Ch. 86..90: SCORNED EX WIFE Chapter 86-90
Chapter 86
Chapter 86
Camille woke to her phone's insistent buzz. Seventeen missed calls. Forty-
two texts. Hundreds of news alerts. Her stomach tightened as she read the first notification: "BREAKING: Kane Heiress Mental Health Crisis Exposed,
The Daily Chronicle headline screamed across her screen: CAMILLE LEWIS THE DISTURBING TRUTH BEHIND THE REVENGE PLOT"
Below it, a photo of Rose looking vulnerable and tearful, alongside an image of Camille from the Phoenix Gala, her expression caught in a moment that appeared almost mamic,
She scrolled down, each paragraph hitting her like a physical blow:
"Anonymous sources close to the Lewis family have revealed a decades-
long history of mental health concerns regarding Camille Lewis. Medical records suggest diagnoses of paranoid delusions and persecution complex dating back to her teenage years." "These conditions reportedly worsened after her marriage to Stefan Rodriguez, culminating in violent outbursts and fabricated accusations against her adopted sister, Rose Lewis."
\The dramatic 'resurrection' and accusations at the recent Kane Industries gala appear to be the culmination of a
carefully constructed delusion, enabled by Victoria Kane."
Camille's phone rang, Victoria.
"Have you seen it?" Victoria's voice cut through without greeting.
"I'm looking at it now," Camille fought to keep her voice steady. "How is this possible? These are complete lies. They claim to have medical records..."
"Fabricated, obviously. They've planted stories in every major outlet. It's coordinated and professional."
Camille opened her laptop. The story was everywhere, news sites, social media, television, Each outlet added its own spin, but the core narrative remained: Camille Lewis had always been unstable. Rose was ill woman for corporate revenge.
"They've included photos from my childhood," Camille's voice cracked. "Photos only my parents would have had." There she was at thirteen, looking sullen, the caption reading "Early signs of isolation and paranoia.
Another image showed her arguing with Rose... "Violent confrontation before witnesses."
"This is Rose," Camille whispered. "It has to be."
"With help,” Victoria added grimly. "This level of media saturation requires resources.”
Camille read comments beneath the articles. The public had already chosen sides:
"Always thought something was off about that whole revenge story."
"Poor Hose! Imagine living with someone that unstable.
“Kabe Industries stock dropping Would YOU trust a mentally ill woman to run a billion- dollar company?"
Alexander texted: "I'm on my way over Don's talk to anyone. We'll handle this."
Camille was too busy scrolling through a supposed "exclusive interview" with a former classmate who claimed. she had exhibited "disturbing behavior in college.
"None of this is true," she whispered. "I never even had therapy until after the parking garage attack."
"Truth is irrelevant in today's media environment," Victoria said. "This is about narrative control."
The doorbell rang Camille jumped, still in her nightclothes
"Ms. Kane?" Her housekeeper called. "There are reporters outside the gates."
"Tell them Ms. Kane has no comment," Victoria Instructed through the phone. "And activate privacy protocol
seven"
"What's protocol seven?" Camille asked.
"Lockdown procedures. Additional security, communications blackout except for secure lines. This is a calculated attack, Camille. Not just character assassination, they're trying to destabilize Kane Industries thr Camille's television switched on automatically, tuned to financial news: "....stock opening down twelve percent on reports questioning the mental fitness of Kane's heir apparent. Analysts suggest this could impa She muted it but couldn't look away
from the scrolling ticker showing Kane Industries' stock falling in real time. "They're hitting us from every angle," Victoria observed. "Hersonal reputation, company valuation, project viability." Camille's phone lit
up with more notifications about her supposed mental instability.
"They're saying I've been institutionalized multiple times, she told Victoria, her voice hollow. "That I attacked Rose physically before disappearing "
"Don't engage with any of it. This is exactly what they want to throw you off balance, make you react emotionally.
A financial alert popped up: "Analysts questioning stability of Phoenix Grid project leadership as Kane Industries heir faces mental health allegations."
"They're targeting the project. How would
Rose even know about the technical details of Phoenix Grid?"
A heavy silence fell on Victoria's end.
"Victoria?"
"We have a leak," Victoria said finally. "Someone inside Kane Industries is feeding information to Rose."
The doorbell rang again.
"Ms. Kane! Mr. Pierce is here."
Camille took five minutes to dress, brush her hair, and apply minimal makeup. When she opened her bedroom door, Alexander stood in her living room, speaking urgently with Victoria on his phone. "Our communications team is tracking the source," he said "It's sophisticated, multiple points of origin, carefully timed releases."
"It's Rose," Camille said flatly
"Rose with considerable resources behind her," Alexander corrected. "The technical analysis alone..."
"Technical analysis?"
"There's a piece in the Journal questioning the Phoenix Grid technology. Highly
teclinical, citing 'anonymous engineers' who claim the integration systems are fundamentally flawed."
"Tum on the television," Alexander sald suddenly,
Camille unmuted to find Rose on screen, looking pale and composed.
"I've stayed silent too long," Rose was saying, her voice gentle with practiced sorrow. "I wanted to protect my sister,
even after everything. Mental illness isn't something to be ashamed of, but when it leads to destructive behavior..."
"You maintained your silence even when Camille Lewis publicly accused you of attempting to have her killed," the interviewer noted.
Rose dabbed at her eyes. "What would you have me do? Publicly call my own sister delusional? Our family has tried for years to get her the help she needs. When she disappeared, we were devastated. We th "Taken her own life?" the interviewer supplied.
Rose nodded, her expression a masterpiece of concerned grief. "Her doctors had warned us about self-
harm tendencies."
