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Chapter 42
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2025-04-17 09:47:30
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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
Last Updated : 2025-04-17SCORNED 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
Last Updated : 2025-04-17SCORNED 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
Last Updated : 2025-04-18SCORNED 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
Last Updated : 2025-04-18SCORNED 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
Last Updated : 2025-04-18SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 48
Chapter 48Rose point of viewThe showroom that had once been my pride now felt like a tomb. Silent. Empty. Abandoned. I moved between the clothing racks, touching fabrics that represented thousands of hours of work. My spring collection, the one fashion critics had called "boundary-pushing" and "career-defining" just weeks ago, hung untouched, unsold, unwanted.My phone buzzed for the twentieth time that morning. Another cancellation, no doubt. Another buyer pulling orders. Another door slamming shut.I ignored it, continuing my lonely tour through what remained of my empire. The front desk sat vacant, I'd had to let Jessica go yesterday, along with three other staff members. The remaining team worked from home now, making desperate calls to salvage what business they could.The quiet made the memories louder. The launch party for this collection just two months ago. Champagne flowing. Music pulsing. Fashion editors praising my "visionary aesthetic." Buyers from luxury stores around
Last Updated : 2025-04-19SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 49
Chapter 49The view from the seventy-eighth floor of Pierce Tower turned Manhattan into a miniature city, tiny lights flickering like stars below. Alexander stood at the floor-to-ceiling window, phone pressed to his ear, watching darkness spread across the skyline. His reflection stared back at him, perfectly tailored suit, carefully neutral expression, eyes that revealed nothing of the game he was playing."I understand your interest in Rose Lewis's fashion line, Mr. Hiroshi," he said, voice smooth as aged whiskey. "But my analysis suggests it would be an unwise investment at this time. The brand carries significant hidden liabilities."The Japanese investor on the other end sounded disappointed. "Our research indicated solid growth potential despite recent... difficulties.""Your research is incomplete," Alexander replied, moving to his desk where three monitors displayed financial data on Rose's collapsing business. "I've taken the liberty of sending you some additional information
Last Updated : 2025-04-19SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 50
Chapter 50The Metropolitan Museum glowed with old-world grandeur, transformed for the annual Children's Heart Foundation gala. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over Manhattan's elite as they paraded in designer gowns and bespoke tuxedos, diamonds glittering like stars brought down to earth. Waiters moved silently through the crowd with champagne flutes balanced on silver trays, while a string quartet played Mozart in the background.Camille Kane stood near a display of ancient Greek sculptures, outwardly calm though her mind raced with calculations. This was her first major event without Victoria's watchful presence, a test of her ability to navigate the shark-infested waters of high society alone. She wore a midnight blue gown that whispered over marble floors as she moved, her surgical alterations and months of training giving her the confidence to meet curious stares with cool indifference."Ms. Kane," a silver-haired museum trustee approached, hand extended. "How wonderful t
Last Updated : 2025-04-19
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SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 101
Chapter 101The clock on Camille's office wall ticked past eleven. Most of Kane Industries had emptied hours ago, but Camille couldn't rest, not with Victoria's revelations about Herod Preston still echoing in her mind.A soft knock pulled her from her thoughts."Come in," she called.Hannah Zhao, the Phoenix Grid's chief engineer, entered clutching a stack of rolled blueprints. Her normally neat appearance had frayed, hair escaping its bun, dark circles under her eyes."Ms. Kane, I'm sorry to bother you so late, but..." Hannah hesitated.Camille motioned to the chair across from her desk. "It's fine. What's wrong?"Hannah sat, placing the blueprints between them. "I've been going over these since the groundbreaking ceremony." She unrolled the top sheet. "Something feels... off.""Off how?""After finding those modifications to the safety protocols last week, I started comparing every version of the blueprints."She pointed to a section showing the Grid's main junction box. "This is w
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 100
Chapter 100Victoria's hands shook as she poured herself a drink in her office. The setting sun cast long shadows across the room. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, New York City sparkled, unaware of the storm brewing among its towering buildings."Herod Preston," Victoria whispered the name like a curse, staring into her glass. "After all these years..."Camille had never seen Victoria like this, unsteady, shaken to her core. Since Alexander had revealed Rose's partner at the groundbreaking, Victoria had barely spoken, rushing them back to Kane Industries headquarters with security doubled."You need to tell me everything," Camille said. "Who is he? What does he want?"Victoria drained her glass in one swallow. "Herod Preston is the younger brother of Charles Preston. The man who was engaged to my daughter Sophia before her death."She set her glass down with a sharp click."Charles Preston's family owned Preston Shipping, once a rival to Kane Industries. They were old money, ver
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 99
Chapter 99:Morning sunlight bathed the construction site in golden light as hundreds gathered for the Phoenix Grid groundbreaking ceremony. Camera crews swarmed like bees, jostling for position around the stage erected at the center of what would soon become the most advanced power distribution hub in the country. Massive red banners bearing the Kane Industries logo and the Phoenix Grid emblem fluttered in the spring breeze.Behind the stage, in a temporary structure serving as a preparation area, Camille stared at her reflection in a full-length mirror. Her cream-colored suit was impeccable, her makeup flawless, the perfect corporate image Victoria had taught her to project. Yet beneath this polished exterior, unease churned in her stomach.Hannah Zhao, the chief engineer, poked her head through the doorway. "Five minutes, Ms. Kane."Camille nodded, adjusting the phoenix pin on her lapel. Even after discovering the blueprint discrepancies, Victoria had insisted the ceremony proceed
