Chapter 185The reception stretched into the early hours, a blur of champagne toasts, dance floor laughter, and hundreds of congratulations. By three in the morning, only the hardiest guests remained, clustered in small groups on Victoria's moonlit lawn. Camille sat with her parents and a few Kane Industries board members, her wedding dress pooled around her in a cloud of ivory silk, her eyes bright despite the late hour.Alexander touched her shoulder gently. "I need to check something in my room before we leave," he murmured. "Back in twenty minutes."She reached up to squeeze his hand, not interrupting her conversation. The trust in her touch, the easy way she let him go, twisted in his gut. Such faith deserved matching honesty. Yet here he was, slipping away with a different purpose entirely.The main house stood quiet, most staff having retired after serving the midnight buffet. Alexander moved through familiar hallways, loosening his bow tie with one hand, the other clutching so
Chapter 184Morning light streamed through stained glass windows, painting rainbow patterns across the white marble floor of St. Thomas Cathedral. Outside, photographers jostled behind velvet ropes as New York's business elite, dressed in their finest, filed into the church. Security personnel with earpieces stood at every entrance, their eyes constantly scanning the crowd.In a private room off the main chapel, Camille stood before a full-length mirror, barely breathing as her mother fastened the last pearl button on her dress. The gown, a masterpiece of ivory silk and handmade lace, hugged her curves before flowing out in a gentle train."Almost done," Margaret whispered, her fingers trembling slightly as she worked. The past months had brought a fragile peace between them – not full forgiveness, but a bridge being built one careful step at a time.Camille met her mother's eyes in the mirror. "Thank you."The words held weight beyond the dress, and Margaret blinked back tears as she
Chapter 183The evening glow bathed Victoria Kane's sprawling estate in golden light as lanterns illuminated the gardens for the rehearsal dinner. Three months had passed since the trial, and life had settled into a new rhythm for Camille. Tomorrow, she would marry Alexander Pierce and truly begin the next chapter of her story.From the edge of the stone terrace, Camille watched the unlikely gathering with quiet wonder, her birth parents chatting with Victoria, Kane Industries executives mingling with Pierce Enterprises innovators. The worlds that had once been separate now blended because of the love between her and Alexander."Penny for your thoughts?" Alexander's voice was warm against her ear as his arms encircled her waist.Camille leaned back against his chest, savoring his strength. "Just taking it all in. Two years ago, I was plotting revenge in Victoria's study. Now...""Now you're running Kane Industries and about to become Mrs. Pierce." He kissed her temple, his lips linge
Chapter 182The car rolled up the long driveway, gravel crunching beneath the tires. Alexander sat motionless in the passenger seat, his face a mask as he stared at the mansion ahead. Camille drove, giving him the freedom to absorb the sight of his childhood home after seven years away."We can still turn around," she said softly.Alexander shook his head. "No. I need to do this."The Pierce estate stood proud against the autumn sky, all gray stone and tall windows. A place built to show wealth, not to give warmth. Two figures waited on the wide front steps, Eleanor and Edward Pierce, standing close yet somehow apart."They look nervous," Camille observed."Good." Alexander straightened his tie, a gesture Camille recognized as his way of gathering strength. "They should be."She parked near the entrance, turning off the engine. The sudden silence felt heavy."Remember," she said, taking his hand. "Whatever happens in there, I'm with you."Alexander's fingers tightened around hers. "Th
Chapter 181The penthouse was quiet when Camille arrived home. Only the kitchen light glowed, spilling onto the polished floor. She found Alexander at the island counter, papers spread before him, a glass of whiskey at his elbow. The amber liquid caught the light as he raised it, not looking up when she entered."Long day?" he asked, still scanning the document in front of him.Camille set her bag down, her heart beating faster. The weight of Eleanor Pierce's visit pressed on her shoulders. "You could say that."She moved to the refrigerator, buying time as she pulled out a bottle of water. Her mind raced, searching for the right words. How do you tell someone their estranged mother showed up after seven years of silence?"Someone came to see me today," she said, her voice quieter than she intended.Alexander made a noncommittal sound, still absorbed in his work."At the office." Camille twisted the cap off her water. "Your mother."The stillness that followed was absolute. Alexander'
Chapter 180Rain tapped against the windows of Camille's office as she reviewed quarterly reports. The sky had darkened early, turning afternoon to evening without her noticing. She rubbed her tired eyes, realizing she'd been staring at the same page for ten minutes.Her assistant's voice came through the intercom. "Ms. Kane? There's someone here to see you. She doesn't have an appointment."Camille frowned. "Who is it?""A Mrs. Pierce. She says it's personal."Camille's hand froze. Pierce. Alexander's family name. But he rarely spoke of his parents, and when he did, his voice turned cold in a way that reminded her of Victoria at her most distant."Send her in," Camille said, smoothing her skirt as she stood.The woman who entered moved with quiet grace, her shoulders pulled back despite the obvious tension in her face. She was tall and slim, with silver-streaked dark hair pulled into a neat bun. Her clothes were expensive but understated. But it was her eyes that caught Camille's att