Chapter 290
Chapter 290:
Through it all, Camille scanned the room. Not for familiar faces, but for unfamiliar ones. For staff members who didn’t belong. For anyone who might be working for Rose.
“Stop looking so tense,” Victoria murmured as they accepted champagne from a waiter. “You’ll make everyone nervous.”
Camille forced a smile. “I can’t help it. I feel like she’s here. Watching us.”
“If she is, she’ll regret it.” Victoria nodded toward the perimeter of the room, where security personnel stood at regular intervals. “Alexander has this place locked down tighter than Fort Knox.”
Before Camille could respond, the mayor approached, hand extended.
“Victoria! Magnificent as always. And Camille, you look stunning.” He bent to kiss Victoria’s cheek. “I hear you’ve raised over three million tonight for the children’s hospital wing.”
“Four million now.” Victoria corrected with a smile. “The Westfield Foundation doubled their contribution this afternoon.”
The conversation continued, Victoria playing her role perfectly. If the mayor noticed her occasional winces of pain, he showed no sign. Camille stayed close, ready to support Victoria if needed, while maintaining her own part in the social dance.
After what seemed like hours but was likely only thirty minutes, the master of ceremonies called for attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats for dinner and the program.” As guests moved toward the elegantly set tables, Alexander appeared at Camille’s side.
“Everything okay?” he asked quietly.
“So far.” Camille glanced at Victoria, who was now seated at the head table, engaged in conversation with the hospital director. “Any sign of trouble?”
“None. Every guest has been verified. Every staff member checked and double-checked.”
He touched the small earpiece he wore. “Security teams are reporting all clear at regular intervals.”
Camille nodded, not entirely relieved. “Keep watching.”
“Always.” Alexander escorted her to her seat beside Victoria.
Dinner passed in a blur of exquisite food that Camille barely tasted and conversation she hardly heard. Her focus remained on Victoria, who ate little but spoke with animation, her public persona never slipping.
When the dessert plates were cleared, the master of ceremonies returned to the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce Ms. Camille Kane, Executive Director of the Phoenix Foundation.”
The ballroom erupted in applause as Camille stood and made her way to the podium. Hundreds of expectant faces turned toward her. In the back of the room, security personnel remained vigilant. Camille took a deep breath and began.
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