Chapter 452
Chapter 452:
“She’s my wife,” Alexander said simply. “Her success is my success.”
After Victoria left, Alexander slumped in his chair, exhaustion washing over him like a tide. The game was becoming more dangerous by the day. Victoria was growing suspicious, Camille trusted him completely, and his plans lay in ruins thanks to intervention by some of the most powerful families in America. But failure wasn’t an option. His uncle’s death demanded justice, regardless of the cost. Regardless of how many billions stood in his way.
Alexander looked at his phone, at Camille’s loving message still glowing on the screen. Tonight, he would sit across from her at dinner, smile at her parents, and play the role of the perfect son-in-law while they discussed their daughter’s billion-dollar empire. Tomorrow, he would begin planning the theft that would expose Kane Industries’ darkest secrets.
And someday soon, Camille would learn that the man she loved had been her enemy from the very beginning.
The thought should have brought him satisfaction. Instead, it felt like dying by inches, one betrayal at a time.
The Lewis mansion rose before them like a palace from another century, its stone walls glowing golden under the evening lights. Alexander gripped the steering wheel tighter as they approached the circular drive, knowing that behind those walls lay wealth and power beyond most people’s imagination. Camille touched up her lipstick in the passenger mirror, her face radiating happiness.
“I can’t remember the last time I felt this excited about seeing Mom and Dad,” she said, closing the compact with a satisfied snap.
Alexander forced a smile. “It’s wonderful that you’ve rebuilt your relationship with them.”
“It really is.” Camille turned to study his profile. “Are you nervous? You seem tense.”
“Tense” didn’t begin to cover what Alexander felt. Here he was, about to dine with the very people who had destroyed his plans for revenge. The couple whose wealth and connections had saved Kane Industries from his carefully orchestrated attack.
“Just want to make a good impression,” he lied smoothly.
The front door opened before they could knock. Margaret Lewis stood there in an elegant navy dress, her silver hair perfectly styled, diamonds sparkling at her throat and ears. She looked every inch the society matriarch, but her face softened when she saw Camille.
“Darling!” Margaret embraced her daughter warmly, holding her close for several heartbeats. “You look absolutely radiant.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Camille’s voice was soft with emotion. “You look beautiful too.”
Margaret turned to Alexander, her smile genuine but assessing. “Alexander, thank you for coming. I know this week has been difficult for everyone.”
“Mrs. Lewis.” Alexander took her offered hand, noting the firm handshake, the direct gaze that seemed to see straight through him. “Thank you for having us. And for everything you did for Kane Industries.”
“Please, call me Mom. We’re family now.” She stepped aside to let them enter. “Richard is in the library. He’s been looking forward to this all day.”
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