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Chapter 24
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2025-04-12 15:52:40
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SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 25
ROSE'S POINT OF VIEWI slammed my apartment door so hard the walls shook. The sound echoed through the empty space, matching the thunder in my heart. My hands shook as I poured myself a drink, spilling expensive whiskey on the marble counter."Damn you, Camille," I whispered, then screamed it: "DAMN YOU!"The crystal glass flew from my hand, shattering against the wall in a spray of amber liquid and broken dreams. Thirty million dollars. The Cedar Hill estate. All of it gone to those worthless foster kids.My legs gave out and I slid to the kitchen floor, surrounded by the mess I'd made. Just like my life - everything perfect on the surface, chaos underneath. And now Camille, sweet, stupid Camille, had managed to ruin everything even from the grave."You think you're so clever, don't you?" I spoke to the empty air, imagining her ghost watching me fall apart. "Little Miss Perfect with her secret fortune. Did you laugh about it? Did you enjoy knowing you had something I didn't?"I grabb
Last Updated : 2025-04-12SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 26
STEFAN'S POINT OF VIEWThe bourbon burned down my throat, a welcome fire against the cold emptiness spreading through my chest. I signaled the bartender for another. My fourth? Fifth? I'd lost count hours ago."You sure about that, buddy?" he asked, eyeing the empty glasses."Just pour the damn drink," I growled.The alcohol couldn't drown the words that had haunted me all day: Martin Greene reading Camille's will, her final message cutting through me like a blade.*"To my former husband, Stefan Rodriguez, I return the engagement ring that belonged to his grandmother, with the hope that next time he gives it, it will be with honesty and true devotion."*The ring sat heavy in my pocket, retrieved from the safety deposit box this morning. Grandmother Rosa's ring. Three generations of Rodriguez women had worn it before I'd placed it on Camille's finger, promising forever with words that turned to ash in my mouth.Thirty million dollars and the Cedar Hill estate. All of it to charity. Not
Last Updated : 2025-04-12SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 27
CAMILLE'S POINT OF VIEW"Neurix Technologies," Victoria said, sliding the folder across her desk. "Twenty-seven employees. Promising neural interface technology. Currently entertaining acquisition offers.""And?" I asked, waiting for the catch. With Victoria, there was always a catch."And you'll be handling the acquisition." She leaned back, expression unreadable. "Alone."My heart stuttered. After eight months of shadowing Victoria at Kane Industries, this was my first real test."Their valuation?""They're asking ninety million. They're worth sixty-five, at most. I want them for fifty.""When do negotiations begin?""Two hours. The meeting is set for eleven at our downtown offices."My head snapped up. "Today? You're giving me two hours to prepare?"A small, cold smile played at her mouth. "In business, opportunities rarely announce themselves weeks in advance. Besides, you've had eight months of preparation.""Who am I negotiating against?""Marcus Whitfield."The name hit me like
Last Updated : 2025-04-13SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 28
Chapter 28ROSE'S POINT OF VIEW"You've been distant lately," I said, stirring my coffee with practiced precision. Three clockwise turns, no more, no less. Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Stefan's penthouse, our penthouse now, though I maintained my own apartment for appearance's sake.Eight months since Camille's "death." Eight months of nurturing Stefan through grief, providing just enough comfort to keep him dependent without allowing him to fully heal. A delicate balance, but one I'd mastered through years of subtle manipulation.Stefan looked up from his newspaper, dark circles beneath his eyes betraying another sleepless night. "Have I? Sorry. Work's been demanding."A lie. His family company practically ran itself, generations of wealth ensuring he needed to do little more than show up for board meetings and sign occasional papers. No, what kept him awake wasn't work but guilt. The gift that kept giving."I worry about you," I reached across the table, taking h
Last Updated : 2025-04-13SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 29
Chapter 29CAMILLE'S POINT OF VIEWThe engagement party filled the screen before me, bright lights and beautiful people swirling in celebration. I sat motionless in Victoria's guest suite, hands folded in my lap, breathing measured despite the storm in my chest. Three cameras captured the event from different angles, ensuring not a single moment of joy would go undocumented.Joy for them. Torture for me.The Rodriguez family estate had been transformed into a fairytale setting, white roses everywhere, crystal chandeliers hanging from pavilions, string quartet playing softly. Two hundred guests in designer formal wear, champagne flowing freely, laughter rising into the night air.And at the center of it all, Rose and Stefan. My sister and my ex-husband."The engagement of the year," the entertainment reporter gushed. "Stefan Rodriguez, heir to the Rodriguez shipping fortune, and renowned fashion designer Rose Lewis have finally made their relationship official after a respectful period
Last Updated : 2025-04-13SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 30
