give away fortunes as casual gifts. They had saved Kane Industries with a few phone calls. They moved in circles where his uncle's 'death would

could one man seeking justice compete