Chapter 289
Chapter 289:
They followed him to a small elevator reserved for staff. As the doors closed, Camille’s stomach knotted with anxiety—not for herself, but for what waited upstairs.
The private room on the tenth floor had been converted into a makeshift preparation area. Victoria sat in a chair by the window, her silver hair styled elegantly, her black evening gown showing no hint of the weight she had lost. Only the pallor of her skin and the slight tremor in her hands betrayed her condition.
She looked up as Camille entered, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face before her usual mask of strength slid back into place.
“You look beautiful,” Victoria said.
Camille approached, kneeling before Victoria’s chair to look up into her face. “How are you feeling? Really?”
“Well enough for what needs to be done.” Victoria touched Camille’s cheek. “No more tears now. Tonight isn’t about my illness. It’s about what we’ve built together.”
Camille nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. “The doctor said you should only stay an hour. Two at most.”
“I’ll stay as long as necessary.” Victoria stood with effort, her back straight despite the pain Camille knew she must be feeling. “Now, help me with these earrings. My hands aren’t cooperating tonight.”
Camille fastened the diamond earrings, noticing how Victoria’s cheekbones had become more prominent, how the skin of her neck had grown thinner.
Signs she had missed for months.
“Are you ready for your speech?” Victoria asked, checking her reflection.
“Yes.” Camille had spent the afternoon rewriting it, focusing on the foundation’s initiatives rather than the emotional tribute to Victoria she had originally planned. Victoria had insisted on it. No hint of farewell. No suggestion of endings.
Alexander knocked and entered. “The guests are getting restless. We should make our entrance soon.”
Victoria squared her shoulders. “Then let’s not keep them waiting.”
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The three of them took the private elevator down to the main level. Security personnel lined their path to the ballroom. At the doors, the master of ceremonies waited to announce them.
“Remember,” Victoria said quietly to Camille. “Head high. Shoulders back. Show no weakness.”
Camille nodded, taking her place beside her mentor. The doors swung open.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer’s voice boomed. “The Grand Plaza Hotel and Kane Industries are proud to present Ms. Victoria Kane and Ms. Camille Kane!”
Applause filled the room as they entered, Victoria moving with a grace that belied her condition. Camille felt the weight of hundreds of eyes upon them as they made their way through the crowd. Important people stepped forward to greet them—politicians, business leaders, celebrities. All wanting a moment with the famous Kane women.
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