"Tum it off," Camille whispered.
Alexander switched off the television. "We need to respond immediately."
Victoria's voice emerged from the speakerphone. "We need to be strategic. A full-
frontal denial looks defensive."
"I want to confront her," Camille said, fists clenched.
"That's exactly what she
wants," Victoria countered. "You, emotional and defensive, playing into the unstable narrative."
Camille's news feed refreshed: "Lewis Family to Break Silence, Parents of Troubled Heiress Will Address Daughter's "Painful History' in Exclusive Interview Tomorrow."
The phone slipped from Camille's hand. Her parents. Would they actually participate in this charade?
"This is psychological warfare," Alexander said. "They're trying to isolate you."
"It's working," Camille whispered. Through the window, she could see the growing media presence.... vans with satellite dishes, reporters with microphones, all trained on her home like weapons. "The board is calling an emergency meeting," Victoria announced. "Alexander, stay with Camille. Work on a statement"
After Victoria disconnected, silence filled the room.
"How?" Camille finally asked. "How did she do this? Make me the villain of my
own story?"
Alexander stood beside her. "By exploiting the same human tendency that allowed her to manipulate you for years, people's willingness to believe the worst when it's presented as revealing hidden truth." "And now everyone thinks I'm crazy. That I invented the whole thing"
"Not everyone," Alexander said quietly. "Not me. Not Victoria. Not anyone who knows the real you."
"But the Phoenix Grid... they're attacking the project too."
"Because they know it matters to you. This isn't just Rose being vengeful. This is coordinated."
As he stepped away, Camille turned back to the window, watching the reporters. She had survived Rose's attempt to kill her once before. She had rebuilt herself, transformed her pain into power. She could do it again.
But doubt had been planted. How many more attacks could she withstand? How many people would believe these lies? And if Rose succeeded in destroying the Phoenix Grid Before it launched.... Outside, a reporter looked up directly at her window, pointing Others followed, cameras lifting, Camille stepped back, but not before seeing several flashes.
Tomorrow's headlines already writing themselves in her mind: "Kane Heiress Watches From Shadows As Scandal Grows."
She closed her eyes, summoning the strength Victoria had helped her build.
Chapter 87
Chapter 87
Rose lifted her champagne flute, the bubbles catching the afternoon sunlight that streamed through the penthouse windows. Across the table, Herod mirrored her movement, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. C "To bringing down giants," Herod said.
They clinked glasses. Rose savored the expensive champagne, allowing herself this moment of triumph.
"I must admit," Herod said, settling back in his chair, "your media contacts exceeded my expectations. The coverage is... spectacular."
Rose smiled, running her finger along the rim of her glass. "Money talks. But so do old favors." She nodded Toward the television where her tearful interview was replaying. "Eliza Jenkins has hated Victoria Kan "And the medical records? A particularly inspired touch."
"There are no medical records," Rose laughed, the sound sharp with triumph. "Just enough specific details to sound convincing, provided by a therapist who never treated Camille but is happy to consult anonyn the right price."
Herod raised an eyebrow. "Creative."
"It's how the game is played." Rose stood and walked to the window, looking out over Manhattan with fresh eyes. For weeks, the city had felt like a prison, places she couldn't go, people who wouldn't speak to h people want to believe it."
"Especially when it comes from the tearful sister." Herod joined
her at the window, champagne in hand. "Your performance was quite moving.
"I learned from the best actors in the business, the ultra-
rich." Rose's voice hardened. "Watching my so-
called family pretend to be perfect while judging me for every mistake."
On the coffee table, Herod's phone buzzed. He glanced at it, his smile widening
"Kane Industries has called an emergency board meeting, he said, raising his glass again. "Your sister is in full crisis mode."
Rose closed her eyes briefly, picturing Camille's face as she woke to find herself braided unstable and dangerous. The thought sent warmth through her chest.
"They've pulled her from the Phoenix Grid launch event," Herod continued, reading from his phone. "Claiming she's 'focusing on technical aspects rather than public- facing duties.""
"They're hiding her," Rose said, satisfaction flooding her voice. "Exactly what I wanted. 'The mighty Camille Kane, driven back into the shadows."
Herod poured more champagne for them both. "Phase one accomplished. But remember, this is just the beginning."
"The beginning of the end for Camille." Rose took the refilled glass. "Tomorrow my parents give their interview. My poor, concerned parents, heartbroken over their daughter's mental decline." "They agreed to participate?"
"They don't know they're participating yet," Rose said with a harsh laugh. "But they will. My father will do anything to protect the family name. Including disowning his 'unstable' daughter If he thinks it will limit the "Ruthless." Herod studied her with new appreciation. "You've thought of everything."
"Not everything." Rose's eyes darkened. “Victoria Kane is still standing. That woman has weathered worse storms than this."
"Which is why phase two targets the Phoenix Grid itself." Herod gestured toward his desk where blueprints and technical documents were spread out. "My sources inside their engineering department provide w "Explain it again." Rose said, moving toward the desk. "How exactly do we sabotage a clean energy project without getting caught?"
Herod joined her, laying his hand on a schematic. "We
don't have to sabotage anything physically. We just need to prove it was built on flawed assumptions."
"And how do we do that?"
By revealing that Hannah Zhao, their chief engineer, falsified her initial test results." Herod tapped a document. "The system works in controlled settings but fails under the load conditions of a full city grid. Zhao knew this six months ago but buried the findings to keep her job."
"And you have proof of this?"
"I will by next week." Herod's smile didn't reach his eyes. "My contact is gathering the final pieces. When they release the evidence, Kane Industries will face more than bad publicity. They'll be looking at fraud c investigations."
