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.

Camille to his right and Margaret to his left. The

course arrived, "tell me about Pierce Enterprises. I've

dollars to save Kane Industries. They socialized with the most powerful families in America. They could destroy his life with a single phone call if

"The solar panel efficiency improvements

goal," Alexander replied. "Though it's been challenging to

be able to help with that," Richard said casually. "I know some people

be interested in partnership

let the man eat his dinner before you start talking

networking.

charged," Richard admitted with a grin. "But that's how we were able to help Kane Industries so quickly. When you've spent decades building relationships, you can mobilize resources fast when your daughter

These people lived in a world where money was just a tool, where financial markets could be moved by phone

said, reaching across the

Of course

Camille and her parents. They had hurt her deeply in the

attack on Kane Industries was quite sophisticated," Richard observed, cutting into his steak. "Someone put a lot of thought into

fork froze halfway to his mouth.

Richard's eyes never left Alexander's

think they'll try again?" Camille

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

stomach. They were including him in that protection, treating him as

vern

as she described the villa and

served, Margaret excused herself from the table.

Camille. "A little gift to celebrate Kane Industries'

been in our family for four

and sapphires formed an intricate pattern around what

this," Camille whispered. "It must

great-grandmother wore it to the opera with the Astors. Your grandmother wore it to her wedding." "And now it's yours," Richard added, his voice gentle. "You've proven yourself worthy of the Lewis name,

Margaret fastened 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 and

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 couldn't be

beautiful," he managed to say, his voice

name.

Margaret said, stepping back to

a mirror hanging on the dining room

really mine." "Believe it," Richard said. "You're

away fortunes as casual gifts. They had saved Kane Industries

kind of power? How could one man seeking justice compete with