SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 51

Camille turned to face him, found his eyes glinting with something that might have been admiration, might have

been challenge, might have been something deeper neither of them was prepared to name. "The phoenix only

rises through fire, Mr. Pierce," she replied quietly. "And fire is a dangerous element to play with."

His smile deepened, genuine amusement replacing careful social masks. "I've never feared burns, Ms. Kane. The

most valuable things in life are often forged in flame."

Someone called for a photograph. The museum director, sensing promotional gold, encouraged them to stand

together. Alexander placed his hand lightly at the small of her back, the gesture both possessive ar Flashes

erupted around them. Tomorrow these images would appear in every social publication, generating exactly the

kind of attention Victoria had warned against. Speculation. Interest. Questions about the r most powerful young

billionaires.

"You planned this," Camille accused under her breath, maintaining her public smile.

"I seized an opportunity," he corrected. "There's a difference."

"Victoria won't be pleased."

"Victoria isn't here." His fingers pressed slightly against her back, surprisingly warm through the thin fabric of her

gown. "And it's tyou made decisions without her shadow over you."

The presumption should have angered her. Instead, something rebellious stirred inside her, the first independent

choice since accepting Victoria's offer of transformation and revenge. Not a strategic business m destroying Rose

and Stefan. Just a moment of genuine connection with someone who seemed to see through all her carefully

constructed layers.

She smiled at him, not Victoria's

practiced social expression, but something real. Something that belonged to her alone.

Camille recognized the trap. Refuse, and appear cold, ungracious, dampening the

philanthropic spirit of the evening. Accept, and create exactly the kind of public speculation Victoria had carefully

avoided around her adopted heir.

"The children," she repeated, finding her answer. "How could | refuse such a worthy cause?"

She turned slightly, presenting her back to him in silent permission. Alexander removed the necklace from its

box and stepped behind her. The crowd fell into breathless silence.

His fingers brushed the nape of

her neck as he positioned the necklace, the touch sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. The weight of

diamonds settled against her skin, cool at first, then warming. His hands lingered perhaps a mom "The phoenix

rises," he whispered, words meant only

for her. "And looks more magnificent with each transformation."

The watching crowd stirred in response, For months they had observed the Kane heiress at various events,

always perfect, always controlled, always slightly unreachable. This smile transformed her from beaut More

photos captured the moment. More speculative glances exchanged between witnesses. More messages

Chapter 51

discreetly sent from the event, spreading news of what was unfolding.

Alexander's expression softened in response, his own mask slipping to reveal something unexpected, tenderness

beneath the power, warmth beneath the controlled exterior For a brief moment, they weren't tw Then the spell

broke as the museum director approached, effusive with gratitude for Alexander's donation. Camille used the

interruption to step away, one hand rising unconsciously to touch the fortune now add For the remainder of the

evening, they circled each other like planets in separate but intersecting orbits. Never directly engaging again,

but always aware of the other's location. Always feeling the pull of connec Near midnight, as the event wound

down, Camille's security team approached to escort her to her waiting car. She reached back to unfasten the

necklace, intending to return.

Alexander materialized at her side. "Keep it tonight. My security will coordinate with yours for its return

tomorrow."

"| couldn't possibly..."

"You can and you will." His voice carried no arrogance, just calm certainty. "It looks

like it was made for you."

Before she could protest further, he leaned closer, his lips nearly brushing her ear. "Besides, little phoenix, what

better way to celebrate your victory today? While you dazzled in diamonds, your sister lost her las Camille froze,

shock replacing composure. How did he know? How did he always know?

"Don't look so alarmed," he continued softly. "Your secrets remain safe with me."

"What do you want?" she whispered. "Why are you doing this?"

He stepped back, his public mask returning seamlessly. "That's a conversation for another time. Good night, Ms.

Kane. You've made a dull charity event unexpectedly memorable."

With a slight bow that managed to be both formal and intimate, he

walked away, leaving her standing with a hundred million dollars around her neck and questions burning in her

mind.

In her car, Camille studied her reflection in the privacy screen, the elegant gown, the perfect makeup, the

necklace that outshone everything else. But it was her eyes that held her attention, something awakenin Her

phone buzzed with an incoming message. Alexander, she thought with unexpected anticipation.

But it was Victoria's nthat appeared on the screen: *What have you done? The photos

are already online. Callimmediately.*

Camille touched the diamonds at her throat, remembering Alexander's fingers against her skin, his whispered

words in her ear. For

the first tsince agreeing to Victoria's plan, since burying Camille Lewis and becoming Camille Kane, she felt

something beyond the cold satisfaction of revenge:

She closed the message without responding.

Victoria could wait until morning.