"And Camille takes the fall," Rose whispered, the image so sweet she could almost taste it. "The unstable heiress who pushed forward a dangerous project despite warnings
She moved to
the television, turning up the volume just as a financial analyst appeared on screen.
"Investors are rightfully concerned," the woman was saying "Kane Industries has positioned the Phoenix Grid as the cornerstone of their future growth strategy. If the leadership of that project is compromised, a "Listen to them," Rose said, gesturing at the screen. "They've already connected Camille's supposed Instability to doubts about the project. We barely had to nudge them in that direction."
"People see what they expect to see," Herod agreed. "Create the right framework, and they fill in the blanks themselves."
Rose stared at the screen as it cut to footage of Victoria Kane entering Kane Industries headquarters, surrounded by security and ignoring shouted questions from reporters. The older woman's face was a stone "I wish I could see inside that building right now," Rose murmured. "Victoria realizing her perfect revenge plan is unraveling. Camille hiding away as the world questions her sanity."
Herod's phone rang. He excused himself, moving toward his office while Rose remained transfixed by the images on television
Now they showed Camille's house, journalists crowded at the gates while security kept them back. The caption read: "Kane Heiress Remains Secluded as Mental Health Questions Mount." Rose felt a rush unlike anything
she'd experienced before, not just satisfaction or triumph, but something deeper and more primal.
Herod returned, his face alight with fresh news. "Alexander Pierce has been making calls to his investigative team. They're trying to trace the source of the leaks."
"Let them try," Rose said, unconcerned. "We've covered out tracks."
"We have, but
vigilance is essential." Herod checked his watch. "The interview with your parents is scheduled for 9AM tomorrow. Have you made the necessary arrangements?"
Rose nodded, her expression turning calculating. "My father received documents this morning detailing 'concerns
about Camille's mental state going back years. Along with reminder about what happened to the last family who publicly contradicted these reports."
"A threat?"
"A warning." Rose smiled thinly. "My father understands self-
preservation. He'll say exactly what the interviewer expects to hear."
"And if he doesn't?"
"Then we release evidence of his offshore accounts. Rose shrugged. "He doesn't know we know about those. But we do, thanks to your financial investigators."
Herod whistled softly. "You really would destroy your own father."
"He stopped being my father the moment he chose Camille
at the Phoenix gala." Rose's voice turned to ice. Family is just another word for people who haven't betrayed you yet."
A notification chimed on Herod's laptop. He moved to check it, his expression shifting from curiosity to delight. "Kane Industries stock has triggered circuit breakers. Trading temporarily halted after falling twenty Rose closed her eyes, letting the news wash over her. Twenty percent. Billions of dollars in value erased in a single day. Because of her.
"Victoria must be beside herself," she said, reopening her eyes. "The great business titan, watching her empire crumble"
"This is only the beginning of her pain," Herod reminded her. "When we reveal the Phoenix Grid flaws next week, the real damage begins."
Rose moved to the bar cart, pouring herself a measure of whiskey. The burn of alcohol down her throat matched the fire of vengeance in her chest.
"I want to be there," she said suddenly. "When they realize the Phoenix Grid is flawed. I want to see Camille's face.
Heród considered her request. "Risky. You're too recognizable now."
"I'll find a way." Rose wasn't asking permission. "I've spent too long watching from the sidelines."
An assistant entered with news about tomorrow's interview arrangements. After finalizing details, Rose turned back to Herod. "We should celebrate properly tonight. Dinner at Eleven Madison Park? I'm suddenl "Bold," Herod commented. "Flaunting yourself while Camille hides away."
"That's the point." Rose drained her whiskey. "I'm not the one in disgrace anymore. I'm the victim, remember? The concerned sister who finally found the courage to speak her truth."
As the afternoon sun began to fade, casting long shadows across the city, Rose returned to the window.
Somewhere out there, Camille was hiding, wounded and cornered.
The thought should have been enough. But Rose realized with mild surprise that it wasn't.
"What are you thinking about?" Herod asked, noticing her silence.
Rose kept her eyes on the city below. "I'm thinking that when this
is over, when we've taken everything from her... I want her to live."
"Live?" Herod sounded surprised. "I would
have thought you wanted her destroyed completely."
"Death is too quick." Rose turned, her expression chilling in its calmness. "I want her to live a long, empty life knowing she had everything and lost it. Just like I did." Herod studied her for a long moment. "You're more dangerous than I initially assessed, Ms. Lewis,"
"Thank you." Rose accepted it as the compliment it was meant to be.
As they prepared to leave, Rose paused by the television once more. The screen showed Alexander Pierce entering Camille's home, his face grim and determined. "The white knight rushes to save the damsel," she murmured.
"Does that concem you?" Herod asked, retrieving his jacket
Rose shook her head, a slow smile spreading across her face "No. It's perfect actually. When Camille falls, Alexander falls with her. Two enemies destroyed for the price of one.".
She switched off the television, casting the room into sudden silence. The news would still be there tomorrow, with fresh headlines, new revelations, more damage to inflict "Ready?" Herod asked, holding open the door.
Rose stepped into the hallway, head high, eyes bright with triumph. "I've been ready for this my entire life."
Behind them, the penthouse fell quiet, the schematics for the Phoenix Grid laid out on Herod's desk like a blueprint not just for a clean energy project, but for the complete devastation of Camille Kane and every
The first battle was won. The war continued tomorrow.
Chapter 88
Chapter 88
The executive boardroom of Kane Industries fell silent as Victoria
Kane entered, Camille following close behind. Ten pairs of eyes tracked their movement, calculating and wary. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows did nothing to warm the atmosphere.
