SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 43

Camille's point of view

The Metropolitan Museum sparkled like a jewel box, transformed for the annual Children's Hospital Benefit.

Diamonds caught light from a thousand candles, champagne flowed in crystal flutes, and the wealthy

| moved through the crowd in a midnight blue gown, Victoria's careful training evident in every step. My hair

swept up in an elegant twist, my makeup flawless, my smile measured and controlled. Camille Kane, How

different from the last charity gala I'd attended as Camille Lewis. Then, I'd stood in Rose's shadow, wearing a

dress she'd "allowed"to borrow, watching society ladies air- kiss her cheeks while barely glancing my way.

"Ms. Kane." The hospital director approached, practically glowing with anticipation. "Your mother's donation! will

fund our new pediatric wing. We're beyond grateful."

| nodded, accepting her gratitude with the perfect blend

of humility and confidence Victoria had taught me. Industries believes in investing in the future. These children

deserve our best efforts."

"Kane"

Absolutely! Would you say a few words during the presentation? Having the Kane heir speak would mean so

much"

"Of course." | scanned the room, noting potential business connections, rivals, useful allies.

Victoria's voice whispering in my head: Always map the battlefield before engaging

Then | saw them.

Stefan and Rose stood near the bar, him uncomfortable in his tuxedo, her resplendent in red silk that probably

cost more than most people's monthly salary. They hadn't noticedyet, too busy arguing in fierc whispers

behind plastic smiles.

The sight of them still hit like a physical blow. After everything I'd done to destroy their businesses, after the

chaos I'd engineered in their lives, they still looked... intact. Together. Rose's hand still possessively g Something

ugly twisted in my chest. Not jealousy, I'd moved beyond wanting Stefan back. Something darker. More primitive.

The need to see them truly suffer. To watch them crumble completely. My opportunity arrived sooner than

expected

"Ms. Kane!" Rose's voice, pitched to carry just the right distance. "What a pleasure to see you again!"

| turned slowly, slipping on the mask of polite interest I'd perfected for such moments. "Ms. Lewis. Mr. Rodriguez.

Good evening."

They moved towardwith the desperate eagerness of drowning people spotting a lifeboat. Rose's smile too

bright, Stefan's handshake too firm.

ve been hoping to run into you," Rose

gushed, positioning herself closer than social etiquette allowed. "Your charity work is so inspiring."

"Thank you " | sipped my champagne, letting silence stretch uncomfortably, Victoria's first lesson in power

dynamics: Make them work for your attention. Stefan cleared his throat. “Ms. Kane, | wanted to apologize |

seemed distracted when we met at the gallery opening Business concerns, you understand."

"Of course." | studied him with cool detachment. "I've heard Rodriguez Shipping is facing... challenges." His face

tightened. "Temporary setbacks. Nothing we can't overcwith the right partnerships."

Rose jumped in smoothly. "Which is actually something we hoped to discuss. Your mother mentioned Kane

Industries might be looking for shipping partners in the Asian markets?"

Their desperation was palpable, hanging in the air betweenus like cheap perfume. It took everything | had not to

smile at the beautiful irony. Here they stood, begging for hep from the very woman they'd destroy

"Kane Industries is always exploring new opportunities," replied, noncommittal. "Though we have very strict

criteria for potential partners."

"Rodriguez Shipping has an impeccable reputation," Stefan insisted, leaning forward, eyes

intense. The seyes that had once looked into mine with false promises of forever. "Three generations of

excellence."

"Three generations," | mused. "Such a shto see that legacy threatened."

He flinched as if I'd struck him. "The company will recover With the right support."

"And your fashion line, Ms. Lewis?" | turned to Rose. "I understand you're also seeking investors?"

Her perfect smile faltered slightly. "Word travels fast in New York. Yes, we're in expansion talks with several

interested parties."

“How Interesting” | took another sip of champagne. "Given the recent quality issues reported in fashion blogs.”

