Chapter 184
Chapter 184:
“As for my position at Kane Industries,” Camille added, “I remain fully committed to leading the company during Victoria Kane’s recovery. The board has been briefed on our relationship, and appropriate safeguards are in place.”
A reporter from Entertainment Tonight stood, shifting the tone. “Can you tell us about your relationship? How did it begin?”
Camille felt a momentary hesitation. This was the line between professional transparency and personal privacy. Alexander sensed her uncertainty and stepped in.
“Some details remain private,” he said firmly. “What I can share is that our connection grew from mutual respect. We discovered we share similar values, similar visions for the future. The rest is between us.”
His answer drew appreciative nods from some reporters. There was something refreshing about a public figure who refused to trade privacy for sympathy.
“One final question,” Camille said, pointing to a young reporter from the New York Times.
“Ms. Kane, you’ve been through a very public betrayal before, with your former husband and sister. Has that experience affected how you’re handling this situation?”
A hush fell over the room. The question touched directly on what everyone knew but few had dared mention—Camille’s painful past, exposed all over again with these new photos. Camille felt Alexander’s presence beside her, steady and supportive, as she considered her answer.
“Yes,” she said finally. “That experience taught me the difference between shame and privacy. I’m not ashamed of my relationship with Alexander Pierce. But I did deserve the right to reveal it on my own terms, not through stolen photographs.”
She paused, making eye contact with several reporters around the room. “What happened with my former husband and sister taught me that some connections destroy you. Others help you rebuild. I’ve been fortunate enough to find the latter.”
Her words resonated through the quiet room. Even Malcolm Reed looked somewhat chastened, though he quickly masked the expression.
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“Thank you for your time,” Camille concluded. “We appreciate your understanding as we navigate this situation.”
As they turned to leave the stage, a spontaneous applause broke out, starting with a few journalists in the back and spreading until most of the room had joined in. It wasn’t universal, but it was significant—a recognition of grace under pressure, of dignity maintained despite invasion.
Backstage, the PR team was already monitoring the immediate reactions. Headlines were appearing on news sites with surprising speed:
“Kane and Pierce Confirm Relationship: ‘Genuine and Important'”
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