Victoria
took her place at the head of the table. Camille sat to her right, feeling the weight of scrutiny press down on her shoulders. She had dressed with particular care that morning-
a structured navy suit, minimal jewelry, hair pulled back severely. The outfit of a serious businesswoman, not an unstable heiress.
James Whitley, the longest-
serving board member, cleared his throat. "Thank you for meeting on such short notice. Given the extraordinary circumstances, we felt immediate discussion was necessary." Victoria's face remained impassive. "The circumstances being?"
"Don't play games, Victoria," snapped Eleanor Price from across the table. The former federal judge had always maintained professional distance. Today, that distance had turned to frost. "Our stock dropped tw two percent before trading was halted. The market reopens in three hours. We need answers now."
"The allegations against Camille are false," Victoria said, her voice measured but firm. "A coordinated attack designed to damage Kane
Industries through character assassination."
"That may be," said Michael Chen, the soft-
spoken CFO. "But market perception is
our current reality. Investors are fleeing. Partners are calling with concerns. Three major clients have already requested meetings to discuss' continuity of leadership."
"The Phoenix Grid launch is two weeks away," added Diane Rodriguez. "We've invested billions. If confidence in the technology collapses along with confidence in." She hesitated, eyes sliding to Camille. "In lea Camille kept her expression neutral. She had prepared for this, rehearsed with Victoria until dawn. Show strength, Show control. Any display of emotion
would only reinforce the narrative they were fighting against.
"The Phoenix Grid technology is sound," Camille said, speaking for the first time. "The engineering team has verified every aspect. We have redundant testing protocols precisely to prevent any single point of fa Whitley's eyes narrowed. "That's not the concern, Ms. Kane, The concern is whether your... personal situation has
compromised your judgment regarding the project."
"My personal situation?" Camille felt her control slip slightly. "You mean the lies being spread about me?" "Regarding those allegations," said Eleanor, shuffling papers. "These supposed medical records..." "Are fabricated," Victoria cut in. "Obviously."
"Are they? Because their specificity is concerning." Eleanor read from a document. "Treatment for paranoid delusions at age sixteen. Hospitalization following a violent episode during college. Ongoing therapy f "False claims," Victoria said, her knuckles whitening around her pen..
"Then why haven't you sued for defamation?" This from Thomas Gordon, the newest board member. "The company's standard response to false reporting has always been immediate legal action." Victoria's eyes flashed. "We are gathering evidence on the source of these fabrications before filing. Strategic patience is not inaction."
"What about the interview with Rose Lewis?" Diane pressed. "She made specific claims about witnessing unstable behavior. And now the parents are scheduled to speak tomorrow."
Camille felt the blood drain from her face. She hadn't known about her parents' interview until this moment.
"Rose Lewis is a proven liar," Victoria said flatly. "The woman orchestrated an attempt on Camille's life. Her credibility is non- existent."
"The public doesn't seem to agree," said Michael, sliding a tablet toward the center. "Social media sentiment analysis shows 68% of public response favors Rose's version of events." "We're not running this company based on T*****r polls, Victoria said, her tone sharp.
No, we run it based on market value and shareholder confidence," Eleanor countered. "Both of which are in freefall."
A heavy silence descended. Camille heard the soft hum of the air conditioning, the muted sounds of the city below.
"What exactly are you suggesting?" Victoria finally asked, though her tightness around her eyes suggested she already knew.
James Whitley exchanged glances with the other board members. "The board believes it would be in the company's best interest if Camille stepped back from her role until this situation resolves." "Steps back?" Victoria's voice remained calm, but Camille saw the tiny muscle jump in her jaw.
"Temporarily removes herself from all public-
facing duties," Whitley clarified. "No Phoenix Grid launch appearance. No investor meetings. No press. A leave of absence, effective immediately."
"And if we refuse this suggestion?" Victoria asked.
"It's not a suggestion," Eleanor said coldly. "It's a decision. The vote was seven to three."
Victoria stood slowly. "You held a vote without the CEO?"
"Emergency provision, section 7B of
the corporate charter Thomas Gordon stated. "When leadership decisions may impact company valuation by more than fifteen percent, the board may convene without full executive presence." "May I remind this board that I hold controlling interest in Kane Industries?"
"You hold sixty percent," Gordon corrected. "Significant, but not controlling."
"I've led this company through three
recessions, two hostile takeover attempts, and countless market fluctuations," Victoria said, each word precise. "I've increased shareholder value by over six hundred percent during my tenure. And you presume to make decisions about my chosen successor without me?"
"This isn't personal, Victoria," Whitley attempted. "It's business. The market has spoken."
"It is entirely personal," Victoria interrupted "This entire situation stems from a personal
vendetta against Camille, and by extension, against me."
"Regardless of origin," Eleanor said, "the damage is real. We must contain it."
Camille felt the weight of their judgment. She had prepared to fight external enemies-
Rose, the media, public opinion. She hadn't expected exile from within.
"I understand the board's concern," she said, surprising herself with her steady voice. "Kane Industries' success matters more than any individual. Even me."
Victoria's head snapped toward her, a flash of something crossing her face.
"If stepping back temporarily helps stabilize market confidence," Camille continued, "I'm willing to do so. On one condition."
"You're not in a position to make conditions," Gordon said dismissively.
Camille fixed him with a stare that made him flinch. "My condition is that I remain fully involved with Phoenix Grid development, even if not publicly. The project needs my oversight to succeed." Whitley nodded slowly. "That seems reasonable.'
"James," Victoria began, a warning in her voice.
"It's a sensible compromise, Victoria," he said quietly.
Camille turned to Victoria, silently pleading with her to understand. This wasn't surrender. It was tactical retreat.
