Se connecterShare
Chapter 71
Dernière mise à jour:
2025-04-19 18:17:15
Related chapter
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 72
Chapter 72Camille's point of view I stood in Victoria's office, staring at the meticulously crafted guest list on the desk between us. Names neatly typed in three columns, people whose lives would forever change in exactly two weeks' time. Rose. Stefan. Fashion industry leaders. Business rivals. Society reporters. All unknowingly summoned to witness the final act of a drama two years in the making."Are you certain about this?" Victoria asked, her voice carrying none of its usual commanding certainty. "Once we take this step, there's no going back."I traced my finger down the list, stopping at Richard and Margaret Lewis. The parents who had raised me, then forgotten me when Rose's manipulation had proven more compelling than their love."I'm certain," I said, surprised by the steadiness in my voice. "It's time for everyone to know the truth."After two years of careful planning, of strategic destruction, of watching from the shadows as Rose's empire crumbled piece by methodical pie
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-19SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 73
Chapter 73Camille's point of view The Kane mansion gleamed like a jewel against the night sky, every window ablaze with light, every entrance adorned with arrangements of fire lilies and black orchids. Limousines lined the circular driveway, depositing New York's elite in a parade of designer gowns and custom tuxedos. Security guards with earpieces and impeccable suits directed the flow of guests toward the grand ballroom, where waiters circulated with champagne and delicate hors d'oeuvres.I watched it all from Victoria's private study, a closed-circuit feed showing me every entrance, every reaction, every whispered speculation about why Kane Industries had gathered such an illustrious crowd on this particular evening."They're calling it the event of the season," Victoria said, adjusting the diamond clip in my hair. "Everyone who matters in New York is here, wondering what magnificent announcement Camille Kane plans to make."I barely heard her, my eyes fixed on the feed showing t
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-19SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 74
Chapter 74The ballroom fell silent as Camille stepped onto the stage. The crystal chandeliers above cast a glow that seemed to highlight her transformation, her posture straight and confident, her chin raised, her eyes clear and focused. Gone was the woman who had once shrunk herself to make others comfortable. In her place stood someone new, someone forged in fire.She took the microphone from Victoria, her fingers steady despite the hundreds of wide eyes fixed on her. Whispers rippled through the crowd: "It can't be..." "She's dead..." "How is this possible?"The faces that mattered most to her stood frozen in shock. Her mother clutched her father's arm, her mouth hanging open. Stefan had gone deathly pale, as if seeing a ghost. And Rose.... Rose's face had drained of color, her perfectly manicured nails digging into her palms."Thank you all for coming tonight," Camille began, her voice carrying across the stunned silence. "Some of you knew me as Camille Lewis. Others have come to
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-20SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 75
Rose slammed her apartment door with such force that a framed photo crashed to the floor, glass shattering across the marble entryway. She didn't bother to pick it up. Instead, she kicked off her heels, sending them flying across the room where one knocked over a crystal vase, water and flowers spilling onto the pristine white carpet.She didn't care. Nothing mattered anymore.Her hands shook as she poured herself a drink, missing the glass entirely on the first try. Amber liquid pooled on the counter, but she ignored it, finally managing to fill the tumbler on her second attempt. She drained it in one gulp, the burn in her throat nothing compared to the inferno raging inside her chest."She's alive," Rose whispered, her voice raspy and strange to her own ears. "All this time... she's been alive."The reality of what had happened at the gala crashed over her in waves. Camille, her pathetic, weak, doormat of a sister, had orchestrated her downfall. Camille, who had always been the good
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-20SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 76
Chapter 76The lobby of Kane Industries gleamed with polished marble and sleek glass. Camille stepped out of the elevator on the top floor, her heels clicking against the floor as she walked toward her office. Three days had passed since the Phoenix Gala, and her mind still buzzed with the memory of Rose's face as the truth was revealed, the shock on Stefan's features, the horror in her parents' eyes.Now the world knew who she really was. The media couldn't get enough of the story: the supposedly dead wife who had returned as a powerful executive, the systematic destruction of her ex-husband's company and her sister's reputation. Some painted her as a victim-turned-hero, others as a manipulative schemer. Camille didn't care which version they believed.She pushed open the glass door to her office and stopped short. A massive arrangement of white roses sat on her desk, their scent filling the room. A knot formed in her stomach. She knew who they were from before she even read the car
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-20SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 77