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 98
Chapter 98Rose stared at the screens covering the wall of Herod Preston's penthouse office. Six displays showed different angles of the Phoenix Grid construction site, live feeds that shouldn't exist. Workers in yellow hard hats moved across the site like ants, unaware of the predatory eyes watching their every move."Your security access is impressive," Rose said, stepping closer to examine a monitor showing the main control center where engineers hunched over computers. "How did you get these feeds?"Herod's mouth curled into the barest hint of a smile. "Money opens doors. Especially when those doors belong to underpaid security guards with gambling debts."He stood beside her, close enough that she could smell his expensive cologne. In the three weeks since they'd begun working together, Rose had grown to appreciate his attention to detail. Unlike the men she'd manipulated before, Herod Preston understood the value of patience. Of precision."And our man?" she asked, tapping a fi
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 97
Chapter 97Rain lashed against the windows of Victoria Kane's office, matching her dark mood. She sat rigid in her leather chair, eyes fixed on the large screen mounted on the wall. The security footage playing before her sent ice through her veins despite the warmth of the room.Martin, her head of security, stood nearby, his face grim as they watched Rose Lewis slip into a side entrance of an upscale restaurant. The timestamp showed 9:43 PM, two days ago."Pause it," Victoria commanded.Martin pressed a button on the remote. The image froze, capturing Rose mid-step, her face partly hidden by large sunglasses despite the late hour. Even in disguise, the hatred Victoria felt for this woman burned in her stomach like acid."Continue."The footage resumed. Rose moved through the restaurant, head down, until she reached a private dining area in the back. A waiter pulled aside a curtain, revealing a booth where someone already waited. The camera angle only showed the back of a man's head,
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 96
Chapter 96The city lights twinkled below Camille's penthouse like fallen stars trapped on earth. She stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows, arms wrapped around herself, watching the tiny cars move through the streets forty floors below. Behind her, Alexander poured two glasses of red wine, the soft gurgle of liquid filling the comfortable silence between them.It had been three days since the press the Phoenix project has issue and they sorted it out. Three days of relative peace. The thought felt strange to Camille, peace was not something she had known since finding those divorce papers twenty five months ago."Your thoughts seem far away," Alexander said, approaching with the wine glasses. His footsteps were quiet on the plush carpet.Camille accepted the glass, her fingers brushing his. That small touch sent warmth spreading up her arm. "Not far. Just... processing everything."Alexander stood beside her at the window. Unlike many men who felt the need to fill silence, he seemed
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 95
Chapter 95Three hours later, Rose gazed out the window of a private dining room in Montreal's most exclusive restaurant. Snow fell gently outside, illuminated by street lamps and café lights. Inside, candles flickered on their table, casting warm shadows across fine linens and crystal."You seem surprised to be enjoying yourself," Herod observed, watching her over the rim of his wine glass.Rose turned from the window. "I am, a little. I haven't thought about anything but revenge for so long. It feels strange to just... exist.""Vengeance is consuming," Herod agreed. "It leaves little room for ordinary pleasures.""Is that why you collect books? To remember there's life beyond revenge?"He considered this. "Perhaps. Though I began collecting long before Victoria Kane entered my life."Rose studied him in the candlelight. Without the hard edges of their planning sessions, Herod Preston revealed different facets, cultured, thoughtful, even charming in his precise way."Tell me about th
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 94
Chapter 94Rose stepped onto the balcony of Herod's penthouse, a glass of champagne catching the golden light of sunset. Below, Manhattan sprawled in all its glittering glory, oblivious to the small victory celebration taking place sixty floors above."To successful beginnings," Herod said, joining her with his own glass. The evening breeze ruffled his dark hair, softening his usually severe appearance."Six percent," Rose replied, satisfaction warming her voice. "Six percent drop in a single day. Millions wiped from Kane Industries' value."Their glasses clinked, crystal meeting crystal with a delicate ring. Rose sipped the expensive champagne, bubbles dancing on her tongue. The taste of revenge was even sweeter than the Dom Pérignon."You should have seen Victoria's face during that press conference," she said, leaning against the railing. "So controlled on the surface, but I know that look in her eyes. She's rattled."Herod studied her, his expression curious. "You enjoy this, don'
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 93
Chapter 93Camille's phone buzzed against the boardroom table, its vibration cutting through her presentation. She glanced at the screen and felt her stomach drop."Excuse me," she said, her voice steadier than she felt. "Let's take a five-minute break."As the engineering team filed out, Camille opened the alert.*BREAKING: Kane Industries (KI) down 8.7% on rumors of Phoenix Grid safety concerns*She scrolled quickly to a financial blog post: "SOURCES CLAIM PHOENIX GRID POSES UNPRECEDENTED FIRE RISK."The article cited "anonymous whistleblowers inside Kane Engineering" who allegedly provided documents showing the power distribution nodes could overheat under certain conditions. The claims were vague but specific enough to sound credible.Camille called Victoria. No answer. She tried Alexander next."I've seen it," he said immediately. "PR is already crafting a response.""Who would do this?" Camille demanded, pacing the empty boardroom. "Three days before groundbreaking? This isn't c