Finally, Victoria faced the board again. "Very well Camille will step back from public duties temporarily. All Phoenix Grid operational
decisions still run through her. And the
company releases a statement today expressing full confidence in her leadership and denouncing these false allegations."
Eleanor frowned. "The statement should focus on Kane Industries' stability, not personal-"
"Those are my termé
my terms," Victoria cut her off. "Take them or call for a confidence vote on every person at this table.
The threat hung in the air,
"Fine," Whitley conceded after a tense silence. "PR will draft something for your approval."
Victoria stood, "This meeting is adjourned. Camille and I have a company to run. Despite your best efforts to hamstring us."
As the board members filed out, only James Whitley paused at the door. "Victoria, this isn't personal. We're trying to protect what you've built." "Get out," Victoria replied, her voice like ice.
When the door closed, Victoria sank back into her chair, suddenly looking older than Camille had ever seen her.
"I should have prepared you better," Victoria said. "For what it feels like when the knives come from inside the house."
"You couldn't have," Camille replied. "Some lessons you can only learn by bleeding."
Victoria's eyes softened. "You handled that well. Better than I did."
"I gave in. You didn't."
"No," Victoria shook her head. "You adapted. There's a difference." She
stared out at the New York skyline. "I've watched directors come and go for thirty years. Weathered their challenges, their doubts. But this... This feels different."
"Because it is different. This isn't just business maneuvering. This is Rose. And whoever's helping her."
"Herod Preston," Victoria practically spat the name. "Using Rose to strike at us both."
"Then we strike back," Camille sald, resolve strengthening
Victoria studied her face. "They'll be watching for exactly that. Any sign of 'erratic behavior' will only reinforce their narrative."
"Then we do what Kane women do best,"
Camille said. "We fight smarter, not harder."
The hint of a smile touched Victoria's lips. “You are truly my daughter now."
A knock at the door interrupted them. Victoria's assistant entered.
"Ms. Kane, the PR team is waiting. And... Mr. Pierce called again. He says it's urgent."
"Tell Alexander I'll call him when I'm finished with PR," Victoria replied.
'Actually," the assistant clarified, "he was asking for Camille."
Victoria and Camille exchanged glances. Alexander had been mysteriously absent since yesterday's crisis began.
"Take the call in my office," Victoria said. "I'll handle PR. We need to get ahead of the board's decision before it leaks."
As they prepared to leave, Victoria paused, her hand on Camille's arm. "Remember what I taught you. When enemies surround you..."
"Trust no one completely," Camille finished. "Not even allies."
"You mean Alexander."
"I mean everyone," Victoria replied. "Including me."
With that warning, Victoria swept from the room, shoulders back, head high. As board members scurried from her path, Camille noticed something, the slight tremor in Victoria's hands, quickly hidden by clenche
The unshakable Victoria Kane was shaken. And that, more than anything else, sent a chill down Camille's spine. She made her way to Victoria's office, closing the door firmly behind her. Whatever Alexander wa But as she reached for the phone, she couldn't silence the whisper
of doubt. If the board could turn on Victoria so quickly, if public opinion could shift against Camille overnight, what other betrayals might be waiting?
Who else might be wielding knives in the dark?
Chapter 89
Chapter 89
Alexander Pierce's car slid to a stop outside the modest apartment building in Brooklyn. He checked the address on his phone again, confirming this was indeed where Stefan Rodriguez now lived. The fall from overlooking Central Park to this brick walkup with peeling paint.
"Wait here," he told his driver, stepping out into the brisk afternoon air.
The security buzzer was broken.
Alexander pushed through the lobby door, grimacing at the smell of old cooking oil and cigarettes that hung in the narrow hallway. Apartment 3B was at the end of the third- floor corridor, its door as shabby as the rest of the building
Alexander straightened his tie, a habit from childhood wher facing difficult situations, and knocked.
Footsteps approached from inside, followed by the click of locks. The door swung open to reveal Stefan Rodriguez, unshaven and bleary-
eyed in wrinkled clothes. Recognition dawned slowly on his face, followed by confusion."
"Pierce? What the hell are you doing here?
Alexander kept his face neutral. "We need to talk."
Stefan laughed, the sound hollow and bitter. "About what? How your girlfriend destroyed my family's company? Or maybe you want the recipe for rock bottom. I've perfected it lately."
"About Camille," Alexander said simply. "She needs your help."
Something flickered across Stefan's face, surprise, guilt, curiosity. He stepped back, gesturing Alexander inside with a mocking bow.
"Welcome to my humble new reality. Excuse the mess. Maid service was one of the first luxuries
to go."
The apartment was small but surprisingly clean, despite Stefan's appearance. A laptop sat open on a folding table surrounded by job applications and financial documents. Empty takeout containers clustered ne
"Drink?" Stefan asked, retrieving a half-empty whiskey
bottle from the kitchenette. "It's not the thirty-year-
old Macallan you're probably used to, but it does the job."
"No, thank you." Alexander remained standing, studying the man before him.
"Suit yourself." Stefan poured a generous measure into a water glass. "So what could the mighty Alexander Pierce possibly want from me? Last time I checked, I was fresh out of shipping companies for you to a Alexander cut through the bitterness. "Have you seen the news about Camille?"
Stefan's expression changed, defenses dropping momentarily. "About her supposed mental issues? Yeah. Hard to miss when your ex-
wife is being torn apart on every channel."
"It's all lies," Alexander said flatly. "Fabricated by Rose and someone with significant resources."
"And this concerns me how, exactly?" Stefan took a long drink, but his eyes betrayed interest despite his detached tone.
