SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan) novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191

New York's skyline welcomed Camille and Alexander home after six weeks of Italian sun. Their penthouse apartment filled with gifts and flowers as news of their return spread through social circles. Among the bouquets sat an arrangement of white lilies. The card read simply: "Welcome home. -V."

Alexander stared at those lilies longer than the others, something cold settling in his stomach as he touched a single white petal with his fingertip.

"She called twice while we were unpacking," Camille said, coming up behind him and slipping her arms around his waist. "Victoria can barely wait to see us. She's arranged dinner tomorrow night."

Alexander turned in her embrace, burying his face in her hair to hide his expression. "I've missed her too," he lied, his voice steady despite the acid taste of the words.

** **

Their first week back passed in a whirlwind of meetings and business dinners. Camille threw herself into work at Kane Industries with the same passion she brought to everything. Alexander watched her transformation from relaxed honeymoon wife to fierce CEO with a mixture of pride and sadness. Each morning she left their bed earlier, returned each night later, her mind increasingly consumed by Victoria's empire.

Ten days after their return, Alexander sat in their dining room, reading documents on his tablet while eating breakfast alone. Camille had left before dawn for an emergency board meeting. His phone chimed with a news alert:

KANE INDUSTRIES ANNOUNCES PHOENIX GRID EXPANSION TO THREE NEW CITIES

He clicked through to the press release. There was Camille, standing at a podium, Victoria slightly behind her right shoulder. Both women radiated confidence, power, triumph. The photo caption read: "Camille Kane Pierce announces ambitious Phoenix Grid expansion with mentor Victoria Kane."

Alexander enlarged the image, studying Victoria's face. To the world, she was a cancer survivor, a brilliant businesswoman, a mentor to her adopted daughter. No one saw what he saw: the calculating eyes, the hands stained with his uncle's blood, the architect of Richard Pierce's destruction.

His phone buzzed with a text from Camille:

*Sorry about the early meeting. Big announcement went well! Will explain everything tonight. Love you.*

Alexander typed back a congratulatory response filled with pride and support. The perfect husband applauding his wife's success.

A second later, his secure phone, the one Camille knew nothing about, vibrated in his pocket. A message from "Guardian":

*Press release opened new avenues. Three Kane employees from Meridian era reaching out with information. Meeting one tonight. Expect breakthrough.*

Alexander deleted the message immediately, his heart quickening. The expansion announcement had rattled people, former employees who remembered what Victoria had done to competitors fifteen years ago. People willing to talk now.

He stood abruptly from the table, appetite gone. The walls of their perfect penthouse suddenly felt like a prison of lies.

** **

"I'm thinking we should throw a dinner party," Camille said that evening as they dressed for an event. "Celebrate the expansion announcement properly."

Alexander adjusted his tie, watching her in the mirror as she fastened diamond earrings, Victoria's wedding gift to her. She looked breathtaking in deep blue silk, her skin still golden from Italian sun.

"Whatever you want," he replied. "Just tell me when."

"That's it? No questions about cost or guest list?" Camille laughed, moving behind him to straighten his collar. "Marriage has made you agreeable."

"I trust your judgment." He turned to face her, his hands settling on her waist. "Besides, you've earned a celebration. The Phoenix Grid expansion is incredible."

Pride shone in her eyes. "It's going to change everything, Alex. Sustainable power for millions. Victoria says it might be the most important project Kane Industries has ever undertaken."

Victoria says. Always Victoria's opinion, Victoria's approval, Victoria's wisdom. The woman had shaped everything about Camille, molded her in her own image. The thought sickened him even as he smiled.

"I've never been more proud," he said, kissing her forehead. "But I need to cancel tonight's event. My parents called. They want to see me."

Concern immediately replaced Camille's joy. "Your parents? Are you ready for that?"

"I think so." Alexander moved away, suddenly unable to maintain the closeness. "After our last meeting, this feels like the right time to move forward."

Camille's face softened. "Do you want me to come with you?"

"No." The answer came too quickly. Alexander gentled his voice. "No, it's better if I do this alone first. Family matters, you know?"

She nodded, understanding without truly understanding. "I'll go to the charity event alone, then catch up with Hannah about the technical specs for Chicago's grid implementation."

"Perfect." Alexander kissed her again, relieved by how easily she accepted his excuse. "I might be late. Don't wait up."

** **

His parents' Upper East Side apartment looked exactly as he remembered, tasteful, expensive, cold. Like them. His mother opened the door herself, something she would never have done when he was younger. Cancer had changed Victoria Kane; age had changed Eleanor Pierce.

"Alexander." His mother's voice wavered. "Thank you for coming."

"You invited me." He stepped inside, allowing a brief, awkward embrace.

His father waited in the living room, rising stiffly when Alexander entered. Edward Pierce had more gray at his temples, more lines around his eyes, but the same rigid posture that had intimidated Alexander throughout childhood.