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

As they sat down, Alexander found himself directly across from Richard, with Camille to his right and Margaret to his left. The arrangement felt intentional, designed to put him at the center of their attention.

"So," Richard said as the first course arrived, "tell me about Pierce Enterprises. I've been following your clean energy initiatives with great interest."

Alexander launched into a description of his company's projects, carefully keeping his voice steady even as his mind raced. These people had casually moved billions of 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 they suspected what he was really doing.

"Impressive," Richard nodded approvingly. "The solar panel efficiency improvements alone could revolutionize the industry."

"That's the goal," Alexander replied. "Though it's been challenging to scale production to meet demand."

"I might be able to help with that," Richard said casually. "I know some people in manufacturing who could be interested in partnership opportunities."

Margaret placed her hand on Alexander's arm. "Richard, let the man eat his dinner before you start talking business deals."

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

"Guilty as 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 needs help."

The casual way he talked about mobilizing billions made Alexander's chest tighten. These people lived in a world where money was just a tool, where financial markets could be moved by phone calls between old friends.

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

"Nonsense," Margaret interrupted. "You're our daughter. Of course we were going to help."

Alexander watched the exchange, seeing the genuine love between Camille and her parents. They had hurt her deeply in the past, but they were trying to make amends now.

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

Alexander's fork froze halfway to his mouth. "Sophisticated how?"

"The timing, the coordination, the specific rumors that were spread." Richard's eyes never left Alexander's face. "It wasn't random market volatility. Someone with inside knowledge orchestrated the whole thing."