Alexander stepped closer. "Because you're the only person who can convincingly refute Rose's story."
Stefan snorted. "Me? The ex-
husband who cheated on her ister sister That's your character witness?"
"Yes," Alexander said firmly. "You lived with Camille for yours. You know she never had these supposed
psychiatric problems. You know Rose is lying."
Stefan set down his glass, studying Alexander with new focus. "Why would I help her? Camille made her feelings for me perfectly clear. She wants nothing to do with me.
"This isn't about what Camille wants from you," Alexander replied. "It's about doing the right thing. For once."
The words
hung in the air between them. Stefan turned away, moving to the apartment's single window. He stared out at the brick wall of the neighboring building
"You know what's strange?" he said finally. "Watching someone you hurt succeed without you. Seeing them
build something new from the ruins you left them in." He glanced back at Alexander. "Camille with Kane Industries. The Phoenix Grid. Her new life with you."
"This isn't about me," Alexander started
"Isn't it?" Stefan turned fully now, something sharp in his gaze. "The great Alexander Pierce, rushing to save Camille. Tell me, are you doing this because it's 'right' or because you're in love with her?" Alexander felt heat rise in his neck, caught off guard by the direct question. "My personal feelings aren't relevant
"They're completely relevant," Stefan interrupted. "Because if this is just business, protecting Kane Industries and your investment in the Phoenix Grid, then I've got nothing for you. But if you actually care about Alexander's carefully maintained composure cracked. "Of course I care about her. I've watched her rebuild herself from nothing. Seen her fight through pain that would destroy most people." "That's not what I asked." Stefan's eyes never left Alexander's face. "Are you in love with her?"
The question stripped away pretense. Alexander thought of Camille's face the first time she'd truly smiled at him, not as Camille Kane but as herself. How something had shifted inside him, recognizing the stren "Yes," he admitted, the word escaping before he could
stop it. "Yes, I'm in love with her."
Stefan nodded slowly, as if confirming something he'd already known. "At least you're honest about it. That's more than I ever was."
He moved to the kitchenette, refilling his glass. "You know when I first saw Camille Kane at that gallery opening, something felt familiar. I couldn't place it. Her face was different, but something in her eyes..." He "Would it have changed anything if you had?" Alexander asked.
Stefanonsidered this. "Probably not. I was too far gone by then. Too caught up in Rose's web." He took another drink. "Rose. God, what a fool I was."
"You're not the first
man to be manipulated by her," Alexander said, though his tone carried little sympathy.
"No, but I'm the one who threw away someone good for her" Stefan's voice roughened. "You want to know if Camille ever showed signs of mental instability? The answer is no. Not once. She was the sanest, m Then say that publicly," Alexander pressed. "Hold a press conference, Refute Rose's claims. Tell the world what Camille was really like."
Stefan laughed bitterly. "And who would believe me? The cheating ex-
husband? I'm hardly a credible source." "You're the only one
who lived with her daily for years," Alexander countered. "Your testimony carries weight
precisely
e you have no reason to defend her. Everyone knows she hates you."
Stefan winced at the blunt assessment. "Thanks for that reminder."
"I'm not here to spare your feelings," Alexander said. "I'm here because Camille is being destroyed by lies, and you're one of the few people who can help stop it."
Silence fell between them. Stefan drained his glass, setting down with a decisive click.
"What exactly would I need to do?" he asked finally.
Alexander felt a surge of cautious hope. "Hold a press conference. Tomorrow, before the morning shows air that interview with the Lewis parents. Publicly refute every claim Rose has made about Camille's mer "And admit my role in all this," Stefan added. "Admit I betrayed a perfectly sane, loving wife for a lie.”
"Yes."
Stefan moved back to the window, his silhouette dark against the gray afternoon light. "You know what the hardest part of losing everything is? It's not the money or the status. It's losing the lies you tell yourself. sleep at night."
He turned back to Alexander. "I told myself Camille and I were already broken before Rose. That I fell in love with Rose naturally, not because she orchestrated it. That Camille would be fine without me." His lau Alexander waited, sensing Stefan needed to process this moment in his own way.
"And now," Stefan continued, "now that I've lost it
all anyway, those lies don't protect me anymore. I see everything clearly. Too clearly." He looked directly at Alexander. "I see what I threw away. What you found."
The two men studied each other, former rivals now linked by their connection to the same woman.
"If I do this," Stefan said slowly, "I'm not doing it for you. Or even for Camille, really. She doesn't need my help to be extraordinary."
"Why, then?" Alexander asked.
"Because it's true," Stefan
said simply. "And I've told enough lies in my life." He straightened his shoulders. "I'll hold your press conference. Tell the world exactly who Rose Lewis is, and wh Camille really was." Alexander nodded, relief washing through him. “Thank you"
"Don't thank me," Stefan warned. "I'm not doing this to help you win her."
"That's not why I'm here."
"Isn't it?" Stefan's eyes were knowing, "You love her. You want to protect her. I understand that drive better than you think "
Alexander changed tactics. "If you're going to do this, it needs to be tomorrow morning. Early. Before the Lewis parents' interview airs."
"It will be." Stefan's voice strengthened with resolve. "I'll contact my uncle's former PR team tonight. Nine AM press conference. Major networks."
"I can handle the arrangements," Alexander offered.
"No." Stefan's refusal was firm. "If I'm doing this, I'm doing it my way. Not as Alexander Pierce's puppet."
Alexander conceded with a nod "Fair enough. But the timing is crucial."
"I understand." Stefan moved to his laptop, already typing "Nine AM. The Rodriguez name still carries enough weight to get media attention, even if our ships don't sail anymore." Alexander took out a business card and placed it on the table. "My private number, Call when it's arranged."
