Chapter 398

Chapter 398:

The phone on her desk buzzed. Her assistant’s voice came through the speaker. “Ms. Kane, your mother, Victoria, is on line one.”

Camille glanced at Alexander, who raised an eyebrow. Victoria rarely called during business hours, adhering strictly to the boundaries she’d established since stepping down.

“Put her through,” Camille said, pressing the speaker button.

“Camille,” Victoria’s voice filled the room, its usual crispness softened by the hint of a smile. “I’ve made a decision that isn’t up for debate.”

Alexander smothered a laugh. Some things never changed.

“Hello to you too, Victoria,” Camille replied. “What non-debatable decision have you made now?”

“I’m hosting your engagement party. Two weeks from Saturday at my home.” Camille and Alexander exchanged glances. Though Victoria’s cancer treatment was going well, she tired easily. Hosting a major social event would tax her strength.

“Victoria, that’s not necessary…”

“It absolutely is,” Victoria cut in. “You two have been engaged for months while dealing with Rose’s trial and my treatment. It’s time to celebrate properly.”

Camille twisted her engagement ring, the diamond catching the morning light. The phoenix design Alexander had commissioned glinted gold and platinum around her finger—a symbol of her transformation, her rise from ashes.

“Are you sure you’re up to it?” she asked gently.

Victoria’s sigh crackled through the speaker. “Camille, I may have cancer, but I’m not an invalid. My doctors say I’m responding exceptionally well to treatment. Besides…” her voice softened further, “I want to do this for you. For both of you.”

The unexpected tenderness in Victoria’s voice made Camille’s throat tighten. This was the woman who had rebuilt her from broken pieces, who had taught her strength but never softness. Now, in her illness, Victoria was changing too.

“Alright,” Camille conceded. “But a small gathering.”

“Fifty people at most,” Victoria agreed too quickly, making it clear she’d already planned for this number.

“And my parents will be there, of course?” Camille asked.

“I already spoke with Margaret last week,” Victoria confirmed. “She’s offered to handle the floral arrangements. Your father and I discussed the wine selection yesterday.”

Alexander raised his eyebrows, impressed by how Victoria had already set things in motion, including coordinating with the Lewises.

“Good,” Camille said, pleasantly surprised at how smoothly Victoria and her parents continued to work together. Their cordial relationship had been one of the unexpected benefits of the reconciliation process.

“Then that’s settled,” Victoria declared. “My assistant will coordinate with yours for the remaining details. And Alexander?”

“Yes, Victoria?” he answered.

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