CAMILLE'S POINT OF VIEW"Five minutes until your entrance, Ms. Kane."I nodded to James, Victoria's head of security who now shadowed me at all public events. My heartbeat quickened, but my face revealed nothing. One year of training had perfected my mask, the serene, confident expression of a woman born to wealth and power rather than thrust into it by circumstance and revenge.From my position in the private antechamber above the grand ballroom, I could observe without being seen. The Kane Industries Annual Charity Ball spread below me in a glittering panorama of wealth, influence, and carefully cultivated social connections. Three hundred of New York's elite in designer formal wear, diamonds catching light from crystal chandeliers, champagne flowing as freely as the gossip.All of them waiting for their first real glimpse of Victoria Kane's mysterious adopted daughter. The woman who had appeared seemingly from nowhere, who had closed the TechVault acquisition that business publicat
Last Updated : 2025-04-14SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 31
Chapter 31Camille's point of view "Ms. Kane." A deep voice interrupted my thoughts. "Andrew Hargrove, Meridian Investments. I've been hoping to speak with you about your approach to the TechVault integration."I turned to find a middle-aged executive with expensive dental work and even more expensive cufflinks. One of many who had dismissed me during my first attempt at the MicroLink negotiation, now eager to discuss strategy with Victoria Kane's heir."Mr. Hargrove," I replied, extending my hand. "I believe we met briefly at the Barrett negotiations last year."His expression flickered with confusion, then embarrassment as he failed to recall our previous encounter. "Did we? I apologize for not remembering.""No apology necessary," I assured him, satisfaction warming my chest. "I was observing rather than participating at that point in my training."Training. As if I'd been Victoria's protégée all along, not a broken woman she'd rescued and transformed for mutual benefit."Of cours
Last Updated : 2025-04-14SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 32
CAMILLE'S POINT OF VIEWHis words hung in the air between us, dangerous and sharp. "Welcome back to the land of the living, Ms. Kane. Or should I use your previous name?"I kept my face still, fighting the storm that raged inside my chest. Years of practice hiding emotions from Rose. Months of Victoria's merciless training. Everything in me focused on not revealing the bolt of fear that shot through my body."I'm afraid you've mistaken me for someone else," I said, withdrawing my hand from his grasp. My voice stayed perfectly steady, cool and distant. "I don't have a previous name."Alexander Pierce studied me with those unnerving gray eyes, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Too knowing. Too certain."Is that so?" He tilted his head slightly, examining me as one might examine an interesting puzzle. "My mistake, then."But his tone made it clear he believed no such thing. He wasn't backing down, merely shifting tactics."First public appearance?" he asked, smoothly ch
Last Updated : 2025-04-14
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SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 47
Chapter 47Camille's point of view The morning sun cast long shadows across my desk as I reviewed the latest reports on Rodriguez Shipping's supply chain. Five of their key suppliers had abruptly terminated contracts in the past twenty-four hours. Two more were scheduled to announce their withdrawal by noon. Each one citing "business concerns" or "strategic realignment" – corporate speak for abandoning a sinking ship.What none of them mentioned was the quiet pressure from Kane Industries. The subtle threats about future business relationships. The anonymous tips about Rodriguez financial instability. The carefully orchestrated market manipulation that made partnering with Stefan's company look increasingly dangerous."Ms. Kane." My assistant Rebecca knocked before entering, tablet in hand. "Marunouchi Trading just announced their withdrawal. Their statement hit the financial press five minutes ago."I nodded, satisfaction warming my blood. Marunouchi was Stefan's largest Asian suppl
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 46
Chapter 46Rose point of view I stared at my phone screen until the words blurred, reading the same headline for the twentieth time. "ROSE LEWIS: THE PRIVATE LIFE SHE DIDN'T WANT YOU TO SEE." Beneath it, that grainy photo of me entering the London hotel with Jonathan four years ago. His hand on my lower back. My face turned up to his, laughing at something he'd said.How? How had anyone found this? I'd been so careful.My boutique office, normally my sanctuary, felt suffocating now. Outside, I could hear my staff whispering, their usual respectful silence replaced by urgent murmurs. They'd seen the stories. Everyone had.Three major fashion sites had dropped my spring collection. Five influencers had canceled promotional contracts. Two department stores had "postponed" their orders. All within twenty-four hours.My empire, built so carefully brick by brick, was crumbling beneath my feet.The phone on my desk rang again. My publicity team, no doubt, with another useless strategy. I'd
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 45
Chapter 45Camille's point of view Five screens glowed on the wall of Victoria's private office, each displaying a different fashion blog. The headline on Fashion Insider screamed in bold type: "ROSE LEWIS: FASHION'S FEMME FATALE?" Below it, a grainy but unmistakable photo showed Rose entering a London hotel with Jonathan Hayes, her mentor's husband.Victoria and I sat side by side at her conference table, watching the story unfold in real time. The digital clock on her desk showed 9:07 AM. The story had been live for exactly twelve minutes, and already the view counter showed over three thousand clicks."Perfectly timed," Victoria said, satisfaction evident in her voice. "The fashion industry wakes up, checks their morning feeds, and finds their darling exposed."I nodded, a strange mix of emotions washing through me. Satisfaction, yes. The first real blow against Rose's carefully constructed image. But something else too, something I hadn't expected. A hollow feeling in the pit of