As he turned to leave, Stefan's voice stopped him at the door.
"Pierce. One more thing."
Alexander looked back questioningly.
"Do you ever wonder," Stefan asked, "if Camille is using you the way Victoria used her? If beneath all that love you feel, you're just another chess piece in their revenge game?”
The question cut closer to Alexander's private doubts than he cared to admit. "Camille isn't Victoria."
"No," Stefan agreed. "But
she learned from the master. Just be careful. That's all."
Alexander left without responding, the warning echoing in his mind as he descended the shabby stairwell.
Outside, the cool air cleared his head. He had accomplished his mission, Stefan would speak for Camille. Yet he felt unsettled, not just by Stefan's parting words but by his own confession.
Yes, I'm in love with her.
He hadn't said those words aloud before, not even to himself. Now they hung in the air, spoken first to her ex-
husband of all people. The irony wasn't lost on him.
His phone rang as he slid into the backseat of his waiting car. Camille's name flashed on the screen.
"Where have you been?" she asked without preamble. "Victoria said you called it urgent."
Alexander glanced back at Stefan's apartment building, wondering how to explain what he'd just set in motion. "I've been working on a counterattack," he said carefully. "One that might turn the tide in our favor." Alexander made a split-
second decision. If Stefan backed out, telling Camille now would only give her false hope.
"I'll explain everything tonight," he promised. "For now, just know that by this time tomorrow, Rose's story will be unraveling
11
There was a pause on the line. "Alexander," Camille said finally, her voice softening. "Thank you. For fighting for me."
The simple gratitude caught him off guard, warming, something in his chest. "Always," he replied, the word carrying more weight than she knew.
As he ended the call, his driver glanced in the rearview mirror. "Where to, sir?"
Alexander looked out at the Brooklyn streets, seeing not the present but the future, tomorrow's headlines, Rose's reactions, Victoria's calculations. And Camille, caught in the center of it all.
"Back to Manhattan," he said firmly. "We have a war to win"
Behind him, Stefan Rodriguez stood at his third-
floor window, watching Alexander's car pull away. His expression was unreadable as he picked up his phone
and dialed a number he hadn't used in weeks.
"Karen? It's Stefan Rodriguez. I need to arrange
a press conference for tomorrow morning, Nine AM sharp." He paused, listening. "Yes, it's about Camille Lewis. And no, this isn't a joke. It's about time someone told the truth."
Chapter 90
Chapter 90
Camille sat frozen in Victoria's private office, eyes fixed on the television. Alexander paced behind her chair while Victoria stood near the window. The screen showed the Plazh Hotel ballroom converted into a p "Are you sure you want to watch this?" Alexander asked, touching Camille's shoulder.
Camille nodded, unable to speak, her throat tight and hands cold.
"They might still side with Rose," Victoria warned. "Be prepared."
The camera shifted to show Margaret and Richard Lewis entering. Camille sucked in a breath. Her parents looked older than she remembered, her father's shoulders stooped her mother's face drawn. Behind th "What is he doing there?" Camille whispered.
"Alexander's handiwork, I suspect," Victoria replied.
Richard adjusted the microphone, his hand trembling slightly. "Thank you all for coming. My wife and I have called this press conference to address the disturbing, allegations made against our daughter, Camille."
Margaret stepped closer. "Two days ago,, false stories began circulating about Camille's mental health. Fabricated medical records. Invented episodes. Lies designed to destroy not just her reputation, but her v Camille gripped her chair as her mother continued with unusual fierceness.
"These lies did not come from strangers. They came from someone we once trusted. Someone we welcomed into our family and loved as our own" Her voice broke. "Our adopted daughter, Rose." Murmurs rippled through the press. Richard placed a hand on Margaret's shoulder before speaking.
"For too long, we were blind to Rose's manipulation. We failed to see how she systematically undermined Camille, turned us against her, and eventually stole her husband." He glanced at Stefan. "We failed as p Margaret dabbed her eyes but continued. "Camille never had mental health issues. There were no hospitalizations, no treatments. The medical records being quoted don't exist."
A reporter called out, "Then why would Rose make these claims?"
Richard's face hardened. "Because Camille exposed Rose's lies at the Kane Foundation gala. Because Camille survived Rose's attempt to have her killed."
The room erupted with questions. Victoria increased the volume to hear over the clamor.
"Mrs. Lewis! Yesterday you were scheduled to appear on National Morning to confirm Rose's claims. What changed?"
Margaret's face showed raw pain. "Last night, I found Rose altering Camille's childhood journals, adding false entries about paranoia and violence. When confronted, Rose threatened us." She pulled a small leather-
bound book from her purse. "This is Camille's actual journal from when Rose first came to live with us."
Camille felt her heart stop as Margaret opened to a marked page.
August 17. Rose 'accidentally' spilled bleach on my science project today. Mom blamed me for leaving it where it could be damaged. This is the third time something important to me has been destroyed since R Margaret looked up, tears flowing. "There are dozens of entries like this. Small cruelties. Calculated sabotage. And we didn't listen."
In Victoria's office, Camille wiped her own tears, overwhelmed by this public acknowledgment of
her suffering
Richard gestured toward Stefan, who stepped forward reluctantly.
"My name is Stefan Rodriguez. I was married to Camille Levis for three years before betraying her with her sister.
The blunt admission caused another stir.
"During our marriage, Camille never displayed any signs of mental instability. She was kind,
patient, balanced, everything Rose is claiming she wasn't."
He squared his shoulders. "Rose pursued me relentlessly. She told me Camille didn't love me. Classic manipulation that I was too weak to recognize."
