Camille turned to face him, found his eyes glinting with something that might have been admiration, might have been challenge, might have been something deeper neither of them was prepared to name. "The phoenix only rises through fire, Mr. Pierce," she replied quietly. "And fire is a dangerous element to y with."


    His smile deepened, genuine amusement recing careful social masks. "I''ve never feared burns, Ms. Kane. The most valuable things in life are often forged in me."


    Someone called for a photograph. The museum director, sensing promotional gold, encouraged them to stand together. Alexander ced his hand lightly at the small of her back, the gesture both possessive ar shes erupted around them. Tomorrow these images would appear in every social publication, generating exactly the kind of attention Victoria had warned against. Spection. Interest. Questions about the r most powerful young billionaires.


    "You nned this," Camille used under her breath, maintaining her public smile.


    "I seized an opportunity," he corrected. "There''s a difference."


    "Victoria won''t be pleased."


    "Victoria isn''t here." His fingers pressed slightly against her back, surprisingly warm through the thin fabric of her gown. "And it''s time you made decisions without her shadow over you."


    The presumption should have angered her. Instead, something rebellious stirred inside her, the first independent choice since epting Victoria''s offer of transformation and revenge. Not a strategic business m destroying Rose and Stefan. Just a moment of genuine connection with someone who seemed to see through all her carefully constructedyers.


    She smiled at him, not Victoria''s


    practiced social expression, but something real. Something that belonged to her alone.


    Camille recognized the trap. Refuse, and appear cold, ungracious, dampening the


    phnthropic spirit of the evening. ept, and create exactly the kind of public spection Victoria had carefully avoided around her adopted heir.


    "The children," she repeated, finding her answer. "How could I refuse such a worthy cause?"


    She turned slightly, presenting her back to him in silent permission. Alexander removed the ne from its box and stepped behind her. The crowd fell into breathless silence.


    His fingers brushed the nape of


    her neck as he positioned the ne, the touch sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. The weight of diamonds settled against her skin, cool at first, then warming. His hands lingered perhaps a mom "The phoenix rises," he whispered, words meant only


    for her. "And looks more magnificent with each transformation."


    The watching crowd stirred in response, For months they had observed the Kane heiress at various events, always perfect, always controlled, always slightly unreachable. This smile transformed her from beaut More photos captured the moment. More spective nces exchanged between witnesses. More messages


    discreetly sent from the event, spreading news of what was unfolding.


    Alexander''s expression softened in response, his own mask slipping to reveal something unexpected, tenderness beneath the power, warmth beneath the controlled exterior For a brief moment, they weren''t tw Then the spell broke as the museum director approached, effusive with gratitude for Alexander''s donation. Camille used the interruption to step away, one hand rising unconsciously to touch the fortune now add For the remainder of the evening, they circled each other likes in separate but intersecting orbits. Never directly engaging again, but always aware of the other''s location. Always feeling the pull of connec Near midnight, as the event wound down, Camille''s security team approached to escort her to her waiting car. She reached back to unfasten the ne, intending to return.


    Alexander materialized at her side. "Keep it tonight. My security will coordinate with yours for its return tomorrow."


    "I couldn''t possibly..."


    "You can and you will." His voice carried no arrogance, just calm certainty. "It looks


    like it was made for you."


    Before she could protest further, he leaned closer, his lips nearly brushing her ear. "Besides, little phoenix, what better way to celebrate your victory today? While you dazzled in diamonds, your sister lost hers Camille froze, shock recingposure. How did he know? How did he always know?


    "Don''t look so rmed," he continued softly. "Your secrets remain safe with me."


    "What do you want?" she whispered. "Why are you doing this?"


    He stepped back, his public mask returning seamlessly. "That''s a conversation for another time. Good night, Ms. Kane. You''ve made a dull charity event unexpectedly memorable."


    With a slight bow that managed to be both formal and intimate, he


    walked away, leaving her standing with a hundred million dors around her neck and questions burning in her mind.


    In her car, Camille studied her reflection in the privacy screen, the elegant gown, the perfect makeup, the ne that outshone everything else. But it was her eyes that held her attention, something awakenin Her phone buzzed with an iing message. Alexander, she thought with unexpected anticipation.


    But it was Victoria''s name that appeared on the screen: *What have you done? The photos


    are already online. Call me immediately.*


    Camille touched the diamonds at her throat, remembering Alexander''s fingers against her skin, his whispered words in her ear. For


    the first time since agreeing to Victoria''s n, since burying Camille Lewis and bing Camille Kane, she felt something beyond the cold satisfaction of revenge:


    She closed the message without responding.


    Victoria could wait until morning.