“Malicious rumors.” Her voice hardened even as her smile remained fixed. “Competitors trying to d "Competitors

can be so... ruthless." | let my gaze drift over her shoulder, dismissive. "The business world is unforgiving that

way."

Rose's hand tightened on Stefan's arm, her knuckles whitening. "Ms. Kane, perhaps we could meet privately?

Discuss how Kane Industries and our businesses might benefit each other?"

The sheer audacity nearly madelaugh. After everything they'd done to me, they expectedto help them?

To save them?

"I'm afraid my schedule is quite full," | said, my tone cooling several degrees. "But you're welcto submit

proposals through our investment division."

"We've tried." Stefan's composure slipped, revealing the desperation beneath. "Your people won't return our

calls. If you could just put in a word..."

"A word?" | raised an eyebrow. "From me?"

"Your influence with Victoria Kane is well-

known," Rose pressed, stepping closer. The

scent of her perfume, the sone she'd worn when comfortingafter Stefan becdistance during our

marriage, made my stomach turn. "Just a small recommendation. An introduction."

| studied them both, savoring the moment. The great Rose Lewis and Stefan Rodriguez, reduced to begging for

scraps of attention. For a moment, | allowed myself to imagine telling them everything. Removing But the time

wasn't right. The gwasn't finished.

"I'll consider it," | said finally. "Though I should warn you, my mother values loyalty above all else. She has little

patience for those who... discard their commitments when convenient."

Stefan's face paled slightly. Did he hear the accusation beneath my words? Did spart of him sense who was

really standing before him?

"We

understand," Rose said quickly. "Loyalty is everything to us as well. Family values are the foundation of both our

businesses."

The hypocrisy burned like acid. Family values? From the woman who had systematically destroyed her sister's

life? Who had likely arranged her "accident" when convenient?

"How fortunate for you both." | glanced past them, signaling; the conversation's end. "If you'll excuse me, the

hospital director is waiting."

"Of course." Rose reached for my hand, squeezing it with false warmth. "Thank you for considering our request.

It means everything to us."

| allowed the contact, though every cell in my body screamed to pull away. "I'm sure it does."

As | moved through the crowd, their eyes followed me. | felt their desperate hope, their growing fear. | had

becwhat they never expected, someone with power over them. Someone who could save or destr Victoria

waited near the stage, regal in black Chanel. "Productive conversation?" she asked, having observed the entire

exchange.

"Very." | accepted another glass of champagne from a passing

waiter. "They're desperate. The Asian shipping routes collapse hit them harder than we anticipated."

"Good" Satisfaction glinted in Victoria's eyes. "And your fashion line attack?"

"Rose is panicking. Trying to hide it, but she's losing clients. The quality control rumors we spread are gaining

traction."

"Excellent." Victoria's smile held all the warmth of a predator spotting prey. "And your... personal reaction?" The

question caughtoff guard. Victoria rarely concerned herself with emotions, focusing instead o "They don't

recognize me," | said carefully. "Even up close. Even with tto study my face."

"Of course they don't. Dr. Torres' work was impeccable." Victoria watchedclosely. "But that wasn't what |

asked."

| met her gaze directly. "It felt powerful. Seeing them beg for help from the woman they tried to destroy." She

nodded, apparently satisfied. "Remember that feeling.'s why we're doing this. Why all the preparation

But as | followed her toward the stage for the evening's presentations, | wondered if power alone was what I'd

felt. Beneath the satisfaction, something else lurked. Something that had stirred when Stefan's eye Not regret,

exactly. Not compassion. But a shadow of the woman I'd once been. The woman who had loved without

reservation. Who had believed in second chances.

That woman was gone, | reminded myself. Transformed by betrayal and Victoria's careful guidance into someone

stronger. Someone who would never again be victim to their manipulations.

As | took the podium to speak about Kane Industries’ commitment to

helping children, | spotted them watching. from the crowd. Rose's calculating gaze. Stefan's desperate hope.

Neither of them would sleep well tonight, wondering if Camille

Kane would throw them a lifeline or let them drown

The thought brought a genuine smile to my face as | began my speech.