"Are you saying Rose lied about Camille's mental health?" a reporter shouted.
"Rose lied about
everything," Stefan said flatly. "The woman I thought I loved never existed."
He paused. "What most people don't know is that Rose and I had a relationship years before I
met Camille. Rose orchestrated our breakup, then manipulated me into dating and eventually marrying Camille, all part of her plan."
"It was Rose who introduced me to Camille," Stefan continued. "When Camille disappeared, Rose showed no real grief. Within weeks, she was planning our future together.
In the office, Alexander squeezed Camille's shoulder. "He's actually doing it. He's telling everything."
On screen, Stefan's face darkened. "Two nights before the articles of Camille mental instability came out i got a call from Rose and
she said, 'After tomorrow, everyone will see who Camille really is." Now I realize she was already planning this smear campaign."
Margaret stepped forward again. "We have evidence that Rose orchestrated this media attack. Records of payments to journalists. Communications with media outlets."
She held up a flash drive. "We've gathered emails and financial records showing Rose's direct involvement in fabricating these stories. Copies have been provided to law enforcement and journalists."
Richard joined his wife. "Our daughter Camille is not mentally ill. She never was. The only person in our family with dangerous tendencies was Rose."
"Mr. and Mrs. Lewis! How do you respond to claims that this is just damage control for Kane Industries?" Richard's expression hardened "Our daughter nearly died because of Rose's actions. This isn't about bu Stefan moved to the microphone again. "I've lost everything because of my mistakes. I'm not asking for sympathy. I'm here because it's time someone told the truth about Rose Lewis. She's dangerous and with He took a deep breath. "If you're looking for someone with personality disorder in the Lewis family, you've been focusing on the wrong sister."
The room erupted again as reporters shouted questions.
Margaret raised her hand for quiet. "We have one final statement. To our daughter, Camille." She looked directly into the camera. "We failed you. We chose Rose over you. We didn't believe you when you need Richard joined her. "We love you, Camille. We understand if you can never forgive us, but know that
we are proud of the woman you've become, with or without our help,"
In Victoria's office, Camille covered her mouth to stifle a sob
Victoria silently offered a handkerchief, her expression uncharacteristically soft.
"Turn it off," Camille said suddenly.
Victoria muted the television but left the images running. This changes everything. The narrative is shifting already"
Camille stared at the silent footage. "Why? After everything, why would they do this?"
"For the same reason most people do anything," Victoria replied. "Because they realized what they stood to lose." Camille shook her head. "No. They've already lost me."
"Perhaps. Or perhaps they finally understand that some things matter more than pride."
Camille's phone began buzzing incessantly. Victoria switched channels to the business network where an anchor was reporting: “. "...
extraordinary reversal as Kane Industries stock surges following the Lewis family press conference..."
The office door flew open as Victoria's assistant rushed in. The Phoenix Grid partners are calling to reaffirm their commitment! And the board members who voted against Camille are requesting an emergency r Victoria smiled. “Tell them I'll consider their request after our stock fully recovers."
The assistant nodded
and retreated. Victoria turned to Camille, whose attention remained fixed on her parents leaving the podium.
"What are you thinking?" Victoria asked softly.
"I don't know what to feel," Camille admitted. "Grateful? Angry? It doesn't erase what they did."
"No," Victoria agreed. "But it does complicate your neat categories of ally and enemy."
Alexander checked his phone. "The market's already responding positively,"
"How did my parents get all that evidence against Rose?" Camille asked.
"I may have had my team compile some files," Alexander admitted. "Your father was surprisingly receptive."
Camille's phone rang, her mother's
number flashing on the screen. She stared at it, frozen.
"You don't have
to answer," Victoria sald.
"If I do, everything changes again."
"Yes,"
"We stick to the plan. Rose and Herod destroyed. Clean. Fin❞
"Yes," Victoria repeated. "But plans can evolve."
The ringing stopped. The call went to voicemail.
Camille opened her eyes. "They stood up for me." "They did."
"After everything Rose did, they finally chose me.
Victoria nodded. "The question is: does it matter?"
Camille looked at the television where analysts were predicting Kane Industries' full recovery. Her parents" actions had saved more than her reputation, they'd protected everything, she and Victoria had built. "I don't know yet," she answered honestly.
Her phone chimed with a voicemail notification. Victoria rose from her desk. "I'll give you privacy. There are decisions only you can make."
As Victoria left, Camille
sat alone with her phone. Outside, she could hear the office buzzing with activity. Kane Industries would survive. The Phoenix Grid would proceed
Rose's plan had failed.
But the greater question remained as Camille stared at her mother's name on the screen. After years of pain, after rebuilding herself, after finding a new mother in Victoria, could she open the door to her past? Her finger hovered over the voicemail icon.
On the television, Rose's face appeared briefly, shocked and furious
as reporters surrounded her, shouting questions about the accusations.
The sight strengthened something in Camille. She pressed the voicemail button and raised the phone to her ear. "Camille," Margaret began, her voice breaking, "We've said what needed saying publicly. But the The message ended with a soft, "We love you. We always have. Even when we failed to show it."
Camille lowered the phone, her chest tight with emotion she couldn't name. Not forgiveness, not yet. But perhaps something like possibility.
Outside Victoria's office, the world was reshaping itself. Rose exposed. Camille vindicated. Kane
Industries recovering.
But inside, in the quiet space between heartbeats, Camille faced the most difficult question: Who did she want to be when the dust settled? The woman who got her revenge, or the woman who built something new from the ashes?
She looked at
laer phone, then at Rose surrounded by reporters, and finally at her own reflection in Victoria's darkened screen.
Three versions of herself, three possible futures.