Chapter 77Rain pounded against the windows of Camille's office, matching her mood as she stared at the notification on her phone. The message was brief: her parents were waiting in the lobby. No warning, no call ahead. They had simply shown up, expecting her to drop everything and see them.Some things never changed."Ms. Kane?" Rebecca stood in the doorway, her expression concerned. "Your... the Lewises are downstairs. They're insisting on seeing you."Camille set down her pen, her fingers surprisingly steady despite the storm brewing inside her. "How long have they been waiting?""Almost an hour. They refuse to leave without speaking to you."Of course they did. Margaret and Richard Lewis had always believed doors should open for them, that their demands warranted immediate attention. Even now, after everything that had happened, they expected their daughter, the daughter they had failed so completely, to bend to their will."Send them up in fifteen minutes," Camille said, turning
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-20SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 78
Chapter 78Camille stared at the presentation on her tablet, numbers and projections swimming before her eyes. Three weeks had passed since the Phoenix Gala, since her confrontations with Stefan and her parents. The media frenzy had begun to die down, replaced by speculation about her next moves as Victoria Kane's heir and rising tech executive.She swiped through the slides once more, trying to focus on the upcoming meeting. Kane Industries was launching its most ambitious project yet, a revolutionary clean energy system that could transform entire cities. The investment required was staggering, the risks enormous. Victoria had surprised her by putting Camille in charge of the entire operation, calling it her "graduation project."Her office door opened, and Rebecca appeared with a concerned expression. "Ms. Kane, Mr. Pierce is here. He's early."Camille checked her watch. Twenty minutes early, to be exact. Typical Alexander, always operating on his own schedule."Send him in," she s
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-20SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 79
Chapter 79The sunlight streaming through the windows of the Rodriguez Seattle family estate felt like a mockery to Stefan. Once, this light had illuminated generations of family success. Now, it merely highlighted the dust gathering on furniture that would soon belong to strangers.Stefan sat alone in his father's study, nursing a glass of whiskey despite the early hour. The room still smelled of Eduardo's cigars and leather-bound books, a scent that had once meant security and legacy. The carved mahogany desk where his father had taught him to review shipping manifests seemed smaller now, diminished like everything else in his life.The sound of tires on gravel jolted him from his stupor. He moved to the window, watching the black town car roll to a stop. His stomach tightened. His parents were home.Eduardo Rodriguez emerged first, his once-commanding posture now slightly stooped. The past weeks had weathered him visibly. He helped Emily from the car with practiced tenderness, his
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-20
Latest chapter
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 143
Chapter 143Rose ran across the motel parking lot, her mind racing faster than her feet. The worn soles of her expensive shoes slapped against cracked asphalt as panic clawed at her chest. Herod was going to tell the FBI everything. Her plan, her revenge, her future, all of it would crumble if he talked.She reached her car, not her car, really, but one of Herod's cars. Her hands shook as she fumbled with the keys. The recorder. The damned recorder he'd shown her. How long had he been recording their conversations? What exactly had she said?Rose stopped, the key halfway to the lock. She couldn't run. Not yet. Not while Herod sat in that motel room with a phone pressed to his ear, her name on his lips, and evidence of her crimes in his pocket.In the distance, sirens wailed. Still far away, but coming closer.Rose looked back at Room 17, its faded blue door visible from where she stood. Behind that door sat the man who could destroy everything she'd built. Everything she'd sacrificed
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 142
Chapter 142The morning news blared from the small TV in their latest hideout, a run-down motel on the outskirts of the city. Herod sat on the edge of the bed, watching his own face flash across the screen. The reporter's voice filled the cramped room."Federal authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Herod Preston, naming him as the primary suspect in the Phoenix Grid bombings. Officials cite overwhelming evidence found in Preston's apartment, including detailed plans and materials matching those used in the attacks."Rose emerged from the bathroom, her wet hair wrapped in a towel. "Turn that off," she snapped. "We already know what they're saying."Herod didn't move. His eyes remained fixed on the screen as the reporter continued."Sources close to the investigation reveal Preston had a long-standing grudge against Victoria Kane, whose company developed the Phoenix Grid. If convicted, Preston faces terrorism charges that could carry multiple life sentences without possibility o
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 141
Chapter 141Victoria Kane stared at the medical report on her desk, the words blurring as her eyes filled with unwanted tears. The cancer had spread faster than expected. Six months, maybe less, was all the time she had left. She pushed the papers away and stood to look out her office window.Her own reflection stared back at her, thinner now, her face pale and drawn from the treatments that weren't working. The doctor had suggested stopping them, focusing instead on comfort measures. "Quality of life over quantity," he'd said gently.Victoria had walked out without answering. Quality wasn't enough. She needed time. Time to secure Camille's future. Time to make sure her daughter by choice would be protected when Victoria was gone.Her assistant's voice came through the intercom. "Mrs. Lewis has arrived."Victoria straightened her jacket, checked her reflection once more, and squared her shoulders. No one, not even Margaret Lewis, would see her weakness today."Send her in."Margaret L
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 140
