Chapter 439
Chapter 439:
Alexander deleted the message immediately, his heart quickening. The expansion announcement had rattled people—former employees who remembered what Victoria had done to competitors fifteen years ago. People willing to talk now.
He stood abruptly from the table, his appetite gone. The walls of their penthouse suddenly felt like a prison of lies.
“I’m thinking we should throw a dinner party,” Camille said that evening as they dressed for an event. “Celebrate the expansion announcement properly.”
Alexander adjusted his tie, watching her in the mirror as she fastened diamond earrings, Victoria’s wedding gift to her. She looked breathtaking in deep blue silk, her skin still golden from the Italian sun.
“Whatever you want,” he replied. “Just tell me when.”
“That’s it? No questions about cost or guest list?” Camille laughed, moving behind him to straighten his collar. “Marriage has made you agreeable.”
“I trust your judgment.” He turned to face her, his hands settling on her waist. “Besides, you’ve earned a celebration. The Phoenix Grid expansion is incredible.”
Pride shone in her eyes. “It’s going to change everything, Alex. Sustainable power for millions. Victoria says it might be the most important project Kane Industries has ever undertaken.”
“Victoria says.” Always Victoria’s opinion, Victoria’s approval, Victoria’s wisdom. The woman had shaped everything about Camille, molded her in her own image. The thought sickened him, even as he smiled.
“I’ve never been more proud,” he said, kissing her forehead. “But I need to cancel tonight’s event. My parents called. They want to see me.”
Concern immediately replaced Camille’s joy. “Your parents? Are you ready for that?”
“I think so.” Alexander moved away, suddenly unable to maintain the closeness.
“After our last meeting, this feels like the right time to move forward.”
𝗟α𝗍𝖊𝓼𝓉 ςhαρ𝖙𝖊𝗋𝖘 g𝒶l𝗇𝓸v𝖾𝗅𝗌．ⅽ𝗈𝗆
Camille’s face softened. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“No.” The answer came too quickly.
Alexander gentled his voice. “No, it’s better if I do this alone first. Family matters, you know?”
She nodded, understanding without truly understanding. “I’ll go to the charity event alone, then catch up with Hannah about the technical specs for Chicago’s grid implementation.”
“Perfect.” Alexander kissed her again, relieved by how easily she accepted his excuse. “I might be late. Don’t wait up.”
His parents’ Upper East Side apartment looked exactly as he remembered: tasteful, expensive, cold. Like them. His mother opened the door herself, something she would never have done when he was younger. Cancer had changed Victoria Kane; age had changed Eleanor Pierce.
“Alexander.” His mother’s voice wavered. “Thank you for coming.”
“You invited me.” He stepped inside, allowing a brief, awkward embrace.
His father waited in the living room, rising stiffly when Alexander entered. Edward Pierce had more gray at his temples, more lines around his eyes, but the same rigid posture that had intimidated Alexander throughout childhood.
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