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 44
Chapter 44Camille's point of view The private investigation office smelled of coffee and secrets. I sat across from Martin Wells, retired NYPD detective turned high-end investigator, watching him spread photos across his desk like playing cards."Four affairs during her time in London," he said, tapping a grainy image of Rose entering a hotel with a man who wasn't Stefan. "Two with married executives. One with a British lord. One with her fashion mentor's husband."Something cold settled in my stomach as I picked up the photo. Rose, laughing, hand tucked possessively into the arm of a silver-haired man twenty years her senior. The timestamp showed a date just three weeks after I'd married Stefan."You're certain these are authentic?" I kept my voice steady, professional. Victoria had taught me never to show emotion during business dealings, even when the business was revenge.Wells nodded, sliding more photos toward me. "Verified by three different sources. Ms Lewis was... busy duri
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 43
Chapter 43Camille'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 elite of New York performed their yearly ritual of competitive generosity.I 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, heiress to a fortune, daughter of power. A woman these people now courted rather than dismissed.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" me 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 be
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 42
Chapter 42Rose stared at Stefan, the wedding invitation sample still clutched in her hand. The gold-embossed lettering seemed to mock her now."What do you mean, postponed?" Her voice came out too high, too tight.Stefan loosened his tie, exhaustion etched into every line of his face. "Just what I said. We need to push the wedding back. Until things stabilize with the company.""Push it back? Push it back?" The invitation crumpled in her grip. "We've sent save-the-dates to three hundred people. The venue is booked. The deposit is paid!""I know." Stefan moved to the bar, pouring himself a drink without offering her one. "My father made it a condition of his help with the company. No distractions. Full focus on saving what's left."Rose watched him toss back expensive scotch like it was water. The careful control she'd maintained all these years began to slip. "Your father doesn't control our lives.""He controls the board. He controls the family shares. Right now, he's the only thing
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 41
Chapter 41Camille's point of view The Metropolitan Finance Summit filled the grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel, crystal chandeliers casting golden light over Manhattan's elite. I moved through the crowd with practiced grace, my black Dior dress drawing appreciative glances. Every step, every gesture, every smile carefully calculated to project the image of Victoria Kane's perfect heir.Inside, though, my mind raced with numbers and plans. Rodriguez Shipping's Asia division lay vulnerable after our last attack. Tonight's event offered perfect hunting grounds, worried investors ready to jump ship, competitors eager to grab market share, reporters hungry for insider tips."Searching for your next victim, Ms. Kane?"Alexander's voice behind me sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. I hadn't heard him approach, unusual for someone trained by Victoria to always track potential threats. But Alexander Pierce had a way of slipping past my defenses."Mr. Pierce." I turned, finding him close
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 40
Chapter 40The morning sun painted golden streaks across Alexander's office atop Pierce International. Sixty stories above Manhattan, the city stretched beneath him, a vast, glittering chessboard where every piece moved according to unseen plans. From this height, everything seemed distant, almost insignificant, except for the battles being fought in silence, the wars waged behind closed doors, and the people who thought they controlled their own fates.Alexander sat back in his leather chair, adjusting his posture as he waited for his secretary’s daily briefing. The chair creaked softly under his weight, the only sound in the vast office aside from the faint hum of the city below.A precise knock on the door announced Sarah's arrival. She was never late. She stepped in, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor, holding her tablet in one hand.“Good morning, sir,” she greeted professionally, stopping a few feet from his desk.Alexander nodded, wordlessly gesturing for her
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 39
Chapter 39Stefan stared at the empty boardroom seats, his hands shaking as he reached for another glass of water. The morning's board meeting felt like a firing squad, twelve angry faces demanding explanations he didn't have. Someone was systematically destroying Rodriguez Shipping, but he couldn't figure out who or why."The numbers are disastrous," Andrew Parker, head of the finance committee, said coldly. "Sixty-two percent stock drop. Major contracts vanishing. Suppliers backing out. And you still can't tell us what's happening?""I've had every analyst working around the clock," Stefan replied, hating the weakness in his voice. "The attacks are coming from multiple directions. Every time we plug one hole, three more appear.""Attacks?" Parker's laugh held no warmth. "Or just incompetence?"Other board members muttered in agreement. Three hours of defending himself, showing reports, promising solutions - none of it mattered. They wanted his head."A vote has been called," Thomas