Chapter 140Herod's phone rang at 3:17 AM. The cheap motel room was dark except for the blue light of his burner phone cutting through the blackness. He squinted at the screen. Unknown number. His finger hovered over the decline button, but something made him answer."Hello?""They found everything." The voice on the other end was hushed, stressed. Derek Martinez, his contact at the FBI. "Your business card in the wreckage. Your fingerprints on the detonator parts. Plans for the bombings in your apartment."Herod sat up, suddenly wide awake. "What plans? I never kept anything in the apartment.""Well, someone did. Blueprints of the substations. Notebooks with blast calculations. A journal talking about your hatred for Victoria Kane.""That's impossible. I never wrote any journal." Herod's mouth went dry. "What else?""Your emails. Detailing everything. The FBI has enough to lock you away forever." Martinez paused. "I'm risking everything telling you this. My career, my freedom.""I ap
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 139
Chapter 139Special Agent Diana Chen ducked under the yellow tape surrounding what remained of Substation 12. The smell of burnt metal and melted plastic filled her nose. Five days after the explosion, the site still smoldered in places. FBI evidence techs in white suits moved through the wreckage, marking and collecting anything that might help identify who had done this."What do we have so far?" her partner, Agent Trent Morgan, asked as he joined her, notebook in hand.Chen pointed to a corner where three techs huddled around something. "They found pieces of the detonator. Military grade, just like at Substation 8.""So we're looking at the same person for both bombings," Morgan said, scribbling in his notebook."It gets better." Chen led him toward a table where collected evidence sat in clear plastic bags. She picked up one containing a twisted piece of metal. "Look at this."Morgan squinted at the bag. "Is that a business card?""What's left of one." Chen nodded. "Fire damaged i
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 138
Chapter 138Rain pounded against the windows of Pierce Tower as Alexander pored over security reports. Three days had passed since the Phoenix Grid attacks, and the constant worry had etched new lines around his eyes. His phone buzzed. Unknown number. He almost ignored it."Pierce.""I need to see you." A male voice, quiet but urgent. "It's about Camille. And Rose."Alexander stiffened. "Who is this?""Stefan Rodriguez."The name sent a surge of anger through Alexander. His grip tightened on the phone. "You have nothing I want to hear.""Please," Stefan's voice cracked. "Rose has contacted people, dangerous people. Camille is in danger."Alexander checked his watch. "The Plaza Hotel. Thirty minutes. Come alone."He ended the call, his thoughts churning. Stefan Rodriguez, the man who had broken Camille's heart, who had chosen Rose over her. His instinct screamed to ignore him. But if there was even a tiny chance Camille was in danger...Alexander made another call. "Double security on
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 137
Chapter 137Camille stared at the wall of screens in Kane Industries' crisis management room. Each one showed a different news channel, all broadcasting the same images: smoke pouring from the damaged substations, firefighters battling flames, and worried faces of New York citizens wondering if their power would fail next. Three hours had passed since the second explosion. The sun would rise soon, bringing with it questions they needed answers for."The press is gathering downstairs," Hannah said, placing a tablet in front of Camille. "Over forty reporters. All major networks."Camille nodded, her eyes never leaving the screens. The headline crawling across the bottom of Channel 7's broadcast made her stomach clench: "PHOENIX GRID FAILURE? KANE INDUSTRIES FACES QUESTIONS AFTER TWIN EXPLOSIONS.""Stock futures are dropping," Alexander added quietly from behind her. "Down twelve percent already."Victoria, still pale from her recent surgery but standing straight-backed and defiant, turn
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 136
Chapter 136Rose stared at the television screen, her eyes bright with a feverish glow as breaking news footage showed smoke billowing from Substation 12. The explosion had done exactly what she wanted. Chaos. Fear. The perfect beginning to Camille's downfall."It's beautiful," she whispered, running her fingertips over the screen as if caressing a lover. "Look at them scramble."Herod stood behind her, his face ashen as he watched emergency vehicles rushing to the scene. This wasn't what he had signed up for. Sabotage was one thing. Corporate espionage, stock manipulation, those were the weapons of business warfare he understood. But this... this was terrorism."We've made our point," he said, his voice tight. "The market will respond. Kane Industries stock will plummet. We can...""Point?" Rose spun around, her eyes wild. "We haven't even started." She crossed to the hotel room's small table where she'd spread out maps of the Phoenix Grid's infrastructure. The maps were covered in r
SCORNED EX WIFE : Queen Of Ashes Chapter 135
Chapter 135A thunderous boom shook the early morning quiet. Orange flame shot into the dark sky as Substation 12 of the Phoenix Grid exploded. Pieces of metal and concrete flew in all directions. The night security guard, having stepped outside for a cigarette moments earlier, stared in shock from the parking lot.Three blocks away, Rose watched from the passenger seat of a stolen van, her face lit by the distant flames. A small smile played on her lips as smoke rose into the night sky."Beautiful," she whispered. "Just like I planned."Beside her, Herod gripped the steering wheel, his face tight. "Drive now, admire later," he said, shifting the van into gear. "Security cameras might have caught us."As they sped away, emergency sirens began to wail in the distance. Fire trucks and police cars raced toward the burning substation."Phase one complete," Rose said, her voice filled with satisfaction. "Now we wait for phase two, the system collapse."Herod kept his eyes on the road, his
