Chapter 399

Chapter 399:

“Make sure she actually takes time to enjoy this. She works too hard.” The line clicked dead before either could respond.

Alexander grinned. “Physician, heal thyself.”

Camille closed the binder and leaned back in her chair. “She’s really throwing herself into this.”

“It’s good to see her and your parents cooperating,” Alexander remarked. “Their relationship may not be close, but it’s nice they can work together on something.”

“It’s still strange sometimes,” Camille admitted. “The Lewis name carries weight in its own circles, but…”

“But Victoria operates in a different sphere of influence,” Alexander finished. “Old money versus new power.”

Camille nodded. Though her parents moved comfortably among Boston’s elite and maintained their place in the Social Register, Victoria’s self-made empire represented a different kind of authority altogether. Both commanded respect, but in vastly different ways. That they could maintain a cordial relationship despite these differences spoke volumes about their shared priority: Camille’s happiness.

“Speaking of social positioning,” Alexander said, pulling a newspaper from his briefcase, “have you seen this?”

He laid the society pages before her. The headline read: “Phoenix Rising: America’s New Power Couple Emerges from Ashes of Tragedy.” Below it stretched a photo of Camille and Alexander at last week’s charity gala, her phoenix pendant gleaming at her throat.

“They’re really leaning into the metaphor, aren’t they?” Camille said dryly.

Alexander pointed to a paragraph midway through the article. “This part actually surprised me.”

Camille read aloud: “Sources close to the couple reveal that Lewis has reconnected with her parents. Richard and Margaret Lewis of the New York Lewises, bringing full circle the remarkable story of family restoration. The couple was spotted dining with Victoria Kane last month at Le Cirque, suggesting a surprising alliance between Old New York aristocracy and New York’s corporate royalty. The phoenix, a symbol of rebirth embraced by both Kane Industries and Pierce Enterprises in their joint ventures, seems an apt metaphor for this union, a relationship forged in fire, emerging stronger and more brilliant than before.”

She set the paper down. “Well, at least they noticed the effort everyone’s making.”

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“The press loves a good dynasty story,” Alexander said. “The combination of your family’s old money heritage and our corporate empires makes for irresistible coverage.”

“I’m just glad they didn’t exaggerate the tension between Victoria and my parents,” Camille said. “Their relationship may be strictly cordial, but they’ve been remarkably civil since the reconciliation began.”

“They all want what’s best for you,” Alexander pointed out. “That’s common ground no matter their differences.”

Camille considered this. The press had indeed shifted how they portrayed her relationship with Alexander. What had begun as speculation about a business merger or Victoria’s succession plan had evolved into something the public found irresistible: a love story emerging from tragedy, two powerful individuals joining forces both personally and professionally, with the added dimension of family healing